2023 NACo Annual Conference & Exposition

FEMA Just-in-Time Recovery Management Training

Level 3 | Room 8

As the frequency, severity and cost of natural disasters continues to increase, county officials must be prepared to respond to and recover from these events. To assist in this effort, NACo has partnered with FEMA to provide members with a day-long training. Known as the “Just In Time” program, this in-person training will highlight all the federal resources available to counties following a disaster, information on how to apply for these funding opportunities and an overview of the documentation procedures.

NACo's 2023 CIO Forum

Level 4 | Ballroom F

This year's annual CIO Forum is focused on moving beyond being successful and making an impact by building resiliency through neurodiversity and skills training for IT, as well as developing short term and long-term strategies that bring innovation and transformation and keeps pace with the changing landscape of technology. Technology areas that will be covered include workforce, cybersecurity collaboration, change management, criminal justice and innovative opportunities.

First-Time Attendee Orientation

Level 1 | Ballroom A

All first-time attendees are welcome to join us to learn about NACo and how to make the most of the Annual Conference. Due to limited space, this session is open to county officials and staff attending their first NACo conference. This event is invite only.

Community Economic and Workforce Development Policy Steering Committee (Offsite Meeting)

Austin Community College

Community, Economic and Workforce Development Policy Steering Committee members will travel to the Austin Community College Highland Campus to discuss critical issues and policy priorities on all matters pertaining to economic and workforce development, public works, and increasing and preserving affordable housing. Members will also consider and vote on policy resolutions that will be used to guide NACo’s advocacy efforts.

Agriculture and Rural Affairs Policy Steering Committee Meeting

Level 4 | Room 18A

Join NACo's Agriculture & Rural Affairs Policy Steering Committee to learn about the diverse challenges facing rural America today, as well as key insights and innovations that may provide county leaders with tools to help their rural communities thrive. Committee members will hear from leading thinkers and decisionmakers from across the agriculture sector and rural development space, including nationally renowned policy experts, stakeholders, and federal partners. The committee will also participate in discussions on the 2023 Farm Bill and its impact on counties, and consider resolutions to shape NACo's advocacy on agriculture and rural policy.

Finance, Pensions and Intergovernmental Affairs Policy Steering Committee Meeting

Level 4 | Room 18B

NACo’s Finance, Pensions and Intergovernmental Affairs Policy Steering Committee meeting will discuss a wide range of matters of importance to counties related to county revenues and fiscal management, federal tax reform, pension and retirement benefits, municipal bonds, the intergovernmental partnership and the balance of federalism, elections, and more. The committee will also hold its business meeting to consider policy resolutions related to relevant federal actions and updates to our platform.

Human Services and Education Policy Steering Committee Meeting

Level 3 | Room 9 B & C

National experts, county leaders and policymakers will join the Human Services and Education Policy Steering Committee to discuss policy priorities and best practices for strengthening the child care workforce, strengthening food systems, and preventing child abuse and neglect via concrete economic supports for families. The committee will also reflect on lessons learned from county investments in programs for children and families using ARPA Recovery Funds.

Public Lands Policy Steering Committee

Level 4 | Ballroom E

Join the Public Lands Policy Steering Committee for discussions with federal land management agencies on implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, species conservation efforts, wildfire mitigation, energy and mineral development and improving recreation-based economies.

PR Office Hours with NACIO

Level 1 | Solar Atrium

The PR doctors are in! Visit the National Association of County Information Officers to talk about communications and public relations challenges and opportunities in your county, and while you’re there, answer our question of the day for the chance to be featured on NACIO’s platforms.

The Workforce Network Advisory Council (WNA Council) Meeting

Level 3 | Room 4

Exhibit Hall Opening and Welcome Reception

Level 1 | Exhibit Hall 3 & $

Explore the Exhibit Hall and meet our vendors!

SHOW YOUR BADGE DISCOUNT PROGRAM

NACo and our hosts in Travis County and Austin have worked with dozens of local restaurants to provide a “Show Your Badge” discount program on the opening evening of the conference, Friday, July 21.

