IAC Steering Committees: What to Expect at 2022 Annual Conference

The upcoming IAC Annual Conference agenda is packed with quality content and the IAC committee agendas are no exception. If you did not sign up for a 2022 steering committee, that’s okay; IAC members are still welcome to attend all committee meetings. This year during the committee meetings, we will pass around a sign-up sheet …

2022 NACo Annual Conference Recap in Adams County, Colo.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) held its annual conference in Adams County on the outskirts of Denver, Colo., at the Gaylord Rockies Resort this July. The event drew state and local government officials, subject-matter experts, and celebrated authors and innovators as keynote speakers from all nooks and crannies of the country. The event also …

Hidden Gems: Celebrate National County Government Month this April

Help us celebrate National County Government Month by showcasing your county’s hidden gems all month long! National County Government Month (NCGM), held each April, is an annual celebration of county government. We invite you to take this opportunity to promote the important programs and services your county offers. You can use social media to show …

IAC Officers Travel to Washington, D.C. for NACo Legislative Conference

By Kathy Ackerman, IAC Immediate Past President Idaho had several representatives at the recent National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference held in Washington, D.C., February 11-15.  As with Idaho Association of Counties (IAC) conferences, attending a national conference allows attendees to network and learn about important issues and potential solutions that are relevant in …

2022 IAC Midwinter Legislative Conference Recap

The Idaho Association of Counties (IAC) hosted its 2022 Midwinter Legislative Conference at the Riverside Hotel in Boise at the beginning of February. The four-day conference brought Idaho’s county elected officials and staff together for workshops, district and committee meetings, award announcements, a tour of the Idaho State Capitol, and the opportunity to connect with …

IAC Immediate Past President Travels to Georgia for NACo Board of Directors Meeting

By Kathy Ackerman, IAC Immediate Past President The National Association of Counties (NACo) Board of Directors meeting was held in Dekalb County (Decatur), Georgia on December 2-4 in conjunction with the Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) meeting. One of the primary purposes of the Board meeting was to set the legislative priorities for the coming …

Want Flexibility on ARPA Spending? Contact Your Congressman

In late October, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure, and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act (S. 3011/H.R. 5735). It was introduced to the House on November 1 but has not seen further movement since. Many counties have struggled when determining how to use these funds based on the …

Potential Federal Funding Sources for Idaho Counties

In light of new legislation being enacted such as the bi-partisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) along with more seasoned programs like the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Idaho counties have several opportunities to obtain federal funding. Read on for more details on these potential funding sources and additional resources for counties. American Rescue …

Congress Passes Bipartisan Infrastructure Funding Bill

Over the weekend Congress passed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA). The compromise bill provides needed funding for critical county infrastructure, including funding the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program for an additional three years. Not only will SRS be funded for three more years but funding will be increased. Counties eligible for SRS …

ADVANCING LEADERSHIP FOR NEWLY ELECTED COUNTY OFFICIALS

As a newly elected official, you know the importance of your work and the work of county leaders. You also know the stark reality of needing to do more with less and to maintain alignment of your resources, supporting county employees, and encouraging your community to hang tough in this time of uncertainty. There is …