Join NACA for their popular Idea Exchange at the NACo Legislative Conference.

Location: Columbia 7/9/10, Terrace Level (Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009)

Why County Leaders Can't Miss This Event:

🔐 CYBERSECURITY – Opening Keynote
Carlos Kizzee (MS-ISAC) & John Matelski (NACo) on frontline strategies for protecting critical services and building county resilience

🚨 AI IN 911 OPERATIONS – Fairfax County Leadership
County Executive Bryan Hill, Commissioner Ben Ku (Gwinnett County), and the Fairfax 9-1-1 team share how AI is triaging non-emergency calls and transforming emergency response

🗳️ AI IN ELECTIONS – Expert Panel
Commissioner Shinica Thomas (Wake County) and election leaders share practical innovations for voter communication, training, and secure operations

📊 GIS & STORYMAPS – Live Demo with Esri
Bring county data to life with compelling visualizations and transparent storytelling

✅ AI EVALUATION FRAMEWORK – New York State Counties
Proven matrix for assessing AI solutions with confidence and fiscal responsibility

👉 REGISTER NOW: 2026 NACo Legislative Conference | National Association of Counties

Space is limited. Secure your spot today and join fellow county leaders shaping the future of local government technology.

Questions? Contact us at Kimberly Ransom, @kransom@naco.org

NACA Members and 2026 Friends of NACA are invited to join the February 5, 2026 virtual NACA Idea Exchange.

TOPIC: Service Delivery and Operational Efficiency with AI and Beyond

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. EST
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. CST
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MST
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. PST

NACA selects topics for Idea Exchanges based on member feedback. Here are some highlights of questions and ideas NACA has received on this topic:

• We are using AI to analyze our agenda before it is final and it is finding errors, conducting analysis for our consideration, and really having an impact! I wonder who else is using it for analysis and how.

• The topic on methods of prioritizing services in times of reduction, budget tightening could be something to hear about.

• Check out this article: Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Public Administration: Challenges and Vulnerabilities. “By leveraging AI technologies, governmental institutions can analyze vast amounts of data to inform decision-making actors, streamline processes, and improve citizen engagement.”

The virtual Idea Exchanges are organized so attendees will learn from their peers via breakout rooms through facilitated discussions. Come to connect with your county peers from across the nation!

Please note that this virtual Idea Exchange is for NACA members that are current practitioners in county government AND 2026 Friends of NACA sponsors.

Location: virtual/online via Zoom

This event is brought to you in partnership with Mission Square Retirement.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

After registering, your membership and sponsorship status will be verified. If verified, you will receive a confirmation email via Zoom AND a calendar invitation which will include Zoom credentials. Questions? Email NIU Secretariat, Paula Freeze.

NACA Members and Friends of NACA are invited to join the 5th and final virtual NACA Idea Exchange of 2025 on December 11th.

TOPIC: Budget Reduction and Personnel Allocation Processes

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. EST
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. CST
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MST
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. PST

The virtual Idea Exchanges are organized so attendees will learn from their peers via breakout rooms through facilitated discussions. Come to connect with your county peers from across the nation!

Please note that this virtual Idea Exchange is for NACA members that are current practitioners in county government AND current Friends of NACA sponsors.

Location: virtual/online via Zoom

This event is brought to you in partnership with Mission Square Retirement.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

After registering, your membership and sponsorship status will be verified. If verified, you will receive a confirmation email via Zoom AND a calendar invitation which will include Zoom credentials. Questions? Email NIU Secretariat, Paula Freeze.

County administrators know that modern public facilities and infrastructure are the foundation of their communities’ quality of life. But with funding uncertainties clouding every spending initiative, administrators need evidence that infrastructure modernization is not only essential, but also practical in the current environment.

Join us for an hour with infrastructure experts from Solano County, CA and OPTERRA Energy Services to learn:

• Which public systems and facilities are most in need of improvement throughout the United States.

• How comprehensive modernization programs create more efficient infrastructure, freeing up money to add or improve public services.

• The funding pathways that make ambitious projects pencil out, for both urban and rural counties.

• How initiatives can benefit a variety of county departments and accelerate the achievement of countywide objectives.

