2026 NACo Legislative Conference Recap

Once again, Idaho had a strong showing at the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference held in Washington, D.C., February 20-24.

Bannock County Commissioner Jeff Hough was a guest panelist for the Childcare Supply Network National Showcase, discussing trends for improving local childcare supply, accessibility and affordability. The panelists shared resources and outlined strategies to effectively and sustainably build childcare supply. 

NACo Board Representative and Idaho County Clerk Kathy Ackerman was a part of a panel with Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane for the Intergovernmental Roundtable for Effective Election Administration.  Ackerman and McGrane shared insights and stories from Idaho that demonstrate how good communication leads to strong partnerships between the state and counties. 

Other highlights of the conference were standing committee meetings in IT, Public Lands, Economic Development, and many more.  These committees, like IAC standing committees, meet for the purpose of gathering information, considering policy resolutions, and advocating for or against Federal legislation that impacts counties.

Participants heard from a number of high-profile Congressional leaders including Representative GT Thompson, Chair of the House Agriculture Committee and Representative Bruce Westerman, Chair of the Natural Resources Committee. Additionally, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of the Department of Health & Human Services and Tom Zeldin, US EPA Administrator, spoke during the General Session, further demonstrating the important relationship between NACo and the Federal Government. 

As always, a highlight was visiting our Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill. IAC does an excellent job of coordinating these meetings so they are productive and timely.  During the meeting with Senator Mike Crapo, IAC President Jenny Rosin presented the Senator with a signed and framed copy of the resolution that was passed at the IAC Mid-winter Conference. The resolution honored Senator Crapo for his heroic efforts in the reauthorization of SRS funding. 

For more information about NACo, please contact our NACo Board Representative Kathy Ackerman at kackerman@idahocounty.org or any IAC staff member.

To view more photos from the NACo Legislative Conference, check out IAC’s Flickr page here!