NACo kicks off 90th Annual Conference this week in Philadelphia

Key Takeaways

NACo is celebrating its 90th anniversary the way it knows best — gathering county officials from across the country to immerse themselves in the work they do at the Annual Conference in the city and county of Philadelphia. The conference falls at the beginning of the United States’ yearlong approach to its 250th birthday, July 4, 2026.

The Milwaukee County, Wis. clerk summoned a group of county officials in 1935 to create the National County Officers Association. The federal government, in the midst of historical expansion, was usurping areas of local control and nationally, were not organized nationwide to assert their authorities and responsibilities. 

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In the nine decades since, counties have bound together nationally to demonstrate that whether they’re in the Southeast or Mountain West or they call themselves parishes or boroughs, they have earned their place in the intergovernmental relationship. 

Ten policy steering committees, the heart of NACo’s federal advocacy effort, will meet Friday, July 11 to determine the direction of their outreach to Congress and the administration over the next year. Speakers will offer new perspectives to the county officials who work in these fields. 

On Saturday, NACo’s caucuses will meet to discuss the issues closest to them. The Western Interstate Region will examine matters crucial to counties with large proportions of federally owned land. The Large Urban County Caucus and Rural Action Cacus will be joined by the new Midsized County Caucus. 

The Opening General Session will capitalize on the Philadelphia setting by focusing on American history. Attendees will hear from biographer Doris Kearns Goodwin, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for History for “No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II” and Doug Bradburn, a historian and president and CEO of George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

Generations of past NACo presidents will share their part in the association’s development and leadership.

Sunday, July 13 will feature several all-day learning forums examining economies and workers, health and wellbeing, revenues and fiscal health and public lands. During the General Session, attendees will hear from inspirational speakers Lisa M. Lawson and Jon Dorenbos. Lawson is the president and CEO of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives and health of children and youth. Dorenbos enjoyed a 14-year career in the NFL, including 11 years with the Philadelphia Eagles. Afterward, he became a professional magician. 

The conference will culminate at the Annual Business Meeting Monday, July 14, when members will elect an executive committee for NACo’s next year, including choosing a second vice president from two candidates: Wayne County, Mich. Commissioner Alisha Bell or Greene County, Mo. Presiding Commissioner Bob Dixon. The Board of Directors will decide on the agenda for the following year of county advocacy, laying the foundation for the next 90 years of NACo achievements and leadership.