2021 Virtual NACo Legislative Conference

The Justice and Public Safety Committee will be joined by Congresswoman Val Demings (D-Fla.) to discuss the outlook for criminal justice reform in the 117th Congress and hear from the U.S. Department of Justice about upcoming policy and justice program assistance opportunities in 2021. Additionally, committee members will hear from FEMA and Capitol Hill staff on the outlook for emergency management related legislation and policy changes. This committee will also review and vote on interim policy resolutions.
 

Since 1977, jail and other local corrections costs have risen sixfold, with local jail expenditures reaching $25 billion. Newly released data indicates that U.S. jail populations dropped 25 percent from June 2019 to June 2020, driven mostly by COVID-19. At an average annual cost of $34,000 per incarcerated person, finding ways to reduce the use of jails represents significant cost savings for counties.

This webinar features new research from the Pew Charitable Trusts that shows jail costs are rising even as crime and new jail admissions are falling. County leaders will share their perspective on the rising cost of jails and practical solutions for reducing local expenses and preserving public safety.

This workshop will provide a legislative update on the future of retirement security, evaluate plan design issues and examine the impact retirement security is having on minority communities.

Under Section 1905(a)(A) of the Social Security Act, the use of federal medical funds and services for “inmates of a public institution” is prohibited, through what is known as the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP). This policy has created unintended impacts on the local criminal justice system and for counties, and has contributed to the national behavioral and mental health crisis and rates of jail recidivism. Convened in March 2019, the National Association of Counties (NACo) and National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) joint task force worked to identify challenges posed by the MIEP. Join NACo, NSA, and the Major County Sheriff’s of America alongside partner organizations and members of Congress, to highlight legislation in the 117th Congress aimed at making needed amendments to this federal policy. 

What is the latest landcape from the federal policy persepctive in criminal justice reform? Reducing incarceration rates is a major goal of counties across the country, who understand that – to reduce the jail population – the ongoing issue of racial and ethnic disparities , along with mental health and substance abuse, within the criminal justice system should be addressed. This workshop examines how engaging community stakeholders and ensuring that local justice initiatives are grounded in racial equity can advance meaningful justice reform.

Join GIS Subcommittee members to hear presentations from the U.S. Census and how counties are using GIS to address emerging pandemic needs such as vaccine site locations. NACo Corporate sponsor ESRI will also provide an overview of the role that GIS can play in redistricting.
 

Learn how counties, particularly small and medium-sized counties, can build more robust economies through new energy opportunities. Explore federal programs to help customers and local governments create greater energy affordability, security and resiliency.

Under Section 1905(a)(A) of the Social Security Act, the use of federal medical funds and services for “inmates of a public institution” is prohibited, through what is known as the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP). This policy has created unintended impacts on the local criminal justice system and for counties, and has contributed to the national behavioral and mental health crisis and rates of jail recidivism. Convened in March 2019, the National Association of Counties (NACo) and National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) joint task force worked to identify challenges posed by the MIEP. Join NACo, NSA, and the Major County Sheriff’s of America alongside partner organizations and members of Congress, to highlight legislation in the 117th Congress aimed at making needed amendments to this federal policy. 

Join GIS Subcommittee members to hear presentations from the U.S. Census and how counties are using GIS to address emerging pandemic needs such as vaccine site locations. NACo Corporate sponsor ESRI will also provide an overview of the role that GIS can play in redistricting.
 

All conference attendees are welcome to attend this meeting of NACo's Programs and Services Standing Committee, which advises the association's officers and Board of Directors regarding the development and evaluation of programs and services for NACo members. This meeting will focus on key NACo programs and services, including NACo High Performance Leadership Academy, Corporate Premier Program and county networks and learning communities facilitated by the Counties Futures Lab. Committee members will hear about NACo’s ongoing projects and provide feedback through live polling and discussion to help maximize the impact of these initiatives and help shape NACo’s strategy in formulating future initiatives to strengthen America’s counties.

