Annual NACo Conference & Exposition

The NACo Annual Conference & Exposition is the only meeting that draws a cross section of elected officials and county staff from across the country. Attendees from rural & urban counties, large and small budgets and staff – all come together for 4 days of education, networking and sessions aimed to help improve residents’ lives and the efficiency of county government.

Counties are one of America’s oldest forms of government, dating back to 1634 when the first county governments (shires) were established in Virginia. The organization and structure of today’s 3,069 county governments are chartered under state constitutions or laws and are tailored to fit the needs and characteristics of states and local areas.

No two counties are exactly the same. Counties are governed by locally elected officials and, in some instances, operate under home rule authority, which allows for more local flexibility and control with structural, functional and fiscal powers. Though organizational structures and specific responsibilities vary, all county governments are on the front lines of delivering vital services to residents.