2022 NACo Legislative Conference

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Health Steering Committee will discuss challenges and opportunities for policy advancement on two leading health issues- behavioral health and maternal and child health. Members will also consider and vote on interim policy resolutions used to guide NACo's advocacy efforts before Congress, the White House and federal agencies.

Resources

• Download Slides
• Medicaid And Counties Report
• Behavioral Health Matters Info Sheet
• Fund Local Crisis Response Efforts Policy Brief
• Support Counties In Improving Health Services For Justice-involved Individuals Policy Brief
• Enhance Counties' Ability To Prevent And Treat Mental Illness And Substance Abuse Disorders Policy Brief
• Public Health Forward: Recommendations For Health Officials
• Protect Funding For Core Local Public Health Services And Prevention Programs Policy Brief
•  Protect The Federal-state-local Partnership For Medicaid Policy Brief

The Veterans and Military Services Committee will meet to discuss federal policy priorities and best practices for serving veterans in 2022. Members will receive an update from the Department of Veterans Affairs on pressing issues facing veterans, hear from a panel of federal partners, national experts and peers on strategies to eliminate veteran homelessness and learn about advances in art therapy for veterans who have suffered traumatic brain injuries.

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.

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.

The Biden Administration recently proposed reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review process that would return much of the review criteria to that established under the original law in 1978. These regulatory changes are significant for counties, who serve as environmental co-regulators with our federal partners. Join this workshop to hear from federal officials responsible for implementing NEPA and county officials and representatives of private industries directly impacted by the regulation to better understand impending changes.

On November 15, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) into law. This historic bipartisan legislation is extremely significant for counties, which own and operate more roads and bridges than any other level of government and range beyond transportation to public water systems, electric grids and capital construction of schools, hospitals and jails. Counties invest $134 billion annually in the construction of infrastructure and the operation and maintenance of public works. Learn how county officials can work with state and federal partners to successfully implement the bipartisan infrastructure package.

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 Biden Administration recently proposed reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review process that would return much of the review criteria to that established under the original law in 1978. These regulatory changes are significant for counties, who serve as environmental co-regulators with our federal partners. Join this workshop to hear from federal officials responsible for implementing NEPA and county officials and representatives of private industries directly impacted by the regulation to better understand impending changes.

On November 15, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) into law. This historic bipartisan legislation is extremely significant for counties, which own and operate more roads and bridges than any other level of government and range beyond transportation to public water systems, electric grids and capital construction of schools, hospitals and jails. Counties invest $134 billion annually in the construction of infrastructure and the operation and maintenance of public works. Learn how county officials can work with state and federal partners to successfully implement the bipartisan infrastructure package.

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 Biden Administration recently proposed reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review process that would return much of the review criteria to that established under the original law in 1978. These regulatory changes are significant for counties, who serve as environmental co-regulators with our federal partners. Join this workshop to hear from federal officials responsible for implementing NEPA and county officials and representatives of private industries directly impacted by the regulation to better understand impending changes.

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 Arts and Culture Commission will hear from expert speakers and commission members on leveraging the creative arts as an economic driver at the county level. This meeting is hosted by the NACo Arts and Culture Commission and open to all.

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 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.

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 Arts and Culture Commission will hear from expert speakers and commission members on leveraging the creative arts as an economic driver at the county level. This meeting is hosted by the NACo Arts and Culture Commission and open to all.

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 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.

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.

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 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. 

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.

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 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. 

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 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. 

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 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. 

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.

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 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.

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 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. 

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 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. 

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.

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 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.