The Justice and Public Safety Committee will be joined by Congresswoman Val Demings (D-Fla.) to discuss the outlook for criminal justice reform in the 117th Congress and hear from the U.S. Department of Justice about upcoming policy and justice program assistance opportunities in 2021. Additionally, committee members will hear from FEMA and Capitol Hill staff on the outlook for emergency management related legislation and policy changes. This committee will also review and vote on interim policy resolutions.
 

This session provides an overview of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) program, highlights the successes of counties and local governments who have participated in the Medicaid demonstration program and provides insight on how counties can work with states to implement this model in their communities. The CCBHC model of service delivery puts emphasis on whole-person care using evidence-based practices, regardless of a resident’s residence or ability to pay, and allows counties to leverage federal Medicaid and other grant funds to provide high-quality wraparound services to residents. 

Join NACo and Adam Seagrave of the Arizona State University Center for Political Thought and Leadership for a session on civic education and civil discourse in American Constitutional democracy today. Learn more about ASU's Educating for American Democracy project and learn how county leaders can advance civic education and discourse at the local level.

County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) are often the first point of contact for veteran services, including VA health care, housing and transition assistance programs. CVSOs in 36 states and two Native American tribes process more than $22 billion annually in claims for direct compensation and pension benefits for veterans. But because these offices are almost entirely funded by counties, they often face resource challenges—particularly in areas with high demand or in counties serving veterans in rural areas. Join county leaders, County Veteran Service Officers and Members of Congress for a discussion of key legislation that would strengthen critical services for veterans.

The Justice and Public Safety Committee will be joined by Congresswoman Val Demings (D-Fla.) to discuss the outlook for criminal justice reform in the 117th Congress and hear from the U.S. Department of Justice about upcoming policy and justice program assistance opportunities in 2021. Additionally, committee members will hear from FEMA and Capitol Hill staff on the outlook for emergency management related legislation and policy changes. This committee will also review and vote on interim policy resolutions.
 

Members of the Rural Action Caucus will examine a wide range of issues including how to leverage the community college system to future-proof the local economy, rural broadband connectivity challenges and opportunities, and efforts to bolster our nation’s food and nutrition systems.

All conference attendees are welcome to attend this meeting of NACo's Programs and Services Standing Committee, which advises the association's officers and Board of Directors regarding the development and evaluation of programs and services for NACo members. This meeting will focus on key NACo programs and services, including NACo High Performance Leadership Academy, Corporate Premier Program and county networks and learning communities facilitated by the Counties Futures Lab. Committee members will hear about NACo’s ongoing projects and provide feedback through live polling and discussion to help maximize the impact of these initiatives and help shape NACo’s strategy in formulating future initiatives to strengthen America’s counties.

Join iCivics for a discussion on how county leaders can support civic education on a local level and empower, educate and engage. This webinar focuses on iCivics resources for counties, junior and senior high school curricula, acitivities for elementary students and the iCivics online educational game.

iCivics provides equitable and non-partisan civic education through curricular resources, games, learning materials, digital literacy tools and more. Founded in 2009 by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, iCivics has grown into the nation’s premier non-profit civic education power and has launched the Educating for American Democracy National Forum.

County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) are often the first point of contact for veteran services, including VA health care, housing and transition assistance programs. CVSOs in 36 states and two Native American tribes process more than $22 billion annually in claims for direct compensation and pension benefits for veterans. But because these offices are almost entirely funded by counties, they often face resource challenges—particularly in areas with high demand or in counties serving veterans in rural areas. Join county leaders, County Veteran Service Officers and Members of Congress for a discussion of key legislation that would strengthen critical services for veterans.