By clicking here, you can access the list of locations offering special deals available to NACo members who show their conference badge. Advance reservations are recommended for many – book your dinner reservation today!
 
Also by showing your conference badge, attendees will receive discounted admission to the LBJ Presidential Library from July 20–25.

National Association of Hispanic County Officials (NAHCO) Reception

Marriott Courtyard & Residence Inn Austin Downtown

NACHFa Meeting

Level 3 | Room 10C

New Mexico Delegation Reception

Fairmont Austin Hotel

North Carolina Caucus

Level 4 | Room 17

North Carolina Reception

Level 4 | Room 14

Police Jury Association of Louisiana Hospitality Reception

Hilton Austin

Conference Registration Open

Level 1 | Solar Atrium

NACo GIS Subcommittee Meeting

Level 4 | Room 18B

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Subcommittee of the Information Technology Standing Committee focuses on GIS education, national trends and proposed legislation that might affect GIS. Members are county elected officials, surveyors and planners, GIS directors and other county GIS leadership. The subcommittee will hear from national organizations and partners on relevant topics on current and future landscape of GIS policies and practices including uncrewed vehicles.

State Association of Deputy Directors and GA Staff Meeting

Level 3 | Room 6A

Curbing the Crisis: County Recommendations to Advance Housing Affordability

Level 4 | Ballroom F

Navigate the complex landscape of county authority and housing affordability. Hear from NACo Housing Task Force members on specific policy recommendations and best practices that can be tailored and implemented in your community.

Reskilling for Recovery: Summit on Workforce Development

Level 1 | Ballroom A

County governments are critical to the nation's workforce, employing more than 1 in every 50 American workers. Post-pandemic, counties have been increasing workforce capacity to address residents' needs and lay the groundwork for economic recovery. Join this workforce development summit to hear innovative solutions for making investments to improve the county government workforce. All county administrators, human resource and benefit professionals are encouraged to attend this workshop and become a part of NACo's new Workforce Network.

Resilient Counties Advisory Board Breakfast: Planning for Disaster Housing

Level 4 | Ballroom G

Through the Resilient Counties Advisory Board (RCAB), NACo works to strengthen county resiliency by building leadership capacity to identify and manage risk and allow counties to become more flexible and responsive to extreme weather events. Hagerty Consulting will provide expert testimony on affordable housing challenges and alternative housing studies and solutions. Counties will gain insights into pre-disaster planning that aims to facilitate affordable housing solutions and hear about emerging housing technologies and strategies to bridge the gap between immediate post-disaster and longer-term housing needs.

NACE Executive Committee Meeting

Level 3 | Room 10C

Exhibit Hall Open

Level 1 | Exhibit Hall 3 & 4

Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) Business Meeting

Level 4 | Ballroom D

NACo's Large Urban County Caucus meeting will feature conversations with national and local leaders on topics of importance to urban counties, homelessness and housing, income equality and economic development.

National Association of County Human Services Administrators

Level 3 | Room 5

Rural Action Caucus (RAC) Business Meeting

Level 4 | Ballroom E

NACo's Rural Action Caucus will discuss issues important to rural America and to hear from guest speakers who are helping to shape policies important to rural communities.

CORE Justice Network + SJC Site Luncheon

Level 3 | Room 6B

This invite-only luncheon will host leaders from Safety + Justice Challenge counties & NACo's County Officials advancing Racial Equity (CORE) in Justice network members. Participants will have the opportunity to hear updates on MacArthur’s Safety + Justice Challenge with a focus on initiatives to advance racial equity throughout the criminal legal system and hear about the role and voice of lived experience in this work. County officials will have the opportunity to share their current challenges and goals to advance racial equity.

Membership Standing Committee Meeting

Level 4 | Room 11

The Membership Standing Committee advises and supports NACo’s membership recruitment and retention efforts while championing county engagement in NACo.

