2022 NACo Legislative Conference

Counties across the country are working to support residents experiencing behavioral health challenges and trauma, which in many cases have been exacerbated by social isolation and other aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Incorporating the arts into the healing process is a proven tool to support emotional and mental recovery for veterans, people involved in the justice system and other county residents. It reduces anxiety and depression, supports the coping process and often decreases the need for other forms of medical care. Use of the arts in many forms, including visual and performing arts as well as written word, is happening in community-based organizations as well as health care settings around the country. This joint luncheon between the Healthy Counties Advisory Board and the Arts & Culture Commission will highlight key issues and resources related to the arts as a mechanism for healing.

The Rural Action Caucus will convene to discuss issues important to rural America and to hear from guest speakers, including senior federal officials from the U.S Department of Transportation and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Counties across the country are working to support residents experiencing behavioral health challenges and trauma, which in many cases have been exacerbated by social isolation and other aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Incorporating the arts into the healing process is a proven tool to support emotional and mental recovery for veterans, people involved in the justice system and other county residents. It reduces anxiety and depression, supports the coping process and often decreases the need for other forms of medical care. Use of the arts in many forms, including visual and performing arts as well as written word, is happening in community-based organizations as well as health care settings around the country. This joint luncheon between the Healthy Counties Advisory Board and the Arts & Culture Commission will highlight key issues and resources related to the arts as a mechanism for healing.

The Rural Action Caucus will convene to discuss issues important to rural America and to hear from guest speakers, including senior federal officials from the U.S Department of Transportation and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $1.5 billion in grant funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program. The popular program helps communities around the country carry out projects with significant local or regional impact. Come speak with senior officials from USDOT, as well as grant writing staff, to learn how to navigate new and existing federal transportation resources.

The Human Services and Education Steering Committee will receive an update from Capitol Hill on human services priorities for the remainder of the 117th Congress and have the opportunity to develop advocacy strategies for the Legislative Conference Hill Day. Additionally, members will consider and vote on interim policy resolutions used to guide NACo’s advocacy efforts before Congress, the White House and federal agencies. 

The Community, Economic and Workforce Development Steering Committee will hear from federal partners on issues related to workforce development and job creation, reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, homelessness and housing access and affordability. Members will receive an update from Capitol Hill on the general landscape and remaining CEWD priorities for the second session of the 117th Congress. Additionally, members will consider and vote on interim policy resolutions. 

Counties across the country are working to support residents experiencing behavioral health challenges and trauma, which in many cases have been exacerbated by social isolation and other aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Incorporating the arts into the healing process is a proven tool to support emotional and mental recovery for veterans, people involved in the justice system and other county residents. It reduces anxiety and depression, supports the coping process and often decreases the need for other forms of medical care. Use of the arts in many forms, including visual and performing arts as well as written word, is happening in community-based organizations as well as health care settings around the country. This joint luncheon between the Healthy Counties Advisory Board and the Arts & Culture Commission will highlight key issues and resources related to the arts as a mechanism for healing.

To date, 18 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational usage of cannabis to some extent and 36 states have legalized medicinal usage in some form. Yet the industry remains largely cash-only, leading to many public safety concerns for counties in these states. The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act being considered by Congress would provide access to vital banking services such as checking accounts and loans for cannabis-related legitimate businesses. Hear from Capitol Hill, industry and county experts on the potential impacts of the SAFE Banking Act for counties.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $1.5 billion in grant funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program. The popular program helps communities around the country carry out projects with significant local or regional impact. Come speak with senior officials from USDOT, as well as grant writing staff, to learn how to navigate new and existing federal transportation resources.

Separate registration is required. You can choose to attend the CIO Forum only or add it to your conference registration during the registration process. The cost to attend this program is $100.

To date, 18 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational usage of cannabis to some extent and 36 states have legalized medicinal usage in some form. Yet the industry remains largely cash-only, leading to many public safety concerns for counties in these states. The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act being considered by Congress would provide access to vital banking services such as checking accounts and loans for cannabis-related legitimate businesses. Hear from Capitol Hill, industry and county experts on the potential impacts of the SAFE Banking Act for counties.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $1.5 billion in grant funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program. The popular program helps communities around the country carry out projects with significant local or regional impact. Come speak with senior officials from USDOT, as well as grant writing staff, to learn how to navigate new and existing federal transportation resources.

Join the Transportation Policy Steering Committee for discussions with our federal and industry partners to learn more about implementation of the bipartisan infrastructure law and other transportation topics of interest. During this meeting, members of the committee will also consider and vote on interim policy resolutions that will be used to guide NACo’s advocacy efforts before Congress, the White House and federal agencies for the remainder of the 2021– 2022 membership term.

Separate registration is required. You can choose to attend the CIO Forum only or add it to your conference registration during the registration process. The cost to attend this program is $100.

To date, 18 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational usage of cannabis to some extent and 36 states have legalized medicinal usage in some form. Yet the industry remains largely cash-only, leading to many public safety concerns for counties in these states. The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act being considered by Congress would provide access to vital banking services such as checking accounts and loans for cannabis-related legitimate businesses. Hear from Capitol Hill, industry and county experts on the potential impacts of the SAFE Banking Act for counties.