Join iCivics for a discussion on how county leaders can support civic education on a local level and empower, educate and engage. This webinar focuses on iCivics resources for counties, junior and senior high school curricula, acitivities for elementary students and the iCivics online educational game.

iCivics provides equitable and non-partisan civic education through curricular resources, games, learning materials, digital literacy tools and more. Founded in 2009 by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, iCivics has grown into the nation’s premier non-profit civic education power and has launched the Educating for American Democracy National Forum.

In this webinar counties will hear from Biobot Analytics on how it uses technology to monitor the spread of COVID-19 in communities through wastewater sampling, which can be used to inform planning for mobile test centers and vaccination sites. Tune in to learn more about how you can use wastewater testing data as part of your long-term COVID-19 mitigation and response strategy.

This session provides an overview of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) program, highlights the successes of counties and local governments who have participated in the Medicaid demonstration program and provides insight on how counties can work with states to implement this model in their communities. The CCBHC model of service delivery puts emphasis on whole-person care using evidence-based practices, regardless of a resident’s residence or ability to pay, and allows counties to leverage federal Medicaid and other grant funds to provide high-quality wraparound services to residents. 

Members of the Rural Action Caucus will examine a wide range of issues including how to leverage the community college system to future-proof the local economy, rural broadband connectivity challenges and opportunities, and efforts to bolster our nation’s food and nutrition systems.

A generational gap is widening in the workplace. While baby boomers express reluctance about retiring, millennials have become the single largest and commonly most talked about demographic in the American labor force. Recognizing that each of these generations have very different needs, especially in light of COVID, what value do participants place on retirement? This session will include a discussion on market trends and highlight insights from each of the generations as they pursue better retirement outcomes.

In this webinar counties will hear from Biobot Analytics on how it uses technology to monitor the spread of COVID-19 in communities through wastewater sampling, which can be used to inform planning for mobile test centers and vaccination sites. Tune in to learn more about how you can use wastewater testing data as part of your long-term COVID-19 mitigation and response strategy.

Join your NABCO/NOBCO family for a presentation on managing your vaccine plan. Learn how technology can support your efforts. We'll also give an update on what we've been doing to keep our organizations focused on forward progress in a pandemic. 

County decision-makers can miss the big picture when a jurisdiction’s data is siloed or inaccessible. Critical business systems that enable operations for ERP, asset management, permitting and licensing and appraisal and tax all hold valuable information that can remain locked in a single department. Connecting this information from multiple sources empowers leaders and employees at all levels to create efficiencies, monitor trends and solve problems. The resulting insights help ensure equitable service delivery and responsive, data-driven strategies to support economic recovery and community success. Effective internal data sharing manifests externally as well, providing the public with improved transparency, service and two-way engagement opportunities. Explore how this works in practice with Clermont County, Ohio, where leaders have connected data, systems and people to transform internal operations and enhance public service.

Corporations, industry groups, labor unions and advocacy organizations spend billions of dollars each year to increase their access and influence on federal policy makers. The long line of professional advocates with endless resources can make access and influence a challenge for local governments. This workshop brings together former senior hill staff to provide an insiders perspective on effective strategies for gaining and maintaining access to key federal policy decision-makers.

Members of the Rural Action Caucus will examine a wide range of issues including how to leverage the community college system to future-proof the local economy, rural broadband connectivity challenges and opportunities, and efforts to bolster our nation’s food and nutrition systems.

A generational gap is widening in the workplace. While baby boomers express reluctance about retiring, millennials have become the single largest and commonly most talked about demographic in the American labor force. Recognizing that each of these generations have very different needs, especially in light of COVID, what value do participants place on retirement? This session will include a discussion on market trends and highlight insights from each of the generations as they pursue better retirement outcomes.

In this webinar counties will hear from Biobot Analytics on how it uses technology to monitor the spread of COVID-19 in communities through wastewater sampling, which can be used to inform planning for mobile test centers and vaccination sites. Tune in to learn more about how you can use wastewater testing data as part of your long-term COVID-19 mitigation and response strategy.

