2021 NACo Annual Conference

CIO Forum & Tech Summit

Maryland BD/456 | Convention Center, Ballroom Level

Please join us for the NACo CIO Forum & Tech Summit - Prioritizing "More" with Less in a Post Pandemic Era. Topics will include: Strategic Planning, American Recovery funds and Technology, Low Code and Virtual First, Redefining Connectivity, Cyber, and more!

CIO Forum & Tech Summit Reception

Cherry Blossom Lobby | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

Cancelled: Attendee Orientation/Safety Protocols/Convention Tour

Event cancelled due to U.S. Secret Service activity

NACo Solutions Desk Open

Potomac Lobby | Convention Center, Ballroom Level

Policy Coordinating Committee Meeting #1

Annapolis 3-4 | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

Community, Economic and Workforce Development Steering Committee Meeting

Woodrow Wilson BCD | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

NACo’s Community, Economic and Workforce Development (CEWD) Steering Committee will discuss policy issues impacting counties related to housing, economic and workforce development and hear from federal partners and policy experts on issues regarding funding and partnership opportunities. CEWD Steering Committee members will also vote on proposed policy resolutions and platform changes.
 

NACo Store & Resource Center Open

Potomac Registration Desk

Transportation Policy Steering Committee Meeting

Maryland AC/123 | Convention Center, Ballroom Level

Join the Transportation Policy Steering Committee meeting to hear from guest speakers on topics including drones, transportation electrification and other emerging technologies that have the potential to impact county infrastructure and our many residents who rely upon these vital assets to remain connected in every corner of the country.

Environment, Energy & Land Use Policy Steering Committee Meeting

RiverView Ballroom | Outside the Lower Atrium

Join the Environment, Energy and Land Use (EELU) Steering Committee’s Meeting as members will discuss proposed policy resolutions related to the EELU policy platform. Members will hear from sponsors who submitted policy resolutions and have the opportunity to ask questions before they are voted on. 

Human Services & Education Policy Steering Committee Meeting

Maryland BD/456 | Convention Center, Ballroom Level

Join the Human Services and Education Steering Committee for a discussion of innovative strategies in human service delivery and the opportunity to engage with key federal officials overseeing policy that impacts children and families. Members will also discuss and vote on proposed policy resolutions and platform changes.

Telecommunications & Technology Policy Steering Committee Meeting

Woodrow Wilson BCD | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

The Telecommunications and Technology (T&T) Steering Committee will meet in a working session to allow sponsors of resolutions and platform changes to discuss, debate and amend various proposed policy positions. Additionally, T&T members will hear from guest speakers on issues relevant to the committee.

Meetup: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) | Broadband

Prince George's Exhibit Hall | Convention Center, Lower Atrium Level

The U.S. Treasury has released guidance on the American Rescue Plan Act’s Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, which provides $65.1 billion in direct, flexible aid to every county in America, as well as other crucial investments in local communities. During this moderated meeting up, participants will have the chance to discuss how they plan to invest Recovery Funds in broadband infrastructure. 

Meetup: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA): Justice & Public Safety

Prince George's Exhibit Hall | Convention Center, Lower Atrium Level

The U.S. Treasury has released guidance on the American Rescue Plan Act’s Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, which provides $65.1 billion in direct, flexible aid to every county in America, as well as other crucial investments in local communities. During this moderated meeting up, participants will have the chance to discuss how they plan to invest Recovery Funds towards services and programs that support justice and public safety.

Meetup: Make the Most of Your NACo Membership

Prince George's Exhibit Hall | Convention Center, Lower Atrium Level

NACo has a lot to offer members! Join seasoned NACo members and membership team to review NACo’s many membership benefits availible to your county.

Colorado Caucus Meeting

Azalea 1 | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

Meetup: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA): Lost Revenue and Beyond

Prince George's Exhibit Hall | Convention Center, Lower Atrium Level

Now that the U.S. Treasury has begun distributing Recovery Funds, counties across the country are eager to invest this funding to support our residents and communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the American Rescue Plant Act (ARP), counties may use Recovery Funds for the provision of “government services” to the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced due to COVID-19. Join experts for a discussion on how to calculate your county’s revenue loss, how this revenue recoupment can be invested and offer feedback on Treasury’s Interim Final Rule related to this provision.

Meetup: Discussion with Dr. Deborah Birx | COVID-19 Update and Mitigation Best Practices

Join Dr. Deborah Birx, former White House Coronavirus Task Force Coordinator and the government’s top official in the battle against global HIV/AIDS, for a COVID-19 update and discussion of mitigation best practices, including smart investments in air purification technologies to limit indoor transmission.

