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.

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Crews work on forest restoration in Coconino County, Ariz.
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Counties search for footing amid federal workforce cuts

Staffing reductions in the federal land management agencies are upsetting the intergovernmental balance in public lands counties.

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U.S. House passes bipartisan legislation encouraging active forest management

On January 23, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fix Our Forests Act (H.R. 471), also known as FOFA. Initially introduced by Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Scott Peters (D-Calif.), this bipartisan legislation will promote active forest management to curtail the wildfire crisis and protect rural communities, infrastructure and natural resources. 

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Advocacy

County Countdown – January 28, 2025

The first 100 days, Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force fly-in, SALT deduction profiles released, reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools, and Medicaid and counties.

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Advocacy

Congress Passes Landmark Outdoor Recreation Package

Lawmakers passed the bipartisan EXPLORE Act (H.R.6492) on December 19 to boost outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands for county residents and visitors and aid gateway communities

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Advocacy

County Countdown – December 16, 2024

Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.

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Advocacy

County Countdown – December 2, 2024

Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.