Join your NABCO/NOBCO family for a presentation on managing your vaccine plan. Learn how technology can support your efforts. We'll also give an update on what we've been doing to keep our organizations focused on forward progress in a pandemic. 

County decision-makers can miss the big picture when a jurisdiction’s data is siloed or inaccessible. Critical business systems that enable operations for ERP, asset management, permitting and licensing and appraisal and tax all hold valuable information that can remain locked in a single department. Connecting this information from multiple sources empowers leaders and employees at all levels to create efficiencies, monitor trends and solve problems. The resulting insights help ensure equitable service delivery and responsive, data-driven strategies to support economic recovery and community success. Effective internal data sharing manifests externally as well, providing the public with improved transparency, service and two-way engagement opportunities. Explore how this works in practice with Clermont County, Ohio, where leaders have connected data, systems and people to transform internal operations and enhance public service.

Corporations, industry groups, labor unions and advocacy organizations spend billions of dollars each year to increase their access and influence on federal policy makers. The long line of professional advocates with endless resources can make access and influence a challenge for local governments. This workshop brings together former senior hill staff to provide an insiders perspective on effective strategies for gaining and maintaining access to key federal policy decision-makers.

A generational gap is widening in the workplace. While baby boomers express reluctance about retiring, millennials have become the single largest and commonly most talked about demographic in the American labor force. Recognizing that each of these generations have very different needs, especially in light of COVID, what value do participants place on retirement? This session will include a discussion on market trends and highlight insights from each of the generations as they pursue better retirement outcomes.

Counties are supporting and leading local innovation to strengthen post-secondary education systems to promote economic mobility, improve outcomes and create career pathways for residents. Local leaders are leveraging the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and other federal programs to drive collaboration among county-based sectors and systems. This session explores the role and authority of counties in post-secondary education systems, including community colleges, and what is needed at the federal and local levels to improve career readiness opportunities.

Speakers to be added as they are confirmed, stay tuned for developments.

Join your NABCO/NOBCO family for a presentation on managing your vaccine plan. Learn how technology can support your efforts. We'll also give an update on what we've been doing to keep our organizations focused on forward progress in a pandemic. 

County decision-makers can miss the big picture when a jurisdiction’s data is siloed or inaccessible. Critical business systems that enable operations for ERP, asset management, permitting and licensing and appraisal and tax all hold valuable information that can remain locked in a single department. Connecting this information from multiple sources empowers leaders and employees at all levels to create efficiencies, monitor trends and solve problems. The resulting insights help ensure equitable service delivery and responsive, data-driven strategies to support economic recovery and community success. Effective internal data sharing manifests externally as well, providing the public with improved transparency, service and two-way engagement opportunities. Explore how this works in practice with Clermont County, Ohio, where leaders have connected data, systems and people to transform internal operations and enhance public service.

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 2021 Virtual Legislative Conference will feature conversations with national leaders and congressional staff on topics including FY 2022 appropriations, COVID-19 vaccine distribution and criminal justice reform. All urban county officials are welcome to attend.

A generational gap is widening in the workplace. While baby boomers express reluctance about retiring, millennials have become the single largest and commonly most talked about demographic in the American labor force. Recognizing that each of these generations have very different needs, especially in light of COVID, what value do participants place on retirement? This session will include a discussion on market trends and highlight insights from each of the generations as they pursue better retirement outcomes.

Counties are supporting and leading local innovation to strengthen post-secondary education systems to promote economic mobility, improve outcomes and create career pathways for residents. Local leaders are leveraging the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and other federal programs to drive collaboration among county-based sectors and systems. This session explores the role and authority of counties in post-secondary education systems, including community colleges, and what is needed at the federal and local levels to improve career readiness opportunities.

Counties play a major role in transportation and infrastructure, owning 45 percent of public roads and nearly 40 percent of America's bridges - more than any other public entity. As a result of the significant county stake, surface transportation laws and the funding and policies they authorize are critical for local projects. The current surface law, P.L. 114-94/the FAST Act, will expire in September. Join this Capitol Hill briefing to hear local priorities from county leaders, as well as outlooks and updates from Members of Congress tasked with renewing the surface transportation law.

