County authorizes two commissioners and county manager to attend NACo legislative conference

The board authorized travel to the 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., authorizing Commissioner Hendricks and Commissioner Keller and the county manager to attend at an approximate cost of $3,500 per person.

Commissioners discussed budget constraints and which trips historically attracted federal funding; some commissioners emphasized the importance of in-person advocacy to secure grants and maintain relationships with federal representatives, while others warned against authorizing more attendees than budgeted (SEGs 2924-2950, 2968-2996). Commissioner Jacobson moved the motion to authorize attendance by Commissioner Hendricks, Commissioner Keller and the county manager; the motion passed 5-0.

Chair and staff said future agenda materials will include a breakdown of which conferences have historically produced grant or funding results and how staff travel budgets are allocated.