National Council of County Association Executives (NCCAE) Business Meeting & Luncheon

Level 1 | Room 3

Utah Caucus Meeting

Level 4 | Room 15

NACIO Awards & Membership Meeting

Level 3 | Room 7

Artificial Intelligence Exploratory Committee Meeting

Level 3 | Room 4

Veterans and Military Services Committee Meeting

Level 4 | Room 18 C & D

The Veterans and Military Services Committee will hear from county officials, advocates, federal experts and those with lived experience on the challenges and opportunities facing women in the veteran and military community and children and youth in military families. Committee members will also discuss federal policy priorities and the relaunch of Operation Green Light for Veterans as avenues for better serving our veterans, service members and their families. Content warning: this meeting will include discussion of military sexual trauma (MST).

DCR Advisory Committee Meeting

Level 3 | Room 5

Immigration Reform Task Force Meeting

Level 3 | Room 9 B & C

The Immigration Reform Task Force (IRTF) will meet to discuss the latest developments on immigration reform, the impact of federal immigration policy on local governments and communities, and hear from policy experts.

National Association of County Intergovernmental Relations Officials (NACIRO) Annual Business Meeting

Level 4 | Room 18B

Western Interstate Region (WIR) Board of Directors Meeting

Level 4 | Ballroom E

The Western Interstate Region (WIR) is dedicated to the promotion of Western interests within NACo, including public land issues (use and conservation), community stability and economic development, and the promotion of the traditional western way of life. WIR Board Members will discuss county involvement in energy production, balancing resource development needs and public access to federal lands and opportunities to grow rural Western economies.

PR Office Hours with NACIO

Level 1 | Solar Atrium

The PR doctors are in! Visit the National Association of County Information Officers to talk about communications and public relations challenges and opportunities in your county, and while you’re there, answer our question of the day for the chance to be featured on NACIO’s platforms.

Governing on the Ground (Book Event)

Offsite

Alabama Delegates Caucus

Level 3 | Room 6A

Kansas Association of Counties Caucus

Level 4 | Room 15

Pennsylvania Counties Caucus

Level 3 | Room 10C

Georgia Reception

Level 3 | Room 9A

Reception Sponsored by Amazon Web Services

Marriott | Level 5 | Waterloo Ballroom 4

MS Caucus Reception

Cafe Blue Downtown Austin

Workforce Development and Economic Mobility Reception (Sponsored by Walmart)

Marriott Downtown | Level 5 | Waterloo Ballroom 3

All are welcome to join this networking reception. Special thank you to our partners at Walmart. We also acknowledge counties in the Economic Mobility Leadership Network for their hard work and contributions.

Women of NACo (WON) Round Up: Boots, Hats & Friends Social

Level 3 | Room 10B

CBP Global Entry Interviews

Level 2 | Mezzanine Room 2

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will conduct in-person enrollment interviews for CBP’s Global Entry program at the Austin Convention Center, 500 Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701 on Saturday, July 22 through Sunday, July 23 in conjunction with the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference.

Global Entry allows expedited clearance for preapproved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Participants may enter the U.S. using automated kiosks located at 62 U.S. airports, and 15 preclearance sites. Global Entry approval also allows U.S. travelers to be eligible to participate in the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Pre✓®program, which expedites screening through TSA checkpoints at participating airports.

For Global Entry applicants who are conditionally approved, you may be able to complete your interview without an appointment using Enrollment on Arrival (EoA).  When landing in a participating international terminal, follow the signage directing you to CBP officers who can assist you to complete your Global Entry interview during your admissibility inspection. Additional information, including a list of participating airports, can be found on CBP.gov.

How to Apply

To participate in the interview process, you must follow these steps:

Visit the Trusted Traveler Programs website https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/ and review the available programs.
Step 1: Create a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account.
Here, you must first create an account and then log in to apply. When applying, be sure to only select the Global Entry option. A $100 USD nonrefundable application fee must be paid online at the time you apply.
Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive a message in your account notifying you of the results. If you are “conditionally approved” for Global Entry and are invited to schedule an interview,
Log into your TTP account and select “Schedule Interview”:

From the Schedule Appointment page, scroll to the bottom of the page and select “Do you have an access code?”.
Enter the "Access Code" 76ZBA5485 to schedule an interview appointment for the private event.
Enrollment location NACo 2023 will display, and you can select the date and time for your interview.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CBP is experiencing a significant backlog of applications. To complete your interview, it is recommended you submit your application as soon as possible. 

