National Association of Counties
|
All first-time attendees are welcome to join us to learn more about NACo and how to make the most out of the Legislative Conference. |
|
Join the Community, Economic and Workforce Development (CEWD) Steering Committee Resolutions Meeting as members discuss proposed policy resolutions related to the CEWD policy platform. Members will hear from sponsors who submitted policy resolutions and have the opportunity to ask questions before they are voted on at the afternoon CEWD business meeting. |
|
|
Join the Public Lands Steering Committee’s (PLSC) Resolutions Meeting as members discuss proposed policy resolutions related to the PLSC policy platform. Members will hear from sponsors who submitted policy resolutions and have the opportunity to ask questions before they are voted on at the PLSC business meeting. |
|
|
Join the Transportation Steering Committee’s Resolutions Meeting to discuss proposed policy resolutions related to the Transportation policy platform and hear a legislative and regulatory update. Members will hear from sponsors who submitted policy resolutions and have the opportunity to ask questions before they are voted on at the Transportation business meeting. |
|
|
During the Subcommittee Meeting, the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee will focus on the 2020 Census and potential impacts on rural communities and populations. The U.S. Census Bureau plans to shift the majority of 2020 Census data collection to an online/digital format, with a goal of 55 percent of the U.S. population completing online census forms. Shifting data collection techniques may leave certain populations susceptible to exclusion, including rural areas and underserved urban communities. This session will examine the various programs under the U.S. Department of Agriculture that depend on accurate census data and the impacts this shift in data collection will have on rural counties. |
|
|
Join the Environment, Energy and Land Use (EELU) Steering Committee’s Resolutions Meeting as members will discuss proposed policy resolutions related to the EELU policy platform. Members will hear from sponsors who submitted policy resolutions and have the opportunity to ask questions before they are voted on at the EELU business meeting. |
|
|
The Health Steering Committee will discuss legislation in the 116th Congress related to the use of health information technology and the role data can play in developing community based approaches to prevention, treatment and recovery for substance misuse. Members will also converse with federal officials about Medicaid waivers and how states and counties can use waivers to address health issues ranging from long-term care to mental health. |
|
|
Join the Human Services and Education (HSE) Steering Committee’s Joint Subcommittees Meeting as we discuss the latest federal developments impacting human services programs at the county level. Committee members will be joined by officials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to learn how counties and our federal partners may work together to help leverage federal resources to serve local residents. |
|
|
Committee members will hear from federal partners and policy experts on the latest developments in justice-related policy issues. Discussion topics include the outlook for implementation of the Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) and the Second Chance Act (SCA) passed in the closing days of the 115th Congress. The committee will also review the federal outlook for criminal justice reform in the 116th Congress and hear from key staffers in both the House and Senate Judiciary Committee along with members of the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
|
|
The Finance, Pensions and Intergovernmental Affairs (FPIGA) Steering Committee will discuss the outlook for key policy issues in the 116th Congress, including the status of tax-exempt municipal bonds, the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction and the role of federalism in Congress. The committee will also hear an update on elections legislation and the potential for new funding for polling machines. |
|
NACo’s three Community, Economic and Workforce Development Subcommittees will discuss policy issues impacting counties related to housing, economic and workforce development and hear from federal partners and policy experts on issues regarding funding and partnership opportunities. |
|
|
Public Lands Steering Committee (PLSC) members will learn about Placer County, California’s efforts to collaborate with federal land managers on two forest management projects that will reduce the threat of wildfire to community safety and the local water supply. Members will have a roundtable discussion on the PLSC’s advocacy efforts and policy positions regarding federal payments to public lands counties. |
|
|
NACo’s four Transportation Subcommittees will discuss federal policy issues related to transportation and infrastructure development, including federally-funded highway safety research, rail safety and efforts from the U.S. Department of Transportation. |
|