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 2020 Legislative Conference will feature conversations with federal officials and national leaders on topics including substance use disorder, COVID-19 mitigation and urban mobility. All urban county officials are welcome to attend; table seating is reserved for LUCC Steering Committee members.

As county leaders, we often find ourselves in the news. While most large counties have dedicated communications teams to handle media relations, many smaller counties have only one person responsible for speaking to the media on top of other duties. In this session you will hear from National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) board members on effective strategies and tactics for working with your local media. After the workshop, they will stay to answer questions. In addition, NACIO members offer professional communication advice and consult throughout the year.

The Telecommunications &  Technology Steering Committee will receive updates on remaining legislative priorities in the 117th Congress, as well as hear from our federal partners on the opportunities ahead for broadband deployment and cybersecurity implementation in 2022 and beyond.

To date, 18 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational usage of cannabis to some extent and 36 states have legalized medicinal usage in some form. Yet the industry remains largely cash-only, leading to many public safety concerns for counties in these states. The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act being considered by Congress would provide access to vital banking services such as checking accounts and loans for cannabis-related legitimate businesses. Hear from Capitol Hill, industry and county experts on the potential impacts of the SAFE Banking Act for counties.

With the passage of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, there are various funding opportunities that will lead to much-needed broadband deployment across all unserved and underserved communities. Hear from the Department of Commerce and the Department of Agriculture on the latest funding opportunities for broadband deployment and infrastructure.

The Telecommunications &  Technology Steering Committee will receive updates on remaining legislative priorities in the 117th Congress, as well as hear from our federal partners on the opportunities ahead for broadband deployment and cybersecurity implementation in 2022 and beyond.

Separate registration is required. You can choose to attend the CIO Forum only or add it to your conference registration during the registration process. The cost to attend this program is $100.

The Telecommunications &  Technology Steering Committee will receive updates on remaining legislative priorities in the 117th Congress, as well as hear from our federal partners on the opportunities ahead for broadband deployment and cybersecurity implementation in 2022 and beyond.

The Telecommunications &  Technology Steering Committee will receive updates on remaining legislative priorities in the 117th Congress, as well as hear from our federal partners on the opportunities ahead for broadband deployment and cybersecurity implementation in 2022 and beyond.

Separate registration is required. You can choose to attend the CIO Forum only or add it to your conference registration during the registration process. The cost to attend this program is $100.

Hear from policy experts on pressing federal issues impacting Gulf Coast counties and parishes. 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.

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 2020 Legislative Conference will feature conversations with federal officials and national leaders on topics including substance use disorder, COVID-19 mitigation and urban mobility. All urban county officials are welcome to attend; table seating is reserved for LUCC Steering Committee members.

Hear from policy experts on pressing federal issues impacting Gulf Coast counties and parishes. 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.

The Geographic Information Systems subcommittee is a subcommittee of the Information Technology Standing Committee, with a focus on GIS education, national trends and proposed legislation that might affect GIS. Members are county elected officials, including surveyors and planners, GIS directors and other county GIS leadership. The committee often hears from national organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National States Geographic Information Council, and Esri and is working to include updates from organizations like Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International. 

The Western Interstate Region (WIR) Board of Directors will be joined by officials responsible for improving the health of the National Forest System, experts in best practices for wildfire prevention, and administration officials leading infrastructure improvement policy. Partner organizations supporting better land management and wildlife conservation laws will also discuss their latest efforts to advance shared goals.

The Human Services and Education Policy Steering Committee will be joined by our federal partners to discuss progress and challenges related to the implementation of new child welfare reforms, as well as the Biden Administration’s ongoing priorities for stabilizing the child care sector. National experts will also present outreach and education opportunities for the second phase of the expanded Child Tax Credit. During a moderated group discussion, committee members will share perspectives on utilizing ARPA Recovery Funds to help vulnerable county residents recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Geographic Information Systems subcommittee is a subcommittee of the Information Technology Standing Committee, with a focus on GIS education, national trends and proposed legislation that might affect GIS. Members are county elected officials, including surveyors and planners, GIS directors and other county GIS leadership. The committee often hears from national organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National States Geographic Information Council, and Esri and is working to include updates from organizations like Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International. 

Tune in with NACo, county leaders and our federal partners for a live virtual discussion on local government priorities including strengthening the intergovernmental partnership, implementation of the historic American Rescue Plan Act’s Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, critical need for full mandatory funding for the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, impacts of the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP) and need to amend its current policies and the county role in addressing intergenerational poverty.