About Global Entry

Global Entry is available for citizens, and lawful permanent residents of the U.S., as well as citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Germany, South Korea, the Netherlands, Mexico, Panama, Singapore, India, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Canadian citizens and residents can receive Global Entry benefits through membership in the NEXUS program. To find out if additional requirements must be met, please visit www.GlobalEntry.gov, select the “International Arrangement” link on the left and then the country of citizenship.

Questions? See CBP’s Frequently Asked Questions on the Global Entry website or Frequently Asked Questions about the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP). If you are unable to find the information you need, the CBP INFO Center is open Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. EDT. Inquire via email or by calling 1.877.CBP.5511. If you are outside the U.S., call 202.325.8000.

PR Office Hours with NACIO

Level 1 | Solar Atrium

The PR doctors are in! Visit the National Association of County Information Officers to talk about communications and public relations challenges and opportunities in your county, and while you’re there, answer our question of the day for the chance to be featured on NACIO’s platforms.

Generating Clean Energy in Our Counties: A Place Based Approach

Level 4 | Room 12

Unprecedented federal resources from both the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act are incentivizing the deployment of clean energy technologies, including solar and wind energy. This workshop will focus on how counties can prepare for and evaluate the options, costs and potential benefits of generating clean energy. You will hear from county leaders on place-based initiatives that enable the planning and installation of clean energy developments. This panel will also explore the resources available to counties, including the SolSmart program, which provides no-cost technical assistance to reduce non-hardware costs for residents, businesses, nonprofits and government facilities to meet electricity needs through solar energy.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy through the Power of a Strong Leadership Motto

Level 4 | Room 18 C & D

County leaders have the opportunity to shape our communities for years to come. But how can you ensure your impact lasts beyond your time in office? This workshop, powered by NACo’s High Performing Leadership Academy, will supply you with tools to create a legacy by harnessing a leadership motto. More than just a catchy phrase, a leadership motto is a guiding principle that informs your every action. In this workshop, learn how to identify and develop your own powerful leadership motto and strategies for integrating your motto into your leadership style and decision-making.

Reducing Recidivism and Improving Outcomes after Incarceration

Level 4 | Room 17

Counties nationwide operate 90 percent of all local jails and provide services to people leaving jails and on community supervision. People leaving jails often face a variety of challenges – from housing and employment to behavioral health treatment and recovery services. Additionally, the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP) results in higher rates of recidivism, increased health care costs and poorer health outcomes. During this session, attendees will hear from national experts and county leaders on the latest trends in re-entry and community supervision.

Exhibit Hall Open

Level 1 | Exhibit Hall 3 & 4

NACA Idea Exchange

Level 4 | Ballroom F

Navigating Crisis Communication

Level 3 | Room 9 B & C

Join the National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) for robust discussion and Q&A focused on crisis communications and today's uniquely challenging news landscape. More than ever, county officials are navigating the world of "fake news" and communicating in the face of natural disasters and other crises. Learn key tips for rapid response communications, remaining calm under pressure, and adhering to a strong sense of audience and objective.

Next Generation General Membership Meeting

Level 3 | Room 4

Revitalizing County Health, Public Safety and Legal Systems

Level 4 | Room 17

Examine how counties are strengthening our health, public safety and legal systems to make real the promise of ensuring justice for all. Learn about key resources counties are leveraging to center the experiences of underserved populations and address social determinants of health. This session will highlight county strategies for improving health equity within, and across, our health, human services and criminal legal systems.

NACo Achievement Awards Lunch & General Session #2

Level 1 | Exhibit Hall 5

The Achievement Awards Luncheon & General Session will feature best-in-category winners of NACo’s Achievement Awards program and keynote speakers. This luncheon is open to all conference attendees.

Achieving the American Dream: Summit on Strategies to Promote Economic Mobility

Level 4 | Ballroom F

County policies, programs, partnerships and funding create pathways to improved financial prosperity for our residents. This capstone to NACo's multi-year partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will focus on four key policy areas to support inter-generational wealth-building, including equitable access to broadband, effective workforce development, housing finance and measuring progress. Presenters will feature subject matter experts as well as elected county leaders who are members of NACo’s Economic Mobility Leadership Network.