Following the passage of a new five-year farm bill, the committee will examine new and modified programs under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and how USDA plans to implement many of the new initiatives covered in the legislation. Committee members will discuss interim policy resolutions submitted to the committee, including an opportunity for members to ask questions about proposed resolutions before voting takes place. |
|
|
Show your conference badge in the hotel restaurants during this time and enjoy 10% off your order. Offer valid only at the Washington Hitlon from 12:00 p.m., ending 1:00 p.m. |
|
|
Seating is first-come, first-served and limited to registered attendees. Early childhood investments help to support a thriving community and positively impact children’s outcomes that span into adulthood. Strong evidence shows that when counties invest in the first three years of a child’s life, the returns for the community are the highest, and these investments can reduce the need for more expensive interventions later in an individual’s life. Hear from an expert panel of county and national thought leaders about how counties are investing in young children and advancing early childhood policy, programs and systems. |
|
|
Adverse weather impacts counties’ ability to protect residents and infrastructure. Over the past three years, on average 25 percent of all counties received at least one major presidential disaster declaration due to devastating wildfires, hurricanes, flooding, tornados or other natural disasters. Join the Resilient Counties Advisory Board and the Environment, Energy and Land Use Policy Steering Committee to discuss federal and local programs and policies available to help counties adapt to changing weather conditions. This luncheon is made possible by the 2018 - 2019 Resilient Counties sponsors. Thank you to the Resilient Counties sponsors for their support. |
|
Committee members will hear from federal partners and policy experts on federal pension reform legislation and what the outlook for pension reform is in the 116th Congress and discuss and consider policy resolutions used to guide NACo’s advocacy efforts before Congress, the White House and federal agencies. |
|
|
Members will hear from federal officials and policy experts on the latest telecommunications and technology federal policy issues. The steering committee will review upcoming legislation and regulations in the 116th Congress related to rural broadband, 5G mobile network deployment and broadband coverage mapping. Steering committee members will consider interim policy resolutions used to guide NACo’s advocacy efforts before Congress, the White House and federal agencies. |
|
|
Members will hear from federal officials and policy experts on the latest transportation federal policy issues facing counties. The steering committee will review the federal outlook for transportation issues in 2019, including potential legislation and regulations in the 116th Congress related to transportation infrastructure, the Highway Trust Fund, drones, and road and bridge safety. Steering committee members will consider interim policy resolutions used to guide NACo’s advocacy efforts before Congress, the White House and federal agencies. |
|
|
Committee members will hear from key federal partners on recent developments in public safety related policy issues. The committee will learn about implementation plans for the recently passed Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA), outlook for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and how to strengthen local safety and security through information and intelligence sharing and federal partnerships. Steering committee members will consider interim policy resolutions used to guide NACo’s advocacy efforts before Congress, the White House and federal agencies. |
|
Members will hear from federal officials and policy experts on the latest environmental and energy federal policy issues. The steering committee will review the federal outlook for environment and energy issues in 2019, including potential legislation and regulations in the 116th Congress related to “Waters of the U.S.,” the National Flood Insurance Program, climate and renewable energy and China’s ban of recyclables. Steering committee members will also consider policy resolutions used to guide NACo’s advocacy efforts before Congress, the White House and federal agencies. |
|
Members will hear from federal officials and policy experts on the latest environmental public lands issues. The steering committee will review the federal outlook for public lands issues in 2019, including potential legislation and regulations in the 116th Congress related to county payments, active forest management, and opportunities to partner with federal agencies to accomplished shared goals on public lands. PLSC members will also consider policy resolutions used to guide NACo’s advocacy efforts before Congress, the White House and federal agencies. |
|
|
Members will hear from federal officials and Capitol Hill staff on the latest community, economic and workforce development federal policy and funding issues, including the latest on the FY 2020 appropriations process. CEWD Steering Committee members will vote on interim policy resolutions discussed during the morning resolutions meeting. |
|
|
