CONFERENCE AGENDA

NCACC 117th ANNUAL CONFERENCE AUGUST 8 -10 IN FORSYTH COUNTY

Photography courtesy of Sawtooth School for Visual Art

One More Thing August 7 & 8
Annual Conference Thursday, August 8
Annual Conference Friday, August 9
Annual Conference Saturday, August 10

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8

8 a.m. ­– 6 p.m.

Check-In and Registration Desk Hours

9 – 10 a.m. Salem 1AB

Demystifying Artificial Intelligence: A Practical Guide for Local Government Teams

Speaker: Jennifer Robinson Co-speaker: Rafael Baptista

Step into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with this primer designed specifically for local government teams. No data science degree required! Read more.

View the presentation from Jennifer Robinson. View the presentation from Rafael Baptista.

10 ­– 10:15 a.m.

Transition Break

10:15 ­– 11:15 a.m. Salem 1AB

AI Ethics: Principles and Practical Insights

Speaker: Sterlina Smith

Explore the ethical dimensions of AI in this accessible session designed for all. Walk away with clear insights and practical tips to navigate AI responsibly in your work. Read more.

View the presentation.

11:15 ­– 11:30 a.m.

Transition Break

11:45 a.m. ­– 1:15 p.m. Salem Ballroom ABC

Opening Ceremonies and Networking Lunch

1:15 ­– 1:30 p.m.

Transition Break

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Winston 3B

Drones as First Responder

Speakers: Sheriff Bobby F. Kimbrough, Jr., Sergeant Anna Joyner, Corporal David Shaver

In “Drones as First Responder,” Forsyth County’s Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough discusses the innovative Real-Time Intelligence Center (RTIC) project, detailing its inspiration, his research, and how he worked with the county on funding. Join this session to explore the innovative use of drones and real-time video intelligence in enhancing public safety and emergency response. Following the session, board the shuttle to the RTIC to observe how these integrated communication platforms and real-time video streams from body-worn cameras, private, public, and drone sources enhance situational awareness and safety. Read more.

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Winston 3A

Put Your Lottery Funds to Work Shaping Your Education Future Sponsored by the North Carolina Education Lottery

Speakers: Van Denton, Adam Owens, Adam Pridemore

More than $100 million sits in a fund in Raleigh waiting for counties to tap into to repair and renovate schools. Is your county one of those with up to $1 million or more of unspent funds? If you’re dreaming of a new school for your county, $350 million in school construction funds are budgeted for this fiscal year alone. Don’t miss this session on how three state school construction programs, funded mainly by the state lottery, can help you shape the future of education in your county. You’ll hear from school constructions experts from DPI and get to watch videos showing the impact new schools have in counties all across our state. Popcorn, anyone? Read more.

View the presentation.

1:30 – 4 p.m. Salem 1AB

Digging into the Details on Property Taxes and Sales Taxes in 2024 (Part 1 and Part 2)

Speakers: David Baker, John Burgiss, Denise Canada

Join this session and dive deep into how property and sales taxes are assessed, administered, collected, and remitted. Read more.

View the presentation from David Baker. View the presentation from Denise Canada.

1:30 – 4 p.m. Winston 1A

How to Stay COOL When Everything Around You is HEATING Up! (Part 1 and Part 2)

Speaker: Dan Clark

Join this session to explore processes and frameworks that empower you with strategies for enhancing citizen engagement, fostering a deeper understanding of the policymaking process, and strengthening trust between elected leaders and constituents. Read more.

View the presentation.

2:30 ­– 2:45 p.m.

Transition Break

2:45 – 4 p.m. Off-site Tour

Off-Site Tour: Demo and Tour of Forsyth County Real Time Intelligence Center

Speakers: Sheriff Bobby F. Kimbrough, Jr. Co-speakers: Sergeant Anna Joyner, Corporal David Shaver

Board a shuttle to the Forsyth County Public Safety Building and learn about Sheriff Kimbrough’s Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC) and his Drone Team’s DFR (Drone as a First Responder) program. This will be a follow up to the “Drones as First Responder” education session. Read more.

