A core function of the Association is to provide educational opportunities to meet the needs of members - county commissioners and appointed county staff. The NCACC provides county-related education at conferences, meetings and events, and through online resources utilizing our knowledgeable staff, experts from partner organizations such as the UNC School of Government and other private and nonprofit leaders.

Local Elected Leaders Academy

The NCACC partners with the School of Government to provide a recognition program through the Local Elected Leaders Academy (LELA). LELA helps the Association achieve its strategic goals, including "enhance county leadership capabilities to address challenges, provide efficient and effective governance, and develop future leaders."

Annual Conference

The Annual Conference is the NCACC's premier education and training event each year. Held in locations throughout the state every August, the conference is filled with workshops, keynote sessions with nationally known speakers who will address hot-button issues, and numerous opportunities for networking. At each Annual Conference, the Association elects its officers for the upcoming year. Counties also select the District Directors who will represent their districts on the NCACC Board of Directors.

District Meetings

The NCACC hosts District Meetings at various times of the year, throughout the state. The meetings offer county commissioners and management staff an opportunity to learn about the latest legislative developments in Raleigh, to network with officials from other counties, and to learn about the latest NCACC programs and services that benefit counties. There is typically no cost to attend the meetings, which usually begin in the late afternoon and include dinner. Commissioners who attend a district meeting earn 3 credits in the "Association Sponsored Programs" category toward Practitioner, Master or Mentor status through the Local Elected Leaders Academy (LELA) Recognition Program.

Essentials of County Government

After the November elections in even-numbered years, the UNC School of Government and the NCACC jointly hold a two-day orientation to county government in three locations across the state. This program is designed for newly elected officials, but veteran elected officials and managers are also encouraged to attend. The session also includes a two-hour ethics training session designed to satisfy the requirements of N.C.G.S. 160A-87, which
requires board members to receive ethics training upon taking office as a commissioner and within 1 year of being elected or re-elected to the office of commissioner.

Contact Information

For more information about the NCACC's Educational Opportunities, please contact Director of Education and Conferences Jason King at (919) 715-0045.