Presidential Spotlight: Building Better Futures
Jump to Section
During his inaugural remarks at the 2026 NACo Annual Conference in Orleans Parish, Louisiana, President George Dunlap announced his presidential spotlight, "Building Better Futures." Over his presidential year, the spotlight calls on counties across the country to examine what they are doing for young people, invest upstream before challenges become crises, and take at least one concrete action to improve outcomes for youth in their communities. As part of the spotlight, President Dunlap also launched a Youth Housing and Homelessness Task Force to focus on one of the most pressing challenges facing young people today.
"The future of our counties depends on the future of our youth. The question is not whether we can do more — but how can we do better, together."
— NACo President George Dunlap, Mecklenburg County, N.C.
Call to Action
President Dunlap is asking counties to pass a formal board resolution committing to assess their investments in young people and take at least one concrete action to improve outcomes for youth.
The resolution covers the full range of upstream supports — afterschool programming, mentorship, behavioral and physical health access, workforce and career-readiness opportunities, housing stability and programs that serve youth at risk of or involved in the juvenile justice system.
The Building Better Futures resolution asks for a real vote, on the record, by the county board. Every county has a way to make a difference in the life of a child. The resolution is your commitment to find yours.
To participate:
- Pass the Building Better Futures resolution through a formal vote of your county board
- Submit a signed copy to NACo using the form here
- Share your progress and what you are learning with NACo and peer counties throughout the year
Watch
NACo President George Dunlap announces presidential spotlight during the 2026 NACo Annual Conference
Youth Housing and Homelessness Task Force
President Dunlap has also launched a Youth Housing and Homelessness Task Force to focus on one of the most urgent challenges facing young people across the country. The task force is co-chaired by Supervisor Holly Mitchell of Los Angeles County, California and Commissioner Shannon Jones of Warren County, Ohio — leaders from different regions and different political parties, united by a shared commitment to building better futures for youth.
Key Moments
July 2026
Building Better Futures launched at the NACo Annual Conference, Orleans Parish, La.
December 2–4, 2026
Building Better Futures: A County Leaders' Symposium on Youth Outcomes and NACo Fall Board of Directors Meeting, Mecklenburg County, N.C. Event Details
May 2027
Progress update at the NACo WIR Conference
July 2027
Final results and capstone report released at the NACo Annual Conference
Conference
2026 Fall Board of Directors Meeting and Building Better Futures: A County Leaders' Symposium on Youth Outcomes
Hosted by NACo President George Dunlap as part of his presidential spotlight, in partnership with NACo’s Board of Directors and Large Urban County Caucus, the event will focus on practical strategies and collaborative approaches that counties can advance at the local level—from proven prevention and early intervention models to cross-sector partnerships that align resources and expand opportunity.
Related Resources
Youth Justice
Through technical assistance, national partnerships and member-driven initiatives, NACo’s Youth Justice programming equips county leaders with resources and peer learning opportunities to strengthen local youth justice systems.
Youth Justice Resource Hub
NACo’s Youth Justice Resource Hub provides counties with a collection of evidence-based strategies to strengthen their juvenile justice systems.
The Stepping Up Initiative
The Stepping Up Initiative is a data-driven framework that aims to reduce the overincarceration of people with mental illnesses in jails through training, resources, and support that are tailored to local needs.
Diversion programs, peer support and quick response teams form opioid strategy
Since 2019 the Ulster County, N.Y. Sheriff's Office has combined the authority of law enforcement with the deep empathy of peer advocates and medical professionals when addressing substance use disorder.
Counties meet an unprecedented moment in human services
County human services directors are racing to lower SNAP Payment Error Rates, implementing significant eligibility changes and preparing for reduced federal support while building entirely new systems and processes to implement Medicaid work requirements.
Supreme Court hears county climate case
Boulder County, Colo.'s brief to the Supreme Court contends that ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy “intentionally misled the public” about the impacts of climate change and should pay for damage they say is caused by fossil fuels’ contribution to it.
Counties reassess license plate surveillance amid privacy concerns
Counties across the country are grappling with how to address mass public backlash against local governments’ use of Flock cameras and other automated license plate readers.
Orange County, N.C. youth justice efforts eye productive outcomes
Rather than moving them deeper into the juvenile justice system, the Youth Deflection Program “deflects” first-time offenders and youth who commit low-level, nonviolent misdemeanors toward appropriate, community-based services.