2:45 – 4 p.m. Winston 3B

Strengthening Communities: Flood Insurance and Disaster Mitigation Strategies

Speaker: Valerie Anderson, Steve Garrett, Hailey Schoellhorn

Attendees explore practical strategies to reduce flood risks, lower insurance premiums, and enhance overall community resilience. Gain valuable insights into navigating the CRS framework, implementing effective mitigation measures, and leveraging federal resources to safeguard communities against future flood disasters. Read more.

View the presentation.

2:45 – 4 p.m. Winston 3A

How HSIN Can Secure Local Elections

Speaker: Alethea Madello

The Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) is the Department of Homeland Security's official system for trusted sharing of Sensitive But Unclassified information between federal, state, local, territorial, tribal, international and private sector partners. Mission operators use HSIN to access Homeland Security data, send requests securely between agencies, manage operations, coordinate planned event safety and security, respond to incidents, and share the information they need to fulfill their missions and help keep their communities safe. HSIN is routinely used at all levels of government to perform key functions such as, protecting election integrity or responding to emergencies. Read more.

4:15 – 5:15 p.m. Winston 1A

NC Association of Black County Officials (NCABCO) Business Meeting

5:15 – 6 p.m. Salem Foyer

Networking Reception

6 – 9 p.m. Salem Ballroom ABC

First Night Celebration, Hosted by NC Cooperative Extension

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9

8 a.m. ­– 4:45 p.m.

Check-In and Registration Desk Hours

9 ­– 9:15 a.m. Salem Ballroom ABC

Morning Welcome and Introductions

9:15 – 10:15 a.m. Salem Ballroom ABC

Keynote Presentation: Ending the Criminalization of Mental Illness

Keynote Speaker: Judge Steven Leifman

Join Judge Leifman in discussion on his journey into the mental health system, the legal and medical history that led to America’s mental health crisis, and the essential elements necessary to create an effective system of care to transform the mental health and criminal justice systems and make jail the last option for people with serious mental illnesses, not the first. Read more.

View more resources from Judge Leifman's keynote presentation.

10 a.m. ­– 1:30 p.m. Salem 1C

Association of County Clerks Executive Committee (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.) and Business Meeting (12 – 1:30 p.m.)

10:15 ­– 10:45 p.m.

Transition Break

10:45 – 11:45 a.m. Salem 1AB

Blueprint for Success: Building Your County’s Long-Range Capital Plan

Speakers: Eddie Harris, Johnna Sharpe

Discover why establishing a capital plan is not just essential but necessary for sustainable growth and financial health and learn where to start in the capital planning process and explore a step-by-step approach to building a robust plan. Read more.

View the presentation.

10:45 – 11:45 a.m. Winston 3B

Decoding Affordable Housing in North Carolina: Strategies and Authority

Speakers: Jeff Adams, Kyle Haney, Karen Kennedy, Morgan Mansa, C. Tyler Mulligan

Glimpse an overview of what affordable housing is and what authorities and strategies North Carolina counties have to support it in their communities. Read more.

View the presentation.

10:45 – 11:45 a.m. Winston 1A

Navigating Recovery Courts in North Carolina

Speakers: Jonathan Barfield, Judge Julius H. Corpening, II, Chris Coudriet, Judge Elizabeth A. Heath, Judge Alan Thornburg Moderator: Kevin Leonard

Join us for this panel session on establishing and sustaining recovery courts in North Carolina. Read more.

View the handout. View the article. View the report.

12 ­– 1 p.m. Salem Ballroom ABC

Networking Lunch

12 ­– 1 p.m. Winston 3A

County Managers’ Luncheon

12 ­– 1 p.m. Winston 2

NCABCO Scholarship Banquet

1:15 – 2:15 p.m. Winston 3A

Bridging the Digital Divide in North Carolina: Historic Investments and Future Plans for Broadband Expansion

Speaker: Nate Denny

This session discusses the scope of projects currently under way and the state’s plans to invest an additional $1.5 billion through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which North Carolina received from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. We also explore the future role for counties in increasing broadband access as the landscape and programmatic rules change. Read more.

View the presentation.

