NCACC
P.O. Box 1488
Raleigh, NC 27602-1488
Tel: (919) 715-2893
Fax: (919) 733-1065
E-mail: ncacc@ncacc.org

Steps for providing a State of the County address

An excellent way for counties to inform their citizens about county issues is to conduct an annual State of the County address, similar to the regular State of the Union address provided by the President. A county should choose a date and a forum that would generate maximum exposure. Many counties deliver their address during a regularly scheduled Board meeting. However, you may wish to consider holding a "special" session and inviting guests to attend to make it more of a community event.

The media will play a critical part in delivering this message to the citizens. Counties need to consider every means at their disposal to provide coverage of the address, including the use of new technologies to broadcast the address on their Web site.

Below are some steps that counties may wish to consider when planning for a State of the County address.

Choose an appropriate date

  • A few days after the President’s regular address, which is usually in late January (new Chair can outline vision, county goals for upcoming year)
  • In late June/early July after county budget has been adopted (an excellent time to explain the vision that commissioners have for county with new budget)
  • In late November when current chairman’s term is ending (an excellent time to review accomplishments from past year; look into future)

Choose your guests

  • State legislative delegation
  • County congressional delegation
  • Mayors and managers of all municipalities
  • School board chair and superintendent
  • Key county staff
  • Representatives of non-profits who do work for county
  • Representatives from every citizen board or council appointed by county
  • Media

Decide on your topics

  • Services offered by county
  • County budget/revenue outlook
  • Intergovernmental relations/partnerships
  • Community partnerships
  • Goals/challenges for upcoming year
  • Association legislative priorities
  • Major achievements/accomplishments of the past year

Logistics

  • Send out invites to special guests at least eight weeks in advance
  • Recognize all special guests in attendance, especially state and federal legislators
  • Send advisory to media at least two weeks in advance, with a follow-up a few days in advance
  • Give media copy of prepared remarks prior to presentation
  • Choose meeting space that is well-lighted and has ample seating for guests.

Miscellaneous

  • Make sure all members of Board of County Commissioners are consulted when developing address and that all see final draft before the meeting.
  • Chairman should deliver address and be available to media afterward.

Sample addresses

Many counties already prepare State of the County addresses. Click the links below to view recent presentations from other counties.

Media coverage

Click below for links to media coverage from various State of the County addresses