2023 Western Interstate Region Conference
About the Conference
The NACo Western Interstate Region (WIR) Conference brings together county officials from across the nation to focus on pressing issues facing counties and our residents. Each year the conference is hosted by a county within the fifteen Western states – Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawai'i, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming – and provides attendees with the opportunity to interact with federal, state and regional policymakers, participate in educational sessions and take home tools to address challenges.
County News
WIR showcases Utah counties
House, Senate Agriculture Committees release frameworks for 2024 Farm Bill Reauthorization
After months of negotiations and gridlock, lawmakers on the House and Senate Agriculture Committees have released competing frameworks for the 2024 Farm Bill.
Mariposa County finds third time’s a charm for WIR
The Western Interstate Region made up for lost time during its conference in Mariposa County, Calif., welcoming the state of Nebraska and addressing pressing issues for public lands counties.
U.S. House passes suite of public lands legislation
The U.S. House considered a series of natural resource and public lands legislation addressing issues impacting public lands counties
House Passes Historic Outdoor Recreation Legislation
The U.S. House passed the bipartisan EXPLORE Act (H.R.6492) on April 9 to boost outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands and aid local economies
Counties see faint hope for meaningful input on Old-Growth Amendment
With less than two months before a draft is published, counties are trying to offer input while the U.S. Forest Service works toward an amendment to a rule guiding protections for old-growth forests.
National Center for Public Lands Counties builds a legacy of knowledge, experience
Ravalli County, Mont. Commissioner Greg Chilcott outlines plans for the National Center for Public Lands Counties.