1:15 – 2:15 p.m. Salem 1AB

Navigating Tomorrow’s Waste Management Landscape: Challenges, Innovations, and Collaborations

Speakers: Amanda L. Bader, PE, W. Michael Brinchek, PE, Joseph Hack, QEP Moderator: Jackson L. Cozort

Join us for an insightful session delving into the future of waste management, where we explore the pressing challenges facing our communities and the innovative solutions emerging to address them. Read more.

View the presentation.

1:15 – 2:15 p.m. Winston 3B

Online GIS Promoting Collaboration and Civic Inclusion

Speakers: Shaylee Bowen, Mitchell Byers, Marlena Isley

This presentation expands beyond traditional GIS by exhibiting how non-spatial tools can be employed to create, display, and analyze data provided for/by citizens. Counties of all sizes and budgets can leverage these tools to expand their online GIS presence and encourage civic engagement. Read more.

View the presentation.

1:15 – 3:15 p.m. Off-site Tour

Off-Site Tour: Forsyth County Courthouse

Located at 175 N. Chestnut Street, the new Forsyth County Courthouse was opened in October 2023. This state-of-the-art facility combines new technology with the work of local and state governments. The tour will include information on construction, funding resources, and local government partnerships with judicial officials. Boarding for the off-site tour starts at 1:05 p.m. Read more.

2:15 ­– 2:30 p.m.

Transition Break

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Winston 1A

Challenges, Innovations and Trends: Insights from NCACC's Strategic Project Coordinator Cohort

Speakers: Erick Mendez, Tracy Miles, Alex Norwood, Hannah White

Curious about NCACC's Strategic Project Coordinator (SPC) cohort program and how it could benefit your county? This session highlights the impactful collaboration and investment by the NCACC in developing local government professionals without any financial burden on participating counties. Read more.

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Salem 1AB

Preparing for Closeout of Federal Grants Sponsored by EisnerAmper

Speakers: Brett Pellegrin, Jennifer Butler

In 2021, Congress enacted the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), providing unprecedented direct federal funding to all 100 North Carolina counties through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) program. This year marks a critical deadline for counties as all recipients must fully obligate their SLFRF funds by December 31, 2024. During this session, grants professionals from EisnerAmper and NCACC will discuss how counties can prepare for the impending obligation deadline to ensure that no funds are remitted back to U.S. Treasury. Read more.

View the presentation.

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Winston 3A

Virtual Office: Connect Your Office to Taxpayers 24 X 7 Sponsored by E-Ring, Inc.

Speakers: Raj Radhakrishnan, Madhukar Sareddy

A leader in property tax software since 2004, E-Ring offers streamlined solutions that empower professionals and enhance the taxpayer experience. Unlock the potential of a 24/7 virtual office and revolutionize the way you engage with taxpayers with E-Ring. Be part of the transformation to turn your office into a modern, responsive hub that meets the needs of today’s digital age. Read more.

View the presentation.

2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Off-site Tour

Off-Site Tour: Forsyth County Central Library

Located at 660 W. 5th Street. Forsyth County has a certified peer support specialist who is primarily located at the Central Library and is available to direct community members to essential services such as housing assistance, medical services, behavioral health services, and financial services. The county also contracts with Moji Coffee and More to operate a small coffee shop that is based in the library. The coffee shop employs individuals with developmental disabilities. Attendees will have an opportunity to tour the Central Library and interact with the Peer Support Specialist and Moji coffee employees. Boarding for the off-site tour starts at 2:15 p.m. Read more.

2:45 ­– 3:30 p.m. Embassy Suites

YouthVoice Check-In

3:45 – 5:15 p.m. Off-site Tour

Off-Site Tour: Forsyth County Law Enforcement Detention Center

Located at 201 N. Church Street. This is an opportunity for attendees to learn about ways to incorporate mental health and substance abuse services into a detention center operation. Forsyth County has a dedicated behavioral health unit for men and other programming, services, and resources for both men and women. Tour provided by detention center staff. For your safety and the safety of others, please wear closed-toe shoes, avoid wearing any revealing clothing and do not bring any personal items. Boarding for the off-site tour starts at 3:35 p.m. Read more.

4 ­– 9 p.m.

YouthVoice Orientation and ‘Real Colors’ Training

6 ­– 9 p.m. Kaleideum Science Museum, 120 W. 3rd St.

