2023 Western Interstate Region Conference
About the Conference
The NACo Western Interstate Region (WIR) Conference brings together county officials from across the nation to focus on pressing issues facing counties and our residents. Each year the conference is hosted by a county within the fifteen Western states – Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawai'i, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming – and provides attendees with the opportunity to interact with federal, state and regional policymakers, participate in educational sessions and take home tools to address challenges.
County News
WIR showcases Utah counties
U.S. Senate advances Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act in initial procedural vote
On Nov. 9, the U.S. Senate advanced the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (S. 5653) through a successful vote to invoke cloture. The 73-25 vote sets up further debate and consideration in the chamber.
U.S. Department of Agriculture announces reorganization
On July 24, 2026, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a major reorganization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that will relocate thousands of federal employees, restructure regional offices and consolidate administrative services and operations. The changes are expected to reduce USDA’s footprint in Washington, D.C. and shift more personnel to regional hubs across the country.
Salute to county leaders: Tammy Pearson
Beaver County, Utah Commissioner Tammy Pearson wanted to show congressional staffers the scope of the interaction between federal and county governments and see up-close what life is like in a public lands county.
U.S. Senators introduce bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools program through 2029
The bill would reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program through fiscal year (FY) 2029 and provide critical fiscal certainty for timber-dependent communities in more than 700 counties nationwide that are home to National Forests.
Counties Applaud Introduction of Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Reauthorization Act
Over 700 counties receive essential resources supporting education, transportation and public safety through SRS
Public lands offer potential for boosting energy generation
Oil and gas leases on public lands have opened the door for renewables like solar and wind to double dip on energy productions, sweetening the deal for counties.