About the Symposium

County officials interested in exploring county sites in Sonoma County, Calif. and engaging in discussion inspired by President Gore’s “We…” spotlight are invited to join NACo’s Board of Directors, Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) and Rural Action Caucus (RAC) at the County Crossroads Symposium.

This event will feature five mobile workshops over three days, enabling participants from all counties to gain hands-on experience and explore the role of counties and county leaders in building the future We imagine – one where local government is empowered by engagement, collaboration and innovation and fueled by an exceptional county workforce.

Join us as we embark on this immersive exploration of Sonoma County, a microcosm of America offering insights from urban, suburban and rural landscapes.

LUCC, RAC, and NACo’s Board of Directors will also conduct business meetings at this event – check the schedule for details.

Registration Update

Registration for the 2024 County Crossroads Symposium is now closed. If you have questions about registration or would like to join the waitlist, please reach out to your Large Urban County Caucus (bbryant@naco.org), Rural Action Caucus (ohart@naco.org) or NACo Board of Directors (mchavez@naco.org) staff liaison.

Schedule

Wednesday, Dec. 4

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Registration & Corporate Resource Fair
Corporate fair ends at 2:00 p.m.

11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Mitote Food Park Experience
Featured on Good Morning America – Lunch option of fiesta and food trucks in Santa Rosa for early arrivals. Buses will loop to and from hotel during this two-hour period for those interested in this food experience.

1:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

County Crossroads Symposium Kick-Off: Opening Remarks by NACo President James Gore
Hyatt Regency Courtyard

2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Mobile Tour Breakouts

Buses will load and depart from the Dry Creek Valley Foyer.

  • Group A: Bridging Care: Exploring Sonoma County's Human Services Continuum
    Representatives from Eliza’s Village Homeless Shelter, Sonoma County Juvenile Hall and Valley of the Moon Children’s Center will lead attendees through the county’s human services continuum, highlighting how these programs address the mental health needs of vulnerable populations. Through site visits and discussions, participants will gain insight into the collaborative efforts supporting those facing homelessness, juvenile restoration, and involvement in the foster care system.
  • Group B: Cultivating the Future: Rural Progress and Preservation in the Russian River Valley 
    Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, the Russian River Valley is a breathtaking region where rolling vineyards blend seamlessly with towering redwoods and picturesque seaside vistas, offering a landscape steeped in natural beauty and rich history. Yet, like many rural areas, it faces distinct challenges. Discover how local officials are crafting innovative solutions to address rural issues, including conserving natural landscapes, safeguarding agricultural heritage and promoting sustainable rural development.

6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Welcome Reception
Francis Ford Coppola Winery
300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, CA 95441

Thursday, Dec. 5

7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Registration, Breakfast, Corporate Resource Fair
Corporate fair ends at 9:00 a.m.

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

LUCC Business Meeting

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Morning Mobile Tours

Buses will load and depart from the Dry Creek Valley Foyer.

  • Group A: County Innovations in Water Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration
    Symposium attendees will tour the picturesque Lake Sonoma Overlook in Dry Creek Valley, where they will explore the future of sustainable water management. The tour will provide insights into Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO), an innovative approach to managing water resources. Participants will also learn about Sonoma County’s collaborations with federal agencies and academic institutions to develop effective water conservation strategies for extreme climate conditions. At the Vista Overlook, attendees will enjoy breathtaking views while listening to a presentation from the National Marine Fisheries Services about the Dry Creek Valley fish restoration initiative, highlighting the benefits of public-private partnerships in supporting these efforts.
  • Group B: Following the Fire: Sonoma County Resiliency Tour
    In 2017, the Tubbs Fire devastated Sonoma County, burning over 36,000 acres and destroying or damaging nearly 7,000 structures. Most significantly, the lives of 22 people and countless animals were lost. Residents who did survive became homeless overnight. In the wake of the fire, Sonoma County has implemented state-of-the-art disaster management systems that have mitigated impacts and saved lives. Join this tour to follow the path of the 2017 fire and hear from Department of Emergency Management officials about how the county is continuing to improve disaster resilience.

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Joint Luncheon at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
50 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Afternoon Mobile Tours

  • Group A: Following the Fire: Sonoma County Resiliency Tour
    In 2017, the Tubbs Fire devastated Sonoma County, burning over 36,000 acres and destroying or damaging nearly 7,000 structures. Most significantly, the lives of 22 people and countless animals were lost. Residents who did survive became homeless overnight. In the wake of the fire, Sonoma County has implemented state-of-the-art disaster management systems that have mitigated impacts and saved lives. Join this tour to follow the path of the 2017 fire and hear from Department of Emergency Management officials about how the county is continuing to improve disaster resilience.
  • Group B: County Innovations in Water Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration
    Symposium attendees will tour the picturesque Lake Sonoma Overlook in Dry Creek Valley, where they will explore the future of sustainable water management. The tour will provide insights into Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO), an innovative approach to managing water resources. Participants will also learn about Sonoma County’s collaborations with federal agencies and academic institutions to develop effective water conservation strategies for extreme climate conditions. At the Vista Overlook, attendees will enjoy breathtaking views while listening to a presentation from the National Marine Fisheries Services about the Dry Creek Valley fish restoration initiative, highlighting the benefits of public-private partnerships in supporting these efforts.

5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Crossroads Symposium Reception
Paradise Ridge Winery
4545 Thomas Lake Harris Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 

Friday, Dec. 6

7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Registration, Breakfast, Corporate Resource Fair

8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

RAC Business Meeting

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Joint Mobile Tour: Savoring Sonoma: A Tour of Food and Farming for County Leaders
The agriculture industry is vital to Sonoma County residents and holds a broader significance for communities across the country who enjoy the region’s many exports. During this tour, participants will gain firsthand insights into farming practices, economic impacts and challenges facing the industry, emphasizing the need for informed policy decisions to support and preserve this critical sector. 

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Joint Luncheon & Plenary Session (sponsored by Nationwide)
Hyatt Regency Wine Country

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

NACo Board Meeting Part 1

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

NACo Board Dinner and Reception (NACo BOD and Guests only)

Saturday, Dec. 7

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Board Networking Breakfast

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Roundtable Discussion on NACo EDGE Solutions

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

NACo Board Meeting, Part 2

Strategic Planning and Business Forum: The State of America's County Governments

County leaders are facing complex, ever-shifting economic, political, social and technological changes. These realities, along with the Association's 2030 Prosperity Initiative, are embedded in the NACo Blueprint. This session will examine the priorities, performance and lessons learned from the board, membership and partners.

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch on-the-go & Departure

Travel

Airports

STS – Charles M. Shulz, Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa. This small airport offers non-stop service with the following airlines from:

  • Alaska Airlines: Burbank (BUR), Seattle (SEA), Portland (PDX), Los Angeles (LAX), Orange County (SNA) and San Diego (SAN)
  • American Airlines: Phoenix (PHX) and Dallas (DFW)
  • Avelo Airlines: Burbank (BUR), Las Vegas (LAS), Palm Springs (PSP) and Bend/Redmond

SFO – San Francisco International Airport – GROOME Transportation offers shuttle service to/from SFO to STS (shuttle service can be 2 hours)

OAK – Oakland International Airport – GROOME Transportation offers shuttle service to/from SFO to STS (shuttle service can be 2 hours)

Flying into SFO or OAK? View GROOME's airport shuttle schedule here.

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For more information about NACo committees, click here. If you have any questions about getting involved, please call us at 888.407.NACo (6226) or email committee@naco.org.