NACo Solutions Desk Open

Potomac Lobby | Convention Center, Ballroom Level

Coal Brew: A Coal-Reliant County Meetup & Coffee Hour

Azalea 1 | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

Join us for this networking and peer-learning meetup of coal-reliant and coal-impacted county leaders. Meet and interact with peers to discuss challenges, helpful resources available, and share inspiring ideas and successes to build economic resilience in coal counties across the nation.  
 

Meetup: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) | Children & Families

Prince George's Exhibit Hall | Convention Center, Lower Atrium Level

Join this meetup for an informal discussion focused on opportunities to use American Rescue Plan Act funds to support vulnerable children and families. Attendees will have an opportunity to share ideas, ask questions and collaborate on strategies to help children and families recover from the pandemic. 

Meetup: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) | Small Business Assistance

Prince George's Exhibit Hall | Convention Center, Lower Atrium Level

The U.S. Treasury has released guidance on the American Rescue Plan Act’s Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, which provides $65.1 billion in direct, flexible aid to every county in America, as well as other crucial investments in local communities. During this moderated meeting up, participants will have the chance to discuss how they plan to invest Recovery Funds  to support support small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exhibit Hall Open

Prince George's Exhibit Hall | Convention Center, Lower Atrium Level

Healthy Counties Advisory Board Meeting

Maryland BD/456 | Convention Center, Ballroom Level

IT Standing Committee Meeting

Woodrow Wilson A | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

Join IT Standing Committee members to hear from the Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) concerning DotGov updates and their perspective on recent Cyber incidents. AT&T will also be presenting the examples and innovative solutions that they have encountered over the past year in addressing the digital divide.

Resilient Counties Advisory Board Meeting: A Focus on Building Wildfire-Resilient Communities

Maryland AC/123 | Convention Center, Ballroom Level

Join the Resilient Counties Advisoary Board for an interactive and informative deep dive on wildfire mitigation planning and action. This discussion will highlight valuable tools and resources, in addition to creative and practical approaches for building more resilient counties.  

Current County Outdoor Recreation Challenges and Responses

“Current County Outdoor Recreation Challenges and Responses” During the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans flocked to the outdoors in record numbers. This dramatic increase in tourists strained the limited resources in many counties. In this session, hear from county officials and other experts about the challenges faced from spikes in demand for a wide array of county services and how counties responded to meet their communities’ needs.

Meetup: Leveraging County Parks & Recreation for Underserved Communities

Prince George's Exhibit Hall | Convention Center, Lower Atrium Level

Policy Coordinating Committee Meeting #2

National Harbor Room 12-13 | Convention Center, Top Floor

County Leaders for Equity in Governance Luncheon

National Harbor Room 10 | Convention Center, Top Floor

By invitation, this luncheon will bring together NACo’s County Executive Network, member Advisory Group on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and developing Network of County DEI Directors and senior staff to discuss strategies and considerations for advancing DEI in county governance. 

Membership Standing Committee Luncheon

National Harbor Room 11 | Convention Center, Top Floor

Missouri Delegation Caucus

Camellia 2 | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

National Organization of Black County Officials (NOBCO/NABCO) Meeting

Maryland BD/456 | Convention Center, Ballroom Level

National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) Annual Business Meeting

Azalea 3 | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

As an active affiliate of the National Association of Counties (NACo), NACIO works to promote the value of professional PIOs and communicators to county governments. NACIO members serve as judges for NACo's annual National County Government Month contest, and NACIO experts present highly entertaining workshops on media relations best practices at the NACo Annual and Legislative conferences.

Counties for Kids: Strategies for Supporting Young Children and Families

National Harbor Room 2-3 | Convention Center, Top Floor

During COVID-19, counties have played a key role in administering programs and building systems that meet the needs of infants and toddlers. County leaders have leveraged their position and decision-making authority to support families and ensure their children have a strong foundation to learn, grow and develop. This workshop will focus on how investments in the first three years can benefit a county for years to come and the role local leaders can play in building supports and systems for young children and their families, especially as counties move forward with COVID-19 recovery. 

Maximizing Return on Investment with NACo FSC Programs

National Harbor Room 12-13 | Convention Center, Top Floor

Highlighting NACo FSC's programs and partnerships that deliver value added solutions in the post-COVID environment. Please join us to hear about our latest initiatives. 

Arts & Culture Commission Workshop

Woodrow Wilson A | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

NACo’s Arts & Culture Committee Workshop is open to all and will showcase the work of the committee as well the critical role of the arts in local communities. Expert speakers and county leaders will present a diverse assortment of arts programming including a focus on historic preservation, the arts as a means to bridge racial and cultural divides and using ARP funds to support the arts. The committee will also honor the recipient of this year’s Public Leadership in the Arts Award in partnership with Americans for the Arts. 