Members will preview health legislation in the 116th Congress and discuss implementation of recent opioid legislation, with an emphasis on changes to the Medicaid and Medicare programs under the legislation. Health Committee members will also consider interim policy resolutions and have the opportunity to ask questions before voting on proposed measures. |
|
|
Members will be joined by Capitol Hill staff to hear about the latest activity around human services policies and the outlook for the 116th Congress. Members will consider and vote on interim policy resolutions used to guide NACo’s advocacy efforts before Congress, the White House and federal agencies. Members will hear from sponsors who have submitted interim resolutions and have the opportunity to ask questions before voting on proposed measures. |
|
Invitation only |
|
|
Business Casual |
|
Invitation only |
|
|
Hear from policy experts on pressing federal issues impacting Gulf Coast counties and parishes. Members will receive a federal update on the National Flood Insurance Program and the proposed update to the Waters of the U.S. definition. Caucus members will also discuss federal legislative priorities and strategize for future GSCPC events and initiatives. Caucus membership is open to all NACo county and parish government officials from Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Florida. |
|
Supporting youth development and well-being is critical to shaping individual futures and the future of counties, states and the nation. In a rapidly changing world, counties must be innovative and strategic in preventing substance use and abuse among youth populations. Join a dynamic conversation that explores best practices and emerging strategies counties are employing to engage and educate youth and new approaches to leveraging partnerships and resources. |
|
|
NACo's Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) is the premier national forum for the exchange of ideas and solutions that help urban counties address their most pressing issues. The LUCC meeting at NACo's 2019 Legislative Conference will feature conversations with federal officials and national leaders on topics including homelessness, healthcare and international trade. All urban county officials are welcome to attend; table seating is reserved for LUCC Steering Committee members. |
|
|
Access to affordable high-speed internet has been widely recognized as essential to the ability to compete in today’s economy. NACo’s Rural Action Caucus (RAC) will sharpen its focus on ensuring federal data collection efforts are fully representative of vulnerable populations, and appropriate levels of affordable broadband access are accessible to America’s critical communities. The Rural Action Caucus will be launching an initiative – Bridging the Economic Divide – which will focus on the nexus of these two issues. |
|
Most investors saving for retirement do so by saving through 401ks, 403bs and other tax-deferred accounts – though a lucky few still have pensions. With all this tax-deferred income, clients may find themselves with a hefty tax bill or in a higher tax bracket when they withdraw income, especially at age 70 ½. We’ll talk about planning opportunities to reduce the impact of taxes on your client’s retirement income, like Net Unrealized Appreciation, HSAs, Roth Conversion and Qualified Charitable Deductions and sequencing case studies that demonstrate how the order of withdrawals can impact the longevity of a retirement income plan. |
|
|
This meeting will explore how counties are using the arts and culture to revitalize their communities and activate public spaces. The Creative Counties Forum will meet in this room immediately following this meeting from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
|
|
As shifts in U.S. trade policy ripple across the global economy, county governments and their residents feel the impacts on the ground. This session will feature a conversation with the Brookings Institution on the recent tariffs implemented in 2018 and other important changes to U.S. trade policy, with a special focus on how county leaders can continue to encourage international economic development within their county economies. SelectUSA will also join the meeting to give an update on the latest services it has to offer county leaders. Hosted by the International Economic Development Task Force, this session is open to all conference attendees. |
|
|
County governments play a critical role as public service providers for America’s citizens, including millions of veterans. NACo’s Veterans and Military Services Committee provides a forum for county leaders – many of whom are members of military families or veterans themselves – to discuss how counties can work with each other and with our state, federal and local partners to address various issues facing our nation’s veterans and ensure we are providing them the best possible services to meet their unique needs. |
|
|
This committee serves as an advocate for counties across the country and their employees with the mission of ensuring that counties have access to a deferred compensation program that remains competitive, is of the highest quality and meets the individual financial and retirement goals of county employees. |
|
|