Join the Human Services and Education Steering Committee for a discussion with our federal partners on new opportunities for strengthening the social safety net in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Congressional staff and officials from the White House Domestic Policy Council, U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Communications and Outreach and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agency for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services will join the meeting for updates and open discussion. Committee 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.

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 2021 Virtual Legislative Conference will feature conversations with national leaders and congressional staff on topics including FY 2022 appropriations, COVID-19 vaccine distribution and criminal justice reform. All urban county officials are welcome to attend.

NACo’s Arts & Culture Committee presents Using the Arts to Bridge Racial & Cultural Divides, a meeting open to all NACo members. The meeting will showcase the work of the committee and celebrate the many cultures that contribute to the arts across the United States. Committee members will present a diverse assortment of arts installations and programming from their counties. Expert presenters from organizations including Americans for the Arts, the Institute of American Indian Arts and PolicyLink will discuss the importance of the arts to communities, the critical role of the arts in racial equity, and more. The committee will also honor former Chair Shelley Taub as this year’s winner of the Public Leadership in the Arts Award, in partnership with Americans for the Arts.

Counties are supporting and leading local innovation to strengthen post-secondary education systems to promote economic mobility, improve outcomes and create career pathways for residents. Local leaders are leveraging the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and other federal programs to drive collaboration among county-based sectors and systems. This session explores the role and authority of counties in post-secondary education systems, including community colleges, and what is needed at the federal and local levels to improve career readiness opportunities.

County decision-makers can miss the big picture when a jurisdiction’s data is siloed or inaccessible. Critical business systems that enable operations for ERP, asset management, permitting and licensing and appraisal and tax all hold valuable information that can remain locked in a single department. Connecting this information from multiple sources empowers leaders and employees at all levels to create efficiencies, monitor trends and solve problems. The resulting insights help ensure equitable service delivery and responsive, data-driven strategies to support economic recovery and community success. Effective internal data sharing manifests externally as well, providing the public with improved transparency, service and two-way engagement opportunities. Explore how this works in practice with Clermont County, Ohio, where leaders have connected data, systems and people to transform internal operations and enhance public service.

Join the Human Services and Education Steering Committee for a discussion with our federal partners on new opportunities for strengthening the social safety net in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Congressional staff and officials from the White House Domestic Policy Council, U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Communications and Outreach and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agency for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services will join the meeting for updates and open discussion. Committee 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.

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 2021 Virtual Legislative Conference will feature conversations with national leaders and congressional staff on topics including FY 2022 appropriations, COVID-19 vaccine distribution and criminal justice reform. All urban county officials are welcome to attend.

NACo’s Arts & Culture Committee presents Using the Arts to Bridge Racial & Cultural Divides, a meeting open to all NACo members. The meeting will showcase the work of the committee and celebrate the many cultures that contribute to the arts across the United States. Committee members will present a diverse assortment of arts installations and programming from their counties. Expert presenters from organizations including Americans for the Arts, the Institute of American Indian Arts and PolicyLink will discuss the importance of the arts to communities, the critical role of the arts in racial equity, and more. The committee will also honor former Chair Shelley Taub as this year’s winner of the Public Leadership in the Arts Award, in partnership with Americans for the Arts.

Counties are supporting and leading local innovation to strengthen post-secondary education systems to promote economic mobility, improve outcomes and create career pathways for residents. Local leaders are leveraging the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and other federal programs to drive collaboration among county-based sectors and systems. This session explores the role and authority of counties in post-secondary education systems, including community colleges, and what is needed at the federal and local levels to improve career readiness opportunities.