NACo Board Forum

Riverview Ballroom | Outside the Lower Atrium

National Association of County Health Facilities (NACHFa) Meeting

National Harbor Room 7 | Convention Center, Top Floor

The National Association of County Health Facilities (NACHFa) advocates for the improvement of county nursing homes and long-term care policy and practices across the U.S. Current relevant topics, and legislation will be discussed. County healthcare administrators, elected county officials and any other county officers or NACo attendees interested in LTC are encouraged to join us.

Alaska, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming Reception

National Harbor Room 6 | Convention Center, Top Floor

North Carolina Caucus

National Harbor Room 11 | Convention Center, Top Floor

Police Jury Association of Louisiana Welcome Reception

National Harbor Room 4-5 | Convention Center, Top Floor

North Carolina Reception

National Harbor Room 10 | Convention Center, Top Floor

Book Reading: “Our Darkest Hours: New York County Leadership and the COVID Pandemic”

Mint Suite #7135 | Hotel Space, 7th Floor

Join leadership from the New York State Association of Counties as they read selections from their new book, “Our Darkest Hours: New York County Leadership and the COVID Pandemic,” and discuss key lessons learned over the last year. A limited number of book copies will available at no cost (books are compliments of NYSAC and NACo). 

Meetup: Understanding Neuroscience and Its Implications for Child-Serving Agencies

Azalea 2 | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

Join Dr. Brenda Jones Harden (University of Maryland School of Social Work) and Dr. George Askew (Prince George's County, Md.) for an informal chat about what neuroscience research means for counties and how investing in the early years can pay off down the line. Learn about how recent research on brain development can shape local policy and systems changes and support evidence-based decision-making. Light refreshments will be served.

West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland State Association Breakfast

National Harbor Room 10 | Convention Center, Top Floor

Association breakfast with members of West Virginia and Virginia County Associations.

NACo DCR Advisory Committee Meeting

National Harbor Room 4-5 | Convention Center, Top Floor

NACo Solutions Desk Open

Potomac Lobby | Convention Center, Ballroom Level

The County Role in Ensuring Equitable COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution and Public Health Services

Annapolis Ballroom | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

As vaccines became more readily available, county public health officials were tasked with ensuring distribution was achieved in an equitable manner. Counties quickly implemented programs to reach vulnerable individuals, engage vaccine-hesitant communities, and track which portions of the population were receiving the vaccine. Join this session to learn about these ongoing efforts to protect our communities against COVID-19, and to hear about lessons learned in delivering equitable public health services.
 

NACA Executive Board Meeting

National Harbor Room 8 | Convention Center, Top Floor

Bridging the Gap: Crisis Response as Criminal Justice Diversion

Woodrow Wilson BCD | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

Approximately 2 million times per year people with serious mental illness are booked into local jails. Roughly three-quarters of these individuals also meet criteria for a co-occurring substance use disorder. Counties are increasingly using crisis triage and stabilization centers to decrease the use of incarceration when appropriate and connect people to community-based care. Join us for a moderated discussion among county officials and individuals with lived experience on developing an effective crisis continuum with a focus on facilities that screen, assess and provide treatment and warm hand-offs to long-term care.

Rural Action Caucus (RAC) Business Meeting

Maryland BD/456 | Convention Center, Ballroom Level

The Rural Action Caucus (RAC) will convene to discuss issues relevant to the caucus, engage in a peer exchange and hear presentations from various guest speakers.

Arts & Culture National Harbor Walking Tour

Join the Arts & Culture Commission for a walking tour of National Harbor’s outdoor art installations. Meet at 11:00 a.m. at the main (porte cochere) entrance to the Gaylord National Harbor. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection recommended. Learn more at https://www.nationalharbor.com/art/

NACA County Administrators Idea Exchange

National Harbor Room 6-7 | Convention Center, Top Floor

The Idea Exchange provides an opportunity to discuss issues in an informal setting. This meeting is open to all interested in participating in a lively discussion. The Idea Exchange will be preceded by NACA's Annual Membership Meeting.

NCCAE Business Meeting

Cherry Blossom Ballroom | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

Effective Communications Strategies for When Your County is in the News (and When it Isn’t)

Woodrow Wilson BCD | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

Whatever the crisis, problem or the size of your county, there are universal principles and tactics, tried and true, to successfully telling your story. From the high profile trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin in Hennepin County, Minn. to flooding in Weld County, Colo. to wildfires in Sevier County, Tenn., you will hear from three National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) board members from large and small counties on what works. After the workshop, they will stay to answer questions. In addition, NACIO members offer professional communication advice and consult throughout the year.