The Western Interstate Region (WIR) is dedicated to the promotion of Western interests within NACo. Its membership consists of fifteen Western states, (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah and Washington). WIR Members will receive a federal update from the U.S. Forest Service on their efforts to implement new forest management authorities. Members will also get the latest news on efforts to modernize the Endangered Species Act and strategize for future WIR events and initiatives. |
|
Learn about NACo’s portfolio of grants from foundations and federal agencies, receive an update on NACo’s Leadership Academy and hear the latest about the new membership engagement strategy. The Committee will also be joined by the Council on Foundations to learn more about current trends and how counties can expand relationships with local and national funders. |
|
Members of NACo’s Immigration Reform Task Force (IRTF) will discuss how federal immigration issues impact local workforce needs in various industries and how the current federal immigration system impacts the availability of a legal workforce. Additionally, Task Force members will also discuss next steps for the immigration consensus principles and avenues for advocacy within NACo’s policy steering committees. |
|
|
The Creative Counties Forum will be an open conversation on broad trends and useful resources in creative placemaking -- or the integration of arts and culture into community revitalization work. The Forum will feature a panel of creative placemaking experts, a “world café” with the NACo Creative Counties teams to discuss their successes and lessons learned as they have engaged in this work and an in-depth open discussion on using the arts to solve local challenges. Registration is not required, but please complete this one-minute form if you plan to attend to help us track numbers. The NACo Arts and Culture Commission will meet in the same room immediately prior to the Forum from 1:00 – 2:00pm.
|
|
Join a network of new and newly elected county officials and learn about NACo’s unique resources for the next generation of county leaders and opportunities to engage with NACo. |
|
Invitation only |
|
|
Invitation only |
|
Join us for coffee with representatives from several federal agencies to ask questions and discuss how they can work with your county.
|
|
Dr. Martín Carcasson, founder and director of the Colorado State University Center for Public Deliberation, and innovative facilitators from 4Forward lead an interactive, in-depth symposium on resident engagement. Learn the foundational social psychology and decision- making science behind building consensus, then put theory into practice with an interactive session on strategies to overcome your county’s greatest challenges. |
|
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 included provisions to incentivize results-driven investments in economic development in communities across the |
|
|
In June 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court ended the “physical presence” standard for sales tax collection, allowing states and counties to begin collecting existing taxes on online and remote sales. Additionally, NACo has partnered with state associations of counties to develop a program to intercept tax refunds from individuals who have not paid certified delinquent debts owed to county governments. In this workshop, hear experts talk about the approaches different states are taking to these new opportunities, including a discussion on potential future federal action and court cases. |
|
|
Join the NACo legislative team for a rapid-fire discussion on the top issues facing counties, including health care, entitlement reform, transportation and infrastructure, public lands management and payments, environmental regulations and much more. |
|
|
Without alternatives to jails and emergency rooms, law enforcement and other first responders have few options for diverting people who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis. NACo is partnering with Arnold Ventures to improve America's crisis response system through the Data-Driven Justice project. This workshop presents engagement strategies counties are using to build regional and state support to redesign crisis response systems and link people with mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders to places where they are most likely to receive effective treatment. |
|
|
From foundational middle-mile investments in underserved communities to changes in local zoning authority for next-generation telecommunications infrastructure, this session examines how rural and urban counties are bridging the digital divide while meeting the challenges of rapid growth in telecommunications. |
|
|
Counties are exploring and implementing innovative approaches to delivering health and human services critical to breaking cycles of poverty. Hear from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and county leaders on their efforts to promote collaboration across health and human services systems, improve outcomes for residents and lead them on a path towards employment and self-sufficiency. |
|
Join your colleagues at this fun luncheon and enjoy a performance by the illustrious Capitol Steps. This one-of-a-kind troupe began as a group of Senate staffers who set out to satirize the very people and places that employed them. Although not all of the current performers are former Hill staffers, taken together, they have worked in a total of 18 congressional offices and represent more than six decades of House and Senate staff experience. |