County decision-makers can miss the big picture when a jurisdiction’s data is siloed or inaccessible. Critical business systems that enable operations for ERP, asset management, permitting and licensing and appraisal and tax all hold valuable information that can remain locked in a single department. Connecting this information from multiple sources empowers leaders and employees at all levels to create efficiencies, monitor trends and solve problems. The resulting insights help ensure equitable service delivery and responsive, data-driven strategies to support economic recovery and community success. Effective internal data sharing manifests externally as well, providing the public with improved transparency, service and two-way engagement opportunities. Explore how this works in practice with Clermont County, Ohio, where leaders have connected data, systems and people to transform internal operations and enhance public service.

COVID-19 has had great impacts on many aspects of our residents' lives, including county government finances. This session provides an in-depth exploration of county budgetary planning in the wake of COVID-19 and ideas for future fiscal health.

NACo’s Arts & Culture Committee presents Using the Arts to Bridge Racial & Cultural Divides, a meeting open to all NACo members. The meeting will showcase the work of the committee and celebrate the many cultures that contribute to the arts across the United States. Committee members will present a diverse assortment of arts installations and programming from their counties. Expert presenters from organizations including Americans for the Arts, the Institute of American Indian Arts and PolicyLink will discuss the importance of the arts to communities, the critical role of the arts in racial equity, and more. The committee will also honor former Chair Shelley Taub as this year’s winner of the Public Leadership in the Arts Award, in partnership with Americans for the Arts.

The Agriculture and Rural Affairs Policy Steering Committee will be joined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Congressman Jim Costa (Calif.-16) who will provide an update on some of the efforts underway in the 117th Congress to bolster opportunities for American farmers and the role counties can play in the local, domestic, and global food supply chain. Members will discuss how local officials can best work with our federal partners to address these ongoing issues.”

COVID-19 has had great impacts on many aspects of our residents' lives, including county government finances. This session provides an in-depth exploration of county budgetary planning in the wake of COVID-19 and ideas for future fiscal health.

NACo’s Arts & Culture Committee presents Using the Arts to Bridge Racial & Cultural Divides, a meeting open to all NACo members. The meeting will showcase the work of the committee and celebrate the many cultures that contribute to the arts across the United States. Committee members will present a diverse assortment of arts installations and programming from their counties. Expert presenters from organizations including Americans for the Arts, the Institute of American Indian Arts and PolicyLink will discuss the importance of the arts to communities, the critical role of the arts in racial equity, and more. The committee will also honor former Chair Shelley Taub as this year’s winner of the Public Leadership in the Arts Award, in partnership with Americans for the Arts.

Counties are facing multiple complex challenges where community participation is needed to find promising solutions with limited resources. This workshop will help county leaders develop and leverage tools to address community priorities within their budget. Counties will learn how to establish a participatory budgeting process using an equity lens that identifies and addresses community needs.

What is the latest landcape from the federal policy persepctive in criminal justice reform? Reducing incarceration rates is a major goal of counties across the country, who understand that – to reduce the jail population – the ongoing issue of racial and ethnic disparities , along with mental health and substance abuse, within the criminal justice system should be addressed. This workshop examines how engaging community stakeholders and ensuring that local justice initiatives are grounded in racial equity can advance meaningful justice reform.

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 2021 Virtual Legislative Conference will feature conversations with national leaders and congressional staff on topics including FY 2022 appropriations, COVID-19 vaccine distribution and criminal justice reform. All urban county officials are welcome to attend.

Join NACo’s Veterans and Military Services Standing Committee to discuss how counties can work with our state, federal and local partners to address issues facing our nation’s veterans. During this meeting, committee members will be joined by congressional staff and officials from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to discuss major priorities such as helping veterans weather the COVID-19 pandemic, advancing solutions for veteran suicide prevention, expanding access to care and services for women veterans, and addressing toxic exposure. Partners will also share new resources and opportunities for serving military caregivers and provide a helpful overview of the county-military partnerships available through the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program.

