2019 NACo Legislative Conference

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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
country. Join this interactive workshop to learn more about Opportunity Zones and the Social Impact Partnerships to Pay for Results Act (SIPPRA) and what counties need to do to access and leverage these new funding streams.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.