|
Many Americans believe that federal lawmakers are unreachable – that they don't care about what constituents think and that influencing legislative outcomes is impossible and a waste of time. Yet research shows that members of Congress strongly believe that constituents are a valuable and informative resource in the decision‐making process. Your "backstage pass" dispels myths about Congress and provides practical strategies on how decisions are really made and by whom. |
|
|
NACo’s County Explorer tool provides easy access to the latest available county-level data, with hundreds of indicators across categories ranging from county administration to all manner of policy issues, including transportation and infrastructure, health and many others. NACo staff unveil an all-new and improved version of County Explorer, optimized for functionality on mobile platforms and suitable for use by expert and novice users. Join this interactive session and learn to leverage county data in your advocacy efforts. |
|
|
This workshop uses "design thinking," a user-centered approach to technology solutions, to give county leaders practice strategies to improve access to effective social services for vulnerable residents. |
|
|
This session discusses imminent pre-hazard mitigation rule changes following the passage of the Disaster Recovery Relief Act, including funding eligibility and potential codes and standards requirements. In this workshop, FEMA will outline the questions county officials should ask their staff and give tips on applying for grants under the new FEMA guidelines. The workshop will also highlight successful county-led hazard mitigation projects and exemplary local policy examples. |
|
|
The U.S. Supreme Court has two new justices and a docket of cases relevant to counties. This session covers several First Amendment cases, including a case involving an enormous cross on count |
|
|
State governments have a significant impact on the operations of counties, and states across the country are legislating on similar issues state to state. Join us for a discussion of how states are tackling pressing county priorities like property taxes, 5G and elections, and how federal action could change the landscape for states and counties alike. |
|
|
A new Congress means new committee and subcommittee chairs, new alliances and significant changes in the political terrain on Capitol Hill. When power shifts in Congress from one political party to the other, an advocate who may have been represented by an anonymous backbencher the year before might become the conduit to the most important legislator for your cause. This presentation shows advocates how to build relationships with new members of Congress, the value of identifying key committee chairs (and why some are more important than others) and research on best practices for building relationships with new lawmakers back home. |
|
|
This workshop updates attendees on litigation and legislative changes to pretrial reform and examines challenges and success in counties that have eliminated monetary bail. Following several recent federal court decisions, states and counties across the country are requiring or experimenting with eliminating cash bail. |
|
|
Employee experience is the key driver of personal achievement, team performance and organizational effectiveness and the linchpin to sustained value. Are you creating employee experiences that leverage talent and realize optimal performance? Join Dr. Tim Rahschulte for a session that forecasts actionable insights and best practices to drive individual engagement and organizational performance. Learn how to drive commitment, connection and care with your employees. |
|
|
This workshop uses "design thinking," a user-centered approach to technology solutions, to give county leaders practice strategies to improve access to effective social services for vulnerable residents. |
|
|
Join this session to learn more about the role of county finance officers vs. the role of county electeds, and learn how to bridge the gap between CFOs and the county board. This session includes best practices on county financial policies, including debt, pensions and transparency. |
|
Invitation only |
|
Invitation only |
|
|
Invitation only |
|
|
Invitation only |
|
Invitation only |
|
Incivility in the workplace isn’t just disruptive – it’s a productivity and engagement killer that costs organizations millions of dollars annually, drives employee departures and can even cause stress-related illnesses. Why is it so common – and how do you combat it? Join Dr. Christopher Kilmartin, former professor of psychology at The University of Mary Washington and internationally-recognized expert on diversity and inclusion, to learn about the surprising sources of incivility in the workplace and how you can impact your workplace culture in powerful ways. |
|
|
Learn how workforce boards can use the flexibility of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to rethink workforce policies and invest resources to create a future-forward workforce system, while hearing best practice examples from both urban and rural counties and regions. |
