2025 Fall NACo Board of Directors Meeting Recap

Written by Kathy Ackerman, NACo Board Representative and Idaho County Clerk

The Fall NACo Board of Directors Meeting-Storytellers Symposium was held December 4-6 in Wise County, Texas, the home of current NACo President Judge J. D. Clark. Attending from Idaho were NACo Board Representatives Kathy Ackerman and John David Davidson. Wise County pulled out all of the stops, extending pure Texas hospitality while showcasing their recently renovated historic Courthouse.

With a packed agenda focusing on how counties are in a unique position to tell the stories that give dimension and depth to the work they do for their citizens, board members were treated to a variety of speakers who ‘story-tell’ for a living.

Award winning author and historian, S. C. Gwynne, (Rebel Yell, Hymms of the Republic, Empire of the Summer Moon) shared his perspective on telling our stories by tackling one big idea to convey the message and by utilizing verifiable facts.

Songwriter Drew Kennedy offered a seemingly contrasting perspective, suggesting that for songwriters, facts matter less than crafting a story that makes people feel something…and rhymes! He also mentioned that he visits Idaho often to perform and had nothing but positive things to say. Ultimately, the overarching message of both guest speakers was that there must be a reason for the story to exist. For counties, the reasons to tell our stories are many. They offer the opportunity to connect with our communities, educate the public, and preserve our history.

To continue with the storytelling theme, board members listened to two pollsters, one Democratic and one Republican, talk about the merit of polls and how to turn data into stories that, again, make people feel. They also discussed the need to shift our messaging to have optimal reach. People used to actively seek news and information, but the current trend is the news and information coming directly at or to us.  Yes, that means evaluating how we communicate with constituents and making the effort to get the message we want to deliver out before the Facebook vigilantes direct the message. All of that said, the pollsters agreed that organic conversations always win.  

Board members also heard briefings on the legislative forecast and issues that are likely heading towards all counties and states in the coming months. Both property tax repeal and data center development may surface in Idaho this year highlighting the need for elected officials to educate themselves and the public about the impacts to service and governance these issues may create. NACo has numerous resources to assist counties in just about every imaginable area of interest and concern. Take some time to explore all of the toolkits available at naco.org.