Safeguarding Our Counties: Summit on Disaster Resiliency

Level 4 | Ballroom G

As the frequency, severity and cost of natural disasters increases, this summit will provide attendees with an overview of federal resources available to help bolster community resiliency, including strengthening local energy grids, critical infrastructure and households. This session will also highlight innovative county solutions that have been implemented to safeguard against future disasters.

Mobile Workshop: Community First! Village Mobile Tour

Buses depart from the Trinity Street Convention Center exit

Community First! Village is a 51-acre master planned community that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for the disabled, chronically homeless in Central Texas. Since 2005, this transformative residential program has been a staple of Mobile Loaves & Fishes and has become the largest community-based model in the country lifting homeless men and women up off the streets into community and home.

This tour is open to all conference attendees on a first-come, first-served basis.

NACo Credentials Committee Meeting

Level 3 | Room 4

NACIO Awards Celebration

Fairmont Hotel Rules & Regs Rooftop Bar

Meet the Researchers: Counties and Pew Reception

Level 4 | Room 14

Hosted by The Pew Charitable Trusts, this networking reception will offer opportunities to meet Pew researchers and talk county priorities.

Nebraska Caucus

Hyatt Place Austin Downton | Meeting Room 1

NACo's DEI Reception

Austin Marriott | Rye Bar

Listening Session with the Counties of Hawai'i

Level 3 | Room 4

The U.S. Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program has increased efforts to preserve and protect cultural, natural and land resources that benefit Hawai’i residents and the DOD mission. County leaders from the state of Hawai’i are invited to discuss their experiences, priorities and questions with representatives of the DOD’s REPI program.

Conference Registration Open

Level 1 | Solar Atrium

NACo Annual Business Meeting

Level 1 | Exhibit Hall 5

Join the Annual Business Meeting of the National Association of Counties where county members will consider policy resolutions, elect a slate of officers for the 2023-2024 term, and conduct other business as necessary.

PR Office Hours with NACIO

Level 1 | Solar Atrium

The PR doctors are in! Visit the National Association of County Information Officers to talk about communications and public relations challenges and opportunities in your county, and while you’re there, answer our question of the day for the chance to be featured on NACIO’s platforms.

Northeast Region Caucus Meeting

Level 4 | Room 19B

All attendees from the Northeast Region are invited to learn more about NACo and what is happening in the region. Northeast Region includes the following states: Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia.

West Region Caucus Meeting

Level 4 | Room 18B

All attendees from the West Region are invited to learn more about NACo and what is happening in the region. The West Region includes the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming.

Powering Up Economies: Strategies for Coal, Energy and Rural Communities

Level 4 | Room 17

This workshop will showcase economic trends and innovative strategies to strengthen your local economy. Learn about forward-looking opportunities from experts and county leaders to overcome economic shocks and support greater resiliency. Counties will discuss responses to the closing of coal-fired power plants and successful diversification of mining economies. Walk away inspired by the potential within your community for economic transformation. Additionally, coal-impacted communities are encouraged to be part of NACo’s Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities (BRECC) Initiative.

The Opioid Epidemic in Rural America: Creating Justice System Pathways to Care

Level 3 | Room 9 B & C

While no corner of the country has been untouched by the opioid epidemic, the overdose crisis has hit rural America particularly hard. Between 1999 and 2015, overdose deaths increased 325 percent in rural counties. Additionally, people with substance use disorder are often routed into the legal system and incarcerated, which may disrupt treatment and increase overdose risks. Hear from members of NACo's Opioid Solutions Leadership Network and the Reaching Rural Initiative about how rural counties are adopting solutions to the persistent challenges in addressing substance use disorder.

Enacting Policies and Service Delivery that Benefit All

Level 4 | Room 11

County leaders can help improve the trajectory for everyone in our communities by making equitable decisions in policy and service delivery. Learn about the unique opportunities open to each of us, regardless of our function in county government, and how we can leverage resources to ensure equity is central to our governance.