|
|
National experts discuss how states have changed policies to allow for community-based competency restoration and reduced wait times and reliance on state hospital beds for people detained pending competency restoration. Learn how county leaders have addressed the challenge of reducing the number of people with mental illnesses in jails and the impact on county jail populations and individual outcomes, and how federal legislators are attempting to address the issue nationally. |
|
|
In 2018, the Trump Administration announced efforts to streamline the federal permitting process, with the goal of capping reviews for new projects at a total of two years. Agencies engaged in this effort are involved in projects ranging from water infrastructure to roads and ditches to public transit. Join this workshop to learn more about how counties can benefit from federal streamlining efforts. |
|
The CIO Forum provides an opportunity for county CIOs and technology officials to learn about the latest technology programs and engage with NACo Premier Corporate members. The 2019 CIO Forum will focus on cybersecurity, telecommunications infrastructure, disaster planning and recovery and cloud storage. RSVPs are required. Please RSVP when registering for the conference. To check your RSVP status or submit an RSVP if you are already registered, please contact nacomeetings@naco.org |
|
Say cheese! All conference participants are encouraged to join us at the Capitol for a group photo. Transportation from the Washington Hilton to the Capitol will be available immmediately following the General Session. Busses depart from the Terrace Level entrance. |
|
|
When it comes to helping residents stay healthy and live well, counties are the cornerstone to creating communities built on human potential. Through innovation and integration of programs, counties work to ensure that residents have access to services they need to thrive. Join us in highlighting how counties are implementing new approaches to delivering health and human services and help us engage members of Congress and staff on the important role counties play in serving our communities. The Capitol Hill briefings and press conference are open to all and not associated with the conference registration fee. |
|
Elected officials are faced with difficult topics, conflicting solutions, and multiple stakeholders every day. Do you have the skills to successfully negotiate solutions? This seminar examines the art and science behind finding consensus and explores methods and strategies to address challenging public issues. |
|
As Congress considers reauthorizing a federal surface transportation bill, county priorities must be adequately addressed given their stake as substantial owners of roads (46 percent) and bridges (38 percent) across the country. Join this Hill briefing to hear from county leaders about the unique infrastructure challenges local governments face and learn more about how the federal government can implement public policy to improve and update our national transportation infrastructure system. The Capitol Hill briefings and press conference are open to all and not associated with the conference registration fee. |
|
Join public lands county officials and Members of Congress on Capitol Hill for a press conference in support of full, mandatory funding of Payments In-Lieu of Taxes and a long-term solution for the Secure Rural Schools program. Capitol Hill briefings and press conferences are open to all and are not associated with the conference registration fee. |
|
Across the country, more than 11.4 million individuals are admitted into 2,785 county-operated jails every year. Counties are responsible for the health care of individuals when they are in jail awaiting trial, and often shoulder a substantial financial burden for providing care, even if an individual is eligible for Medicaid, veterans’ health benefits or other federal health coverage. Join county leaders at this briefing on the role of counties in providing health services in jails. The Capitol Hill briefings and press conference are open to all and not associated with the conference registration fee. |
|
It's Fat Tuesday! Bring your beads and connect with fellow conference attendees over Mardi Gras themed drinks and heavy hors-d'oeuvres at our closing networking reception. Whatever you do, don’t forget to put on your dancing shoes for your favorite conference band, No Bad Ju Ju and stop and get a photograph with mascot Slapshot of the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Washington Capitals. |
|
Need a place to put your luggage while on the Hill? Please bring it to the lobby of the first-floor conference center at NACo HQ and ask for a tour of our headquarters, your office away from home! |
|
|
Advocate for county priorities at the federal level by scheduling appointments on Capitol Hill. Engage policymakers, staff members and leadership, and let them know that federal policies matter to counties, and counties matter to America. |
|
|
RAC members are invited to participate in the annual “RAC Day of Action” immediately following NACo’s 2019 Legislative Conference. Members will meet with key federal agencies and administration officials to discuss census data collection and broadband connectivity in rural counties. |