Be sure to stay for the case study portion! Leaders from Solano County will share how their comprehensive modernization program prevents power outages, reduces carbon emissions, lowers utility expenses, and engages community members.

Details

DATE: Tuesday, December 9, 2025

TIME: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT

VENUE: virtual (Zoom)

COST: free

RSVP through the button below (via Ticket Tailor).

Click here to register if no RSVP button appears above.

Speakers

Kelly Fergusson, Senior Program Development Manager, Public Sector, OPTERRA

At OPTERRA, Kelly is responsible for coordination, supervision, and overall financial management of a wide portfolio of local government projects. Prior to her clean energy work, she spent 15 years as an independent consulting civil engineer specializing in linear utilities capital asset management and mapping. In parallel with her professional career, Kelly served 16 years as a volunteer public servant including 8 years as an elected official of the Menlo Park City Council and one term as Mayor. Kelly holds three degrees from Stanford University, including two Civil Engineering degrees: an MS (Infrastructure Planning and Management) and a PhD (Industrial Facility Quality).

Anthony Tave, Director of General Services, Solano County, California

At Solano County, Anthony oversees the General Services Department providing essential support services to all county departments in the areas of capital projects management, fleet services, facilities operations, purchasing, energy utilities and real estate services. He also serves as an elected member on the City of Pinole City Council as Mayor Pro Tempore. His experience in infrastructure projects runs deep with previous leadership roles at Saint Mary’s College, San Francisco City College, and the City and County of San Francisco. Anthony holds a BS in Civil Engineering from California State Polytechnic University – Pomona.

About OPTERRA

Drawing on over 50 years of experience, OPTERRA designs and builds comprehensive performance-based infrastructure modernization programs for public agencies of all sizes. OPTERRA’s master-planning approach delivers fully funded and operationally efficient infrastructure that aligns with local objectives, promoting safe, sustainable, and resilient communities.

While government organizations want the benefits of priority-based budgeting in the face of deficits and uncertainty, they often lack the resources to undertake the process. We will explore how AI can significantly streamline the implementation of priority-based budgeting and produce recommended, proven, and actionable steps for surfacing revenue opportunities and savings. We will highlight real-world examples of how AI and machine learning unlock patterns and insights previously hidden in the granular details of raw line-item budget data. We will also examine how Al can identify patterns among similarly scored and categorized programs from other governments to suggest program-specific recommendations for resource reallocation and revenue generation. And we will share stories from local governments that are benefiting from priority-based budgeting.

Presenter:

• Chris Fabian, Senior Director of Product Strategy, ERP Budgeting, Tyler Technologies

Cost: Free

Click on the link below to register.

Free ICMA Coaching Webinar for ICMA members and non-members.

Are you prepared to lead through unprecedented transformation?

The workplace is undergoing a seismic shift. Are you prepared to lead through unprecedented transformation, shaped by shifts in technology, demographics, expectations, and values?

Click the link below to register:

We invite you to join us for an exclusive webinar featuring Friend of NACA, The Ferguson Group (TFG), a leading federal advocacy firm serving local governments across the country.

This timely session will provide county administrators with strategic insights on:

• The current state of federal grants and NOFOs

• Transportation reauthorization and its local implications

• WRDA 2026: What’s ahead for water infrastructure

• A “DC Download” covering the latest from Congress, federal agencies, and the White House

Whether you're planning projects, pursuing funding, or advocating for your community, this webinar will equip you with the latest intelligence and actionable takeaways.

DATE: November 13, 2025

TIME: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST

LOCATION: Virtual (Zoom). A recording will be provided. Live attendance is encouraged.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Speakers:

Join us at the 2025 ICMA Annual Conference for an exclusive county focused session designed specifically for County Administrators/Managers, Assistants, and their Staff. NACA’s Idea Exchange provides an opportunity for county administrators from across the country to discuss issues specifically relevant to counties in an informal setting.

Join the conversation to discuss innovative efforts on recruiting and retaining the workforce, best practices in implementing behavioral health programs, navigating the latest executive orders, and more!

Audience: County Administrators/Managers, Assistants, and their Staff. Friends of NACA are welcome.

