Durham, N.C. – Earlier this month, on June 11 and 12, 2024, the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) held its premier advocacy event in Wake County to bring together county leaders for an opportunity to build fellowship and discuss shared legislative priorities. On Tuesday afternoon, steering committees were hosted in Wake County to assist the NCACC Board of Directors in setting policy for the association in the areas of agriculture; environment; general government; health and human services; justice and public safety; public education; and tax and finance.
On Tuesday evening, Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore addressed county commissioners and state legislators in Raleigh as part of the NCACC’s County Advocacy Days. The dinner event convened more than 250 legislators, county commissioners, and county staff.
NCACC President and Burke County Commissioner Johnnie Carswell spoke on the opportunities that this special event provides. “County Advocacy Days allows us to come together from across the state and find ways in which we can work together. It’s an opportunity to share [our] perspectives and ideas for how the state and counties can collaborate to address our most pressing needs.”
On day two of the event, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper addressed county commissioners on the importance of collaborative advocacy efforts for the state’s betterment. Following the morning program, commissioners visited legislative offices to advocate and engage with legislators on issues that affect counties.
When asked about the 2024 County Advocacy Day, Vice Chair Burns shared the importance of the opportunity and what it meant to her as a county commissioner in her community. “At the recent NCACC Advocacy Day, I proudly represented Durham County and took a firm stand on the urgent needs concerning public education, childcare, housing, and maternal health. It was disheartening to discuss how, despite the clear data, certain policies continue to divert necessary funds from our public schools,” said Vice Chair Burns. “For instance, with North Carolina ranking 29th in per-pupil spending, it's evident that our children are being shortchanged. The approach of the current majority to education funding is effectively robbing our young learners of the resources they deserve. This Advocacy Day was crucial for us to push back and advocate for substantial support to address these disparities and ensure all children and families have the opportunities they need to thrive.”
Amber Harris, NCACC’s Director of Government Relations, highlighted the importance of collaboration during the events, “Recent policy advancements for the state have come about in large part due to healthy state-county partnerships and investments in shared priorities."
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About the NCACC
The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) is the official voice of all 100 counties on issues being considered by the General Assembly, Congress and federal and state agencies. The association provides expertise to counties in advocacy, research, risk management, and education and leadership training.