Reception and Networking Event at Kaleideum

Hosted by Forsyth County at the newly opened Kaleideum in Winston-Salem, this event promises a perfect blend of networking and discovery. Connect with fellow county commissioners and leaders in a vibrant, interactive environment surrounded by cutting-edge exhibits and captivating displays. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to forge new connections, exchange ideas, and experience the wonders of Kaleideum!

6:30 ­– 7:30 p.m.

YouthVoice Dinner

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

8 a.m. ­– 2 p.m.

Check-In and Registration Desk Hours

8 ­– 9 a.m. Salem Ballroom ABC

Networking Breakfast

9 ­– 9:15 a.m. Salem Ballroom ABC

Morning Welcome and Introductions

9:15 – 10:15 a.m. Salem Ballroom ABC

Keynote Presentation: Warning: Gale Force Demographic Wind Gusts Ahead!

Keynote Speaker: Dr. James H. Johnson Jr.

Join Dr. James Johnson for a captivating presentation that delves into seven potent demographic trends, akin to mighty gale force winds amidst a turbulent storm, poised to reshape the landscape of business, commerce, and education in the years to come. Read more.

10:15 ­– 10:30 p.m.

Transition Break

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Salem 1AB

Building a Legacy: Effective Succession Planning Strategies in County Government

Speakers: Janis Gallagher, Amia Massey, Matt Rhoten Moderator: Paula Loftin, NCACC

Join us for “Building a Legacy: Effective Succession Planning Strategies in County Government,” to hear some successful approaches to succession planning. Representatives from Pitt County and Gaston County present innovative strategies for smooth transitions and highlight their collaborative efforts in nurturing future leaders. Read more.

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Winston 1A

Innovative Solutions for Foster Care Challenges: A Multi-County Approach

Speakers: Jennie Kristiansen, Chuck Lycett, Tracie Murphy, Kim McGuire

This panel discussion addresses the critical challenges North Carolina counties face in the foster care system, highlighting collaborative and innovative strategies to support children in foster care and those in DSS custody. Expert panelists will share successful programs and initiatives that have improved outcomes, focusing on resource limitations, placement shortages, and the emotional needs of children. Read more.

View the presentation.

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Winston 3B

A Ferocious Feline Population Problem

Speakers: Mike Barclift, Bill Coleman, Jennifer Lynn Federico, Jonathan Moody

This session focuses on the urgent issue of stray and feral cat populations, a significant public concern for many communities. This session provides valuable insights, resources, and real-world examples from Dare, Pasquotank, Pitt, and Wake counties. Discover how collaborative efforts and innovative strategies can lead to sustainable, humane outcomes for both animals and communities. Read more.

View the presentation.

10:30 a.m. ­– 1:15 p.m.

YouthVoice Bottom Line!

11:45 a.m. ­– 12:15 p.m. Salem Ballroom ABC

Networking Lunch with YouthVoice Participants

12:15 ­– 12:30 p.m. Salem Ballroom ABC

Opening Remarks and Plenary Speaker Introduction

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Salem Ballroom ABC

Plenary Speaker: From Boomers to Gen Z: Bridging Generational Gaps for Effective Teams

Speaker: Stefanie Adams

Join Stefanie Adams, Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of WNY People Development, as she dives into the quirks and qualities of each generation. Discover how to build an unstoppable team by embracing generational diversity. Read more.

View the PowerPoint PDF from Stephanie Adam's plenary presentation.

1:30 ­– 2:15 p.m. Salem Ballroom ABC

100 Strong Productions Documentary Screening: 'The Generation Theory'

In 'The Generation Theory', viewers embark on a journey through time, exploring the intricate tapestry woven by different generations. This documentary delves into how shared experiences, values, and behaviors shape perspectives on work and public service. It transcends mere age, revealing how the echoes of our history resonate within us all, giving context to our identities and futures. Read more.

2:30 - 4 p.m. Winston 2

Business Session

Congratulations Todd McNeill, NCACC's 2nd Vice President and Ashe County Commissioner. For more information about Commissioner McNeill, click here.

5:45 - 8:30 p.m. Salem Ballroom ABC

President’s Reception and Banquet

8:30 - 10:30 p.m. Winston 2

New President’s Reception

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