Counties are facing multiple complex challenges where community participation is needed to find promising solutions with limited resources. This workshop will help county leaders develop and leverage tools to address community priorities within their budget. Counties will learn how to establish a participatory budgeting process using an equity lens that identifies and addresses community needs.

Education on NACo FSC partnerships used to address county pain points in our unique environment with cost saving solutions from our three areas of focus: employee benefit solutions, financial solutions and technology solutions. This workshop serves to highlight one program from each focus area and provides an opportunity to hear from current users of selected programs.

The Agriculture and Rural Affairs Policy Steering Committee will be joined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Congressman Jim Costa (Calif.-16) who will provide an update on some of the efforts underway in the 117th Congress to bolster opportunities for American farmers and the role counties can play in the local, domestic, and global food supply chain. Members will discuss how local officials can best work with our federal partners to address these ongoing issues.”

Counties are facing multiple complex challenges where community participation is needed to find promising solutions with limited resources. This workshop will help county leaders develop and leverage tools to address community priorities within their budget. Counties will learn how to establish a participatory budgeting process using an equity lens that identifies and addresses community needs.

Education on NACo FSC partnerships used to address county pain points in our unique environment with cost saving solutions from our three areas of focus: employee benefit solutions, financial solutions and technology solutions. This workshop serves to highlight one program from each focus area and provides an opportunity to hear from current users of selected programs.

The Agriculture and Rural Affairs Policy Steering Committee will be joined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Congressman Jim Costa (Calif.-16) who will provide an update on some of the efforts underway in the 117th Congress to bolster opportunities for American farmers and the role counties can play in the local, domestic, and global food supply chain. Members will discuss how local officials can best work with our federal partners to address these ongoing issues.”

Nearly three months into the Biden Administration’s national COVID-19 vaccine strategy, this session will evaluate progress on local vaccination uptake, as well as challenges and successes from on-the-ground implementation. Attendees will hear from local communities about lessons learned and best practices, and engage with federal experts and discuss ongoing local needs for COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts.

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 2021 Virtual Legislative Conference will feature conversations with national leaders and congressional staff on topics including FY 2022 appropriations, COVID-19 vaccine distribution and criminal justice reform. All urban county officials are welcome to attend.

Join NACo for a virtual meet and greet with intergovernmental affairs representatives from a variety of federal agencies. Learn about how you can leverage intergovernmental partnerships, make connections with federal officials and network with colleagues and peers! Members will be able to visit “Federal Agency Tables” in Zoom Breakout Rooms to hear from these representatives and share your county’s stories. Participating federal agencies include:

Education on NACo FSC partnerships used to address county pain points in our unique environment with cost saving solutions from our three areas of focus: employee benefit solutions, financial solutions and technology solutions. This workshop serves to highlight one program from each focus area and provides an opportunity to hear from current users of selected programs.

Nearly three months into the Biden Administration’s national COVID-19 vaccine strategy, this session will evaluate progress on local vaccination uptake, as well as challenges and successes from on-the-ground implementation. Attendees will hear from local communities about lessons learned and best practices, and engage with federal experts and discuss ongoing local needs for COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts.

Join NACo’s Veterans and Military Services Standing Committee to discuss how counties can work with our state, federal and local partners to address issues facing our nation’s veterans. During this meeting, committee members will be joined by congressional staff and officials from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to discuss major priorities such as helping veterans weather the COVID-19 pandemic, advancing solutions for veteran suicide prevention, expanding access to care and services for women veterans, and addressing toxic exposure. Partners will also share new resources and opportunities for serving military caregivers and provide a helpful overview of the county-military partnerships available through the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program.