Date: Tuesday, October 28 

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST

Location: 2025 ICMA Annual Conference, Tampa Marriott Water Street

Room: Florida Ballroom Salon VI

Join us at the 2025 ICMA Annual Conference for an exclusive county focused session designed specifically for County Administrators/Managers, Assistants, and their Staff. NACA’s Idea Exchange provides an opportunity for county administrators from across the country to discuss issues specifically relevant to counties in an informal setting.

Join the conversation to discuss innovative efforts on recruiting and retaining the workforce, best practices in implementing behavioral health programs, navigating the latest executive orders, and more!

Audience: County Administrators/Managers, Assistants, and their Staff. Friends of NACA are welcome.

Date: Monday, October 27 

Time: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM EST

Location: 2025 ICMA Annual Conference, Tampa Marriott Water Street

Room: Florida Ballroom Salon VI

Yeoman's Cask & Lion
202 N. Morgan Street

The National Association of County Administrators (NACA) invites you to join county professionals for an evening of networking in an engaging atmosphere. Enjoy food and drinks while mingling, sharing insights, and building valuable relationships. Don't miss this chance to connect with peers and strengthen your professional network!

Free ICMA Coaching Webinar | Master unexpected transitions and curveballs into your greatest professional advantage.

What would you do if you were suddenly thrust into a critical leadership role tomorrow? In the dynamic world of local government, career trajectories can change in an instant—and your ability to adapt quickly can define your entire professional journey.

Cost: Free!

Click here for more information and to register.

NACA Members and Friends of NACA are invited to join the 4th virtual NACA Idea Exchange on 9/10/25 from

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. EST
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. CST
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MST
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. PST

TOPIC: Navigating Mandates and Informing Elected Officials
Let’s talk about how counties are navigating state and federal mandates and how county administrators are communicating the information to their elected officials.

The virtual Idea Exchanges are organized so attendees will learn from their peers via breakout rooms through facilitated discussions. Come to connect with your county peers from across the nation!

Please note that this virtual Idea Exchange is for NACA members that are current practitioners in county government AND current Friends of NACA sponsors.

Location: virtual/online via Zoom

This event is brought to you in partnership with Mission Square Retirement.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

After registering, your membership and sponsorship status will be verified. If verified, you will receive a confirmation email via Zoom AND a calendar invitation which will include Zoom credentials. Questions? Email NIU Secretariat, Paula Freeze.

Join ICMA and MissionSquare Research Institute for a data-driven look at how public sector employees engage with investment options, make financial decisions, and prepare for retirement.

DATE: August 7, 2025

TIME: 12:00 - 1:00 CST

COST: Free

Click here for more information and to register for this free ICMA webinar.
 

This webinar is complimentary thanks to the sponsorship of ICMA Partner MissionSquare, who will have access to registration information.

This free NACo webinar will discuss the current federal and state legislative landscape and related trends expected to impact county benefit plans in 2025 and beyond.

Click on the source link below to register!

Join NACo along with Leah Bezanson, Patient Revenue Supervisor at Minnesota Department of Human Services and Erica Gregory, SVP & GM, Revenue Cycle Management at Netsmart, for insights on how automation can help protect collection rates, enhance accuracy and improve data visibility.

Click here for more information and to register for this free NACo webinar.

NACA is holding Idea Exchange two of two on July 13th, during the 2025 NACo Annual Conference. Thank you to our Idea Exchange sponsor, Mission Square Retirement!

Time: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM EST

Location: Pennsylvania Conference Center, Room 111 AB (1101 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19107)

Please consult the NACo Annual Schedule to confirm dates, times, and location for all NACA activities.

Join us for an evening of networking and celebration at the NACA Reception hosted by OPTERRA Energy Services, a 2025 Friend of NACA. This in-person event will take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Philadelphia Marriot Downtown's THIRTEEN Restaurant from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM EST. Get ready to connect with county professionals and expand your network. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, this is an event you won't want to miss. 

Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025

Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm EST

Location: THIRTEEN Restaurant, Philadelphia Marriott Downtown (1201 Market Street, guest entrance at 1200 Filbert Street)

Thank you to our host, OPTERRA Energy Services (formally ENGIE)!