The Human Services and Education Policy Steering Committee will be joined by our federal partners to discuss progress and challenges related to the implementation of new child welfare reforms, as well as the Biden Administration’s ongoing priorities for stabilizing the child care sector. National experts will also present outreach and education opportunities for the second phase of the expanded Child Tax Credit. During a moderated group discussion, committee members will share perspectives on utilizing ARPA Recovery Funds to help vulnerable county residents recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The administration recently announced the signing of a proposed rule to revise the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS). The agencies propose to reinstate the pre-2015 definition of WOTUS, updated to reflect the consideration of Supreme Court decisions. The WOTUS definition directly impacts counties as owners and operators of local infrastructure. Counties may need to apply for a federal permit to maintain or build new infrastructure projects under the rule. Join this discussion with federal officials responsible for implementing WOTUS to understand the potential impacts of a new rule.

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), is providing $350 billion for state and local governments to make critical and historical investments in people and infrastructure. As counties develop plans for their ARPA-funded initiatives, leveraging data and evidence will be key to ensuring long-term, equitable outcomes for their residents. Join Results for America and State Recovery Now to learn more about the importance of using and investing in data and evidence with ARPA funds. In this workshop, you will learn current trends and best practices in the use of data and evidence for policymaking, and listen from counties that are leading the field.

The Geographic Information Systems subcommittee is a subcommittee of the Information Technology Standing Committee, with a focus on GIS education, national trends and proposed legislation that might affect GIS. Members are county elected officials, including surveyors and planners, GIS directors and other county GIS leadership. The committee often hears from national organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National States Geographic Information Council, and Esri and is working to include updates from organizations like Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International. 

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), is providing $350 billion for state and local governments to make critical and historical investments in people and infrastructure. As counties develop plans for their ARPA-funded initiatives, leveraging data and evidence will be key to ensuring long-term, equitable outcomes for their residents. Join Results for America and State Recovery Now to learn more about the importance of using and investing in data and evidence with ARPA funds. In this workshop, you will learn current trends and best practices in the use of data and evidence for policymaking, and listen from counties that are leading the field.

The Geographic Information Systems subcommittee is a subcommittee of the Information Technology Standing Committee, with a focus on GIS education, national trends and proposed legislation that might affect GIS. Members are county elected officials, including surveyors and planners, GIS directors and other county GIS leadership. The committee often hears from national organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National States Geographic Information Council, and Esri and is working to include updates from organizations like Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International. 

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), is providing $350 billion for state and local governments to make critical and historical investments in people and infrastructure. As counties develop plans for their ARPA-funded initiatives, leveraging data and evidence will be key to ensuring long-term, equitable outcomes for their residents. Join Results for America and State Recovery Now to learn more about the importance of using and investing in data and evidence with ARPA funds. In this workshop, you will learn current trends and best practices in the use of data and evidence for policymaking, and listen from counties that are leading the field.

Tune in with NACo, county leaders and our federal partners for a live virtual discussion on local government priorities including strengthening the intergovernmental partnership, implementation of the historic American Rescue Plan Act’s Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, critical need for full mandatory funding for the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, impacts of the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP) and need to amend its current policies and the county role in addressing intergenerational poverty.

The Finance, Pensions and Intergovernmental Affairs (FPIGA) Steering Committee will meet to hear from guest speakers on issues related to the 2022 midterm elections and election reform legislation, and impacts of COVID-19 on county budget trends. 

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), is providing $350 billion for state and local governments to make critical and historical investments in people and infrastructure. As counties develop plans for their ARPA-funded initiatives, leveraging data and evidence will be key to ensuring long-term, equitable outcomes for their residents. Join Results for America and State Recovery Now to learn more about the importance of using and investing in data and evidence with ARPA funds. In this workshop, you will learn current trends and best practices in the use of data and evidence for policymaking, and listen from counties that are leading the field.

The Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee will hear from federal partners and subject matter experts on issues relating to addressing mental health and co-occurring disorders in local courts, reathorization of the National Flood Insurance Program and criminal justice reform. Additionally, members will consider and vote on interim policy resolutions. 

The administration recently announced the signing of a proposed rule to revise the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS). The agencies propose to reinstate the pre-2015 definition of WOTUS, updated to reflect the consideration of Supreme Court decisions. The WOTUS definition directly impacts counties as owners and operators of local infrastructure. Counties may need to apply for a federal permit to maintain or build new infrastructure projects under the rule. Join this discussion with federal officials responsible for implementing WOTUS to understand the potential impacts of a new rule.

The Finance, Pensions and Intergovernmental Affairs (FPIGA) Steering Committee will meet to hear from guest speakers on issues related to the 2022 midterm elections and election reform legislation, and impacts of COVID-19 on county budget trends. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed how county residents learn and work, forcing counties to adapt quickly to new challenges. Community and economic development planning is critical to ensuring county preparedness, resilience and long-term prosperity. Hear from academic and local planning experts on strategies and frameworks for counties to consider during long-term pandemic recovery planning.

Tune in with NACo, county leaders and our federal partners for a live virtual discussion on local government priorities including strengthening the intergovernmental partnership, implementation of the historic American Rescue Plan Act’s Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, critical need for full mandatory funding for the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, impacts of the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP) and need to amend its current policies and the county role in addressing intergenerational poverty.

Separate registration is required. You can choose to attend the CIO Forum only or add it to your conference registration during the registration process. The cost to attend this program is $100.