Reflecting on the 2025 National Association of Counties Annual Conference: Innovations, Practical Tools, and Readiness

The 2025 National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference held in Philadelphia, PA this month brought together county leaders from across the Nation. With local governments facing unprecedented challenges, the conference proved to be a critical platform to exchange ideas, develop partnerships, and share solutions to pressing issues that affect communities every day. From economic development, to cybersecurity and emergency management, attendees engaged in a forward-looking dialogue designed to strengthen the foundation of governance in all counties.

Strong Counties Together

The Conference sessions highlighted innovation when facing day-to-day challenges. Whether it's investing in infrastructure improvements, advancing education opportunities, or addressing public health matters, attendees explored topics that directly impact residents and drive priorities forward. Workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities highlighted strategies to foster economic growth, support workforce development, and deliver essential county services.

The venue was buzzing with boots-on-the-ground local officials, policymakers, and technical experts working together to address shared goals. Participants left with not just new perspectives, but also with actionable tools and connections they could bring home to their communities.

Cybersecurity: A Prominent Theme

As counties increasingly rely on digital systems for everything from financial operations and  emergency response coordination to citizen experience, the growing threat posed by cyberattacks was a prominent conversation at the Conference. Sessions focused on providing county officials with the latest guidance on defense—such as enforcing consistent security policies and malware detection—and urged investment in modern IT security solutions.

Federal, state, and county representatives discussed needed funding and various cost share models  to ensure adequate resourcing of this national security imperative. Other experts encouraged counties to actively participate in threat-sharing networks to receive up-to-date information about emerging cyber risks. This focus reflects the understanding that a secure digital infrastructure isn’t just a tech issue; it’s vital to public safety, community trust, and long-term governance.

A Simulation of Combined Emergencies

An interesting session during the Conference was its tabletop exercise—a simulated scenario that tested the ability to handle dual emergencies: a major wildfire and a simultaneous cyber intrusion. This exercise required participants to make swift, strategic decisions while balancing the protection of public safety, communication, and coordination efforts.

The exercise revealed key insights about the importance of continuity planning and reliable system backups. It also underscored the need for emergency management officials and cybersecurity leaders to work closely together, ensuring vulnerabilities and interdependencies are understood before crises arise. By placing participants in the shoes as actors during a real-world event, the exercise drove home that readiness depends as much on investments in the right security tools as it does on coordination and training.

Protecting Innovations Shaping the Future

Another memorable session highlighted the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI in dynamic delivery of county services. One panel provided insights for AI applications through use cases. Attendees were thus able to explore how data-driven insights are reshaping critical fields such as providing citizen information through chatbots, analytics for zoning, and efficiency in financial reporting. The focus on innovation reflects the growing understanding that technology is enhancing decision-making by helping officials drive smarter, more efficient solutions. Of course, ensuring proper use and using proven security measures was a robust proportion of the conversation.  

What’s Next

The 2025 NACo Annual Conference wasn’t just a gathering; it was a furthering of action. In the face of ever-evolving challenges like cybersecurity threats, emergencies, and fiscal restraints, counties across the Country are planning today to meet the needs of tomorrow. Armed with knowledge, partnerships, and tools, the Nation's 3,069 counties are positioning themselves to protect residents, deliver services efficiently, and adapt to a future built on innovation and collaboration. One thing is clear: the path forward for America’s counties is paved with bold leadership, the willingness to embrace new ideas, and the commitment to work together for a brighter tomorrow.