County Crossroads Symposium: A Mobile Journey Exploring the County Landscape

Dec. 4–7, 2024 Sonoma County, Calif.

Jump to Section:

About the Symposium

Hosted by NACo’s Board of Directors, Large Urban County Caucus and Rural Action Caucus

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.

Register Today

Registration for the symposium is free but required. You can register yourself and one guest here.

Schedule

For travel planning purposes. Stay tuned for the full symposium schedule.

Wednesday, Dec. 4

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.	Registration & Corporate Resource Fair
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.	Mitote Food Park Experience
2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.	Symposium Kick-Off: Opening Remarks by NACo President James Gore
2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.	Mobile Tour Breakouts Tour of Los Guilicos Russian River Valley/Armstrong Redwoods
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. – 9:00 a.m.	Registration, Breakfast, Corporate Resource Fair
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.	LUCC Business Meeting
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.	Morning Mobile Tours 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. Following the Fire: 2017 Sonoma County Resiliency Tour In 2017, the Tubbs Fire devastated Sonoma County, burning over 36,000 acres and destroying or damaging nearly 6,000 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 Lunch at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts 50 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
1:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.	Afternoon Mobile Tours Following the Fire: 2017 Sonoma County Resiliency Tour In 2017, the Tubbs Fire devastated Sonoma County, burning over 36,000 acres and destroying or damaging nearly 6,000 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. 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.	Fall Symposium Reception and Dinner 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. – 9:00 p.m.	RAC Business Meeting
9:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.	Breakout Sessions Mobile Tour: Farm to Table: A Taste of Sonoma Agriculture Alternative Hotel Workshop Post Election Landscape Review Sonoma County Innovations: Spotlight programs from Achievement Awards
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
5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.	NACo Board Dinner and Reception (NACo BOD and Guests only)

Saturday, Dec. 7

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.	Networking Breakfast
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.	New Board Member Orientation
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.	NACo Board Meeting Part 2
12:00 p.m.	Departure (box lunches)

Featured Initiative

Presidential Spotlight: We...

During his inaugural remarks at the 2024 NACo Annual Conference, President James Gore outlined a bold presidential spotlight, “We…” The spotlight, inspired by this unique moment in time and the central role of counties as intergovernmental partners, focuses on three pillars.

Get Involved

Rural Action Caucus

RAC is the voice of rural counties before Congress and the White House.

Learn More

Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC)

LUCC is the premier forum for urban county leaders and is the voice for America’s metropolitan counties before Congress and the Administration.

Learn More

Make a Difference

Get Involved

NACo members have the opportunity to serve on 31 committees, caucuses, task forces and advisory boards to inform national policymaking and help solve problems impacting counties, boroughs and parishes.

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.