Join NACo for a virtual meet and greet with intergovernmental affairs representatives from a variety of federal agencies. Learn about how you can leverage intergovernmental partnerships, make connections with federal officials and network with colleagues and peers! Members will be able to visit “Federal Agency Tables” in Zoom Breakout Rooms to hear from these representatives and share your county’s stories. Participating federal agencies include:

Nearly three months into the Biden Administration’s national COVID-19 vaccine strategy, this session will evaluate progress on local vaccination uptake, as well as challenges and successes from on-the-ground implementation. Attendees will hear from local communities about lessons learned and best practices, and engage with federal experts and discuss ongoing local needs for COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts.

Join IT Standing Committee members to hear updates on important technology initiatives including the implementation of DotGov (.Gov) and recent cyber attacks and defense strategies. Members will also receive an update on how NACo, along with other national associations are partnering on critical technology efforts including broadband.
 

Join NACo for a virtual meet and greet with intergovernmental affairs representatives from a variety of federal agencies. Learn about how you can leverage intergovernmental partnerships, make connections with federal officials and network with colleagues and peers! Members will be able to visit “Federal Agency Tables” in Zoom Breakout Rooms to hear from these representatives and share your county’s stories. Participating federal agencies include:

FEMA’s new Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program provides funding to states and localities to implement pre-disaster mitigation activities that reduce risk and disaster costs, and increase the resilience of critical infrastructure. BRIC replaced the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program as part of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) of 2018 and allows for FEMA, with respect to each major disaster, to set aside up to six percent of the aggregate amount of federal assistance for the BRIC program. This workshop provides counties with insights on how to access and utilize BRIC, including additional information program, application process and project eligibility.

Nearly three months into the Biden Administration’s national COVID-19 vaccine strategy, this session will evaluate progress on local vaccination uptake, as well as challenges and successes from on-the-ground implementation. Attendees will hear from local communities about lessons learned and best practices, and engage with federal experts and discuss ongoing local needs for COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts.

FEMA’s new Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program provides funding to states and localities to implement pre-disaster mitigation activities that reduce risk and disaster costs, and increase the resilience of critical infrastructure. BRIC replaced the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program as part of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) of 2018 and allows for FEMA, with respect to each major disaster, to set aside up to six percent of the aggregate amount of federal assistance for the BRIC program. This workshop provides counties with insights on how to access and utilize BRIC, including additional information program, application process and project eligibility.

Join us for an engaging conversation centered on recent federal guidance on how annuities are changing the retirement industry as employees head toward retirement and consider various distribution options from their retirement plans.

Members will hear from federal officials and congressional staff on the latest community, economic and workforce development federal policy and funding issues, including the latest on the FY 2022 appropriations process. CEWD Steering Committee members will vote on interim policy resolutions discussed during the resolutions meeting.

Nearly three months into the Biden Administration’s national COVID-19 vaccine strategy, this session will evaluate progress on local vaccination uptake, as well as challenges and successes from on-the-ground implementation. Attendees will hear from local communities about lessons learned and best practices, and engage with federal experts and discuss ongoing local needs for COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts.

Join NACo for a virtual meet and greet with intergovernmental affairs representatives from a variety of federal agencies. Learn about how you can leverage intergovernmental partnerships, make connections with federal officials and network with colleagues and peers! Members will be able to visit “Federal Agency Tables” in Zoom Breakout Rooms to hear from these representatives and share your county’s stories. Participating federal agencies include:

FEMA’s new Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program provides funding to states and localities to implement pre-disaster mitigation activities that reduce risk and disaster costs, and increase the resilience of critical infrastructure. BRIC replaced the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program as part of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) of 2018 and allows for FEMA, with respect to each major disaster, to set aside up to six percent of the aggregate amount of federal assistance for the BRIC program. This workshop provides counties with insights on how to access and utilize BRIC, including additional information program, application process and project eligibility.

Members of the NACo Health Steering Committee will hear from members of Congress and congressional staff on the latest updates in federal health policy and funding on issues ranging from COVID-19 relief to health equity, and highlight key policy wins from the past year, while outlining priorities for the upcoming year. Health Steering Committee members will vote on interim policy resolutions discussed during the resolutions meeting.