Say and Do: Five Strategies for Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in your Community

Annapolis Ballroom | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

Counties across the nation are employing various strategies to act on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). More than 75 counties have declared racism a public health crisis as an initial step for guiding future equity initiatives and formalizing related policies; however, these declarations are not the only way to advance equity and may not be right for your jurisdiction. This session will explore five key themes to consider along a spectrum of county DEI strategies, from establishing dedicated offices to starting small with community engagement.

NACo Board of Directors and Resolutions Committee Meeting

Riverview Ballroom | Outside the Lower Atrium

County Strategies for Navigating Opioid Settlements

National Harbor Room 12-13 | Convention Center, Top Floor

Across the country, states are beginning to reach settlements on opioid litigation. Many of these agreements will allocate funding directly to state, county, and municipal governments. Join this session to learn about the latest on settlements in your state, how funds can be used, and best practices for stemming the substance use epidemic.

Guiding County Decisions: An Overview of Key Census Bureau Programs for Administrators, Executives and Managers

National Harbor Room 4-5 | Convention Center, Top Floor

Maximizing Impact through Collaborative Community Engagement

Magnolia 3 | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

Counties across the nation have made rapid shifts in service delivery to keep pace with longstanding and emergent community needs. Whether it be public health, behavioral health or public safety, engaged communities are the cornerstone of maintaining transformative work. Join us to learn about effective approaches for public engagement to inform planning efforts, improve community buy-in, and strengthen the relationship between counties and residents.   

Share Your County Story

Cherry Blossom Ballroom | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

County News Digital Editor and Senior Writer Charlie Ban discusses County News, NACo's flagship newspaper, celebrating its 53rd year in print and how to get your county news into the paper. Q&A will follow with the authors of "Our Darkest Hours," a look at how county officials in New York responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and podcaster David Martin of "The Good Goverment Show."

Trends in Property Assessments and Their Financial Impacts: Commercial Assessments and the Post-COVID Housing Market

Camellia 1 | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

For counties in most states, property taxes constitute a majority of operating revenues on an annual basis. Several major trends have the potential to impact property values and assessments over the next five to ten years. This session will address challenges to property assessments for large commercial retail stores and discuss how county leaders can help residents navigate an extremely hot housing market and discuss solutions county leaders can implement to address housing supply and demand challenges.

Michigan Caucus Meeting

Azalea 1 | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

Texas Caucus

Annapolis 3-4 | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

West Virginia Caucus Reception

National Harbor Room 1 | Convention Center, Top Floor

Nebraska Caucus

Azalea 3 | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

Japan Night

Camellia 3 | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

The Japan Local Government Center holds a reception to honor its friendship with the county governments of the USA.

Arizona Caucus

Camellia 2 | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

Next Gen/County Leadership Institute/HPLA & CLA Reception

Cherry Blossom lobby | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

Join fellow County Leadership Institute, High Performance Leadership Academy and Cybersecurity Leadership Academy alumni and Next Generation NACo members! 

Gulf States Counties and Parishes Caucus

Maryland AC/123 | Convention Center, Ballroom Level

The purpose of the Gulf States Counties and Parishes Caucus is to promote a clearer understanding of mutual problems of Gulf Coast counties and parishes and their citizens; to establish a single source of information concerning county and parish governments in the Gulf region; and to advocate on behalf of those residing in Gulf counties and parishes before federal government. The caucus membership is open to all county and parish elected government officials from Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida.

Come hear from speakers on pressing topics important to the Gulf Coast.

NACo Solutions Desk Open

Potomac Lobby | Convention Center, Ballroom Level

General Session

Potomac Ballroom | Convention Center, Ballroom Level

ARPA Fiscal Recovery Fund: Overview and Demo of Revenue Loss Calculator

National Harbor Room 2-3 | Convention Center, Top Floor

Now that the U.S. Treasury has begun distributing Fiscal Recovery Funds authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP), counties across the country are eager to invest this funding to support our residents and communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the ARP, counties may use Recovery Funds for the provision of “government services” to the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced due to COVID-19. Join NACo staff for a demo of a new revenue loss calculator tool that counties can use to calculate your county's revenue loss and discussion on how to invet these funds. 

Programs and Services Committee Meeting

Annapolis Ballroom | Hotel Space, Ballroom Level

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 feature lessons learned from NACo affiliate state associations of counties in the adaptation and delivery of programs and services at the state level and a preview of NACo program areas for the coming years. Committee members will provide feedback to NACo to help maximize the impact of these initiatives and help shape NACo’s current and future programming.

Central Region Caucus Meeting

National Harbor Room 2-3 | Convention Center, Top Floor

South Region Caucus Meeting & Election

National Harbor Room 10-11 | Convention Center, Top Floor

NACo New Board Member Meeting

Riverview Ballroom | Outside the Lower Atrium