Association and County Leaders Join Governor in D.C. for Advocacy Effort on Helene Recovery

RALEIGH, N.C. – This week, NCACC President and Perquimans County Commissioner Wallace Nelson, NCACC First Vice President and Ashe County Commissioner Todd McNeill, and NCACC Executive Director Kevin Leonard traveled to Washington, D.C., joining Governor Josh Stein to meet with the North Carolina Congressional Delegation to advocate for Helene recovery needs and other important county priorities. 

“We are truly grateful for the bipartisan leadership that was on full display yesterday,”  said NCACC President Wallace Nelson. “It was evident from the spirit of the dialogue in the room by Governor Stein, Senator Tillis, Senator Budd, and the House delegation — we are all in this together and share the common goal of a strong recovery from Helene.”

Ashe County Commissioner Todd McNeill had the opportunity to raise concerns about the economic impacts the storm has created for Western Counties and communities. “If the reimbursements promised by the federal government do not come soon, it’s going to impact county budgets around the western part of the state. We’re already considering next year’s budget. Timing will be critical,” said Commissioner McNeill.

The NCACC would like to give a special thanks to Governor Stein and Congressman Chuck Edwards for hosting the delegation meeting and leading this effort to bring greater attention to the recovery needs of Western North Carolina. 

Other key highlights from this trip included: 

• Focused advocacy on recovery needs for Western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, with a strong emphasis on FEMA support
• Engaged with members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation, including:
  • Meeting with Congressman Mark Harris’ staff, discussing the potential impact of HR1, particularly proposed changes to Medicaid and SNAP, and the implications for counties
• Met with several members of the U.S. House and Senate to provide county-level perspective on disaster recovery and essential services

The Association is honored to represent all 100 counties by actively participating in important conversations at both the state and federal levels with a strong and unified voice. NCACC is committed to bipartisan advocacy that reflects the priorities of all 100 counties, as part of our ongoing efforts to ensure county voices are heard at every level of government. 

NCACC is proud to serve as your county voice!

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