NACo 2026 Legislative Conference Idea Exchange: Key Takeaways for County Leaders

More than 100 county administrators from across the country gathered during the NACo Legislative Conference for a robust Idea Exchange focused on three critical challenges facing counties today: building stronger relationships with elected officials, navigating data center development, and combating misinformation. The discussion highlighted practical strategies, peer-tested approaches, and candid lessons learned from counties of all sizes.

1. Developing Better Relationships with Elected Officials

Participants emphasized that strong professional relationships are rooted in strong personal relationships. Administrators shared that investing time outside of formal meetings can significantly improve trust, communication, and mutual understanding with elected officials.

Several techniques were noted as particularly effective:

• Driving or walking through elected officials’ districts together, which helps administrators better understand constituent concerns while giving electeds insight into county operations.

• Informal interactions, such as walking meetings, casual conversations after work, or unscripted check-ins, often create space for more honest dialogue than structured settings.

• When conflict or tension arises, experiences with third-party involvement were mixed. Some counties found value in professional mediators or consultants, while others reported success using a trusted internal staff member as a neutral intermediary to help reset relationships and facilitate communication.

The overarching theme was intentional relationship-building before challenges arise, rather than waiting until conflict is already present.

2. Data Centers: Understanding and Using County Leverage

As data center proposals continue to increase nationwide, administrators shared a clear message: counties often have more negotiating power than they realize. If a data center developer is approaching a county, it is because that location meets specific strategic needs—and that creates leverage.

Key discussion points included:

• Counties should feel empowered to negotiate decommissioning plans, utility investments, infrastructure upgrades, and potential revenue-sharing arrangements.

• Several administrators recommended engaging specialized consultants to support negotiations, evaluate long-term impacts, and review agreements to ensure counties fully understand both risks and benefits.

• Participants also raised concerns about transmission lines associated with data centers, particularly in rural areas where they may disrupt farmland, natural landscapes, and community character.

The conversation reinforced the importance of long-term thinking and careful analysis when considering data center projects, especially given their scale and lasting impact.

3. Combating Misinformation in Communities

County leaders were nearly unanimous in noting that misinformation is no longer an “if” but a “when” challenge—and preparation is critical.

Effective strategies shared included:

• Building strong, proactive relationships with local media so counties have trusted channels in place before a crisis occurs.

• Investing in communications talent, with some counties successfully recruiting staff from local news stations to strengthen storytelling, social media presence, and rapid response capabilities.

• Administrators cautioned against leaving a communication vacuum, as misinformation spreads quickly when accurate information is not readily available.

• Creative approaches included launching “myth-buster” podcasts or episodes after allowing time to gather recurring misinformation and address it comprehensively.

• Some counties have also developed printed booklets or educational materials outlining what county government does and how services are delivered, helping residents better understand county roles and responsibilities.

The discussion underscored that transparency, consistency, and clarity are essential tools for maintaining public trust.

Next Event: May 7, 2025 Virtual Idea Exchange

NACA Members and 2026 Friends of NACA are invited to join the May 7 virtual NACA Idea Exchange.

TOPIC: TBD

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 2026 Friends of NACA sponsors.

Location: virtual/online via Zoom

This event is brought to you in partnership with MissionSquare and NACo EDGE.