National Association of Counties Legislative Conference draws nearly 2,000 county leaders, along with cabinet-level speakers, members of Congress
Pender County Board of Commissioners Commissioner Brent Springer joined nearly 2,000 county leaders from across the country for the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference, February 21-24. Over two general sessions, featured speakers included senior administration officials along with members of Congress from the U.S. House of Representatives. Conference attendees shaped NACo’s legislative agenda, received updates on key federal policies, and advocated for county priorities on Capitol Hill.
Participation in the conference strengthened intergovernmental partnerships, including engagement with Sen. Budd. Discussions focused on Pender County’s critical infrastructure needs, and the senator expressed an understanding of and support for those priorities.
Discussions at the conference addressed critical issues impacting counties, including surface transportation, federal disaster policy, housing and permitting reform, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, energy and data centers, workforce development, and more.
Attendees also participated in a Federal Agency Expo, with nearly 50 federal program offices sending representatives to meet with conference participants and build intergovernmental partnerships.
Commissioner Springer is currently serving on the Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee with the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners.
“It was valuable to participate at the national level and gain insight into the priorities being advanced,” Commissioner Springer said. “Another Commissioner from our region and I collaborated to strengthen language in a proposed National Association of Counties policy that could ultimately move forward to Congress. The policy focuses on protections for first responders.”
“Working together and engaging with intergovernmental partners at all levels of government, such as the National Association of Counties, strengthens Pender County’s voice and keeps us aligned with policies that affect our residents,” said Colby W. Sawyer, Pender County manager. “By building and maintaining these relationships, we are better positioned to support the needs and priorities of the citizens we serve.”
“Federal policies have direct and long-lasting impacts on county governments and our residents,” said NACo President J.D. Clark. “NACo’s Legislative Conference is an important opportunity for county leaders to strengthen relationships with our intergovernmental partners, tell our county story, and advocate for county priorities that help our communities and residents thrive.
For more details about the 2026 Legislative Conference, visit https://www.naco.org/event/2026-naco-legislative-conference.