NACA will hold one of their two Idea Exchanges on July 12th, during the 2025 NACo Annual Conference. Thank you to our Idea Exchange sponsor, Mission Square Retirement!

Along with the Idea Exchange on July 12th, NACA will hold their Annual Membership Meeting. The agenda for the Annual Meeting will include voting on the new NACA Board of Directors for 2025-26.

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM EST

Location: Pennsylvania Conference Center, Room 111 AB (1101 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19107)

Please consult the NACo Annual Schedule to confirm dates, times, and location for all NACA activities.

The NACA Board Meeting will take place at the 2025 NACo Annual Conference on July 11th.

Time: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Location: Pennsylvania Conference Center, Room 202 AB (1101 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19107)

Friends of NACA are welcome to join the Board Meeting. Please RSVP with the Secretariat.

Join NACo staff to learn ways to maximize your NACo Annual Conference experience and to answer your questions. The conference is the premier opportunity for county leaders to exchange cutting-edge practices, network with one another and shape our federal policy agenda for the year ahead.  

DATE: July 1, 2025

TIME: 2:00 - 3:00 PM CST

COST: Free

LOCATION: Zoom Webinar.

Click here for more information and to register for this NACo webinar.

For registration questions, please email nacomeetings@naco.org.

Disaster response demands speed, coordination, and accessible tools to reach communities when they need it most. When wildfires struck LA County, officials launched two major relief programs in just two weeks - delivering $2,000 grants to impacted workers and up to $25,000 to affected businesses. 

Join NACo and LA County's Department of Economic Opportunity and AidKit to explore actionable strategies and replicable tech solutions that can strengthen your jurisdiction’s readiness for future crises.

Key Takeaways:
- Strategies for incorporating geospatial technology in disaster planning and response.
- Techniques for using identity verification tools to balance security and accessibility.
- Best practices for building public-private partnerships in times of crisis.
- Approaches for rapidly delivering emergency cash relief by integrating on-the-ground community services with virtual technical assistance to ensure culturally responsive and comprehensive outreach.

For more information and to register, click here.

DATE: June 26, 2025

TIME: 1:00 - 2:00 CST

COST: Free

LOCATION: Webinar

Join ICMA and Disaster Program & Operations, Inc. for a free webinar that will help your jurisdiction maximize federal and state natural disaster reimbursement.

Local governments do a great job of returning their communities back to normal after initial disaster responses, but the critical documentation required for FEMA/Federal reimbursement can be daunting and much of the data is either lost, not maintained or lacking specific elements critical for FEMA obligation or state close-out audits’ requirements. During Blue Sky days, the various software systems and manual methods work for normal everyday operations; however, for “Disaster Response” and to ensure financial recovery, these systems are inefficient, cumbersome and don’t produce the detailed documentation required for reimbursement of disaster recovery costs.

ICMA’s educational training will provide guidance to maximize FEMA/Federal disaster reimbursement and tips to leverage the Federal & State Hazard Mitigation Programs making local governments more resilient to disasters while decreasing financial recovery time and costs. Topics will include:

• Pre- and post-disaster federal requirements for disaster reimbursement
  to maintain FEMA Compliance for: damage assessments; emergency repairs; long term recovery projects; debris damage assessments; debris removal/utility line clearing documentation

• Strategic solutions to better align with FEMA/state disaster reimbursement criteria and maintain federal compliance for disaster financial audits, including issues, examples, and FEMA gotchas

• Documentation management: strategic solutions for maintaining documentation long term and audit-ready

• Leveraging web and mobile apps to improve response efficiency & maintain documentation per FEMA Federal Disaster Reimbursement

Presenters:

• Gabrielle Benigni, President, Disaster Program & Operations, Inc.

• Rob Russakoff, Sr. VP for Recovery, Disaster Program & Operations, Inc.

DATE: June 25, 2025

TIME: 12:00 - 1:00 PM CST

COST: Free

Click here to register.

This webinar is complimentary thanks to the ICMA sponsorship of Disaster Program & Operations, Inc., who will have access to registration information.