Equitable Governance: 2022 NACo DEI County Convening, Strategies for Governing with Equity
The National Association of Counties hosted a full-day diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) county convening before NACo’s 2022 Annual Conference to discuss the importance of equity in governance and how to strategically align efforts at the county level. The convening brought together over 50 participants from over 20 counties who sent a team comprised of a DEI practitioner, county administrator and elected official. Throughout the convening, attendees discussed the unique challenges and opportunities they see in their distinct roles and explored how to advance the principles of DEI by considering community data differently. Equitable Governance: 2022 NACo DEI County Convening, Key County Roles, Opportunities and Strategies for Governing with Equity lays out key takeaways from the convening.
County News
County News Spotlight: DEI Strategies
One-stop center keeps youth out of court
To better support at-risk youth, Calcasieu Parish, La., built its Multi-Agency Resource Center, a “one-stop-shop” model that proactively connects young people with community supports before they’re involved with the justice system.
USDA releases new SNAP proposed rules, impacting eligibility and work requirements
Counties are encouraged to comment on the potential impacts of these changes, particularly in connection with other upcoming SNAP changes
Innovate Solutions Together: Turning Ideas into Results
NACo CEO Matt Chase: "Every one of these counties started in the same place: a local vision, followed by a search for ideas. NACo builds the networks that connect county officials and other experts."
U.S. Department of Transportation announces final Safe Streets and Roads for All grant awards
On Oct. 30, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced awards for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. The awardees included 76 county governments, which received more than $282 million through the program to implement and plan for roadway safety projects.
Salute to county leaders: Jim Schmidt
After a mid-term appointment to succeed a late commissioner, Jim Schmidt stayed on the Lincoln County, S.D. Board of Commissioners for 28 years, during which time his county's population grew dramatically, both physically and managerially.
Counties play a growing role in the fight to lower utility costs for residents
County governments rarely have a direct role in the energy market, but a new NACo report finds that counties can often be most effective as advocates, helping lower residents’ utility costs by leveraging state programs, local partnerships and outreach.