Wake County, N.C. – On May 23 and 24, the Association held its premier advocacy event in Wake County to bring together county leaders for advocacy meetings. On Tuesday evening, Governor Roy Cooper, Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, and Representative Destin Hall of the North Carolina General Assembly addressed county commissioners and state legislators in Raleigh as part of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) County Advocacy Days. The dinner event hosted more than 200 legislators, county commissioners, and county staff.

On day two of the event, commissioners visited legislative offices to advocate and engage with legislators on issues that affect counties.

County Advocacy Day is an annual event that provides a platform for county commissioners and county officials to hear from state leaders and discuss the issues affecting their communities. 

NCACC President and Washington County Commissioner Tracey Johnson spoke on the opportunities that County Assembly Days provides. “County Advocacy Days is a unique event that brings elected leaders together to dine, listen, and learn about relevant issues affecting counties and our communities. It was an honor to host Governor Roy Cooper, Senate Pro tempore Phil Berger, and Representative Destin Hall. This Association has the privilege of working with commissioners to empower them in advocacy and to find common ground with our state representatives.” 

County attendees updated their legislators on community developments and discussed opportunities for collaboration and ways to improve the lives of all North Carolinians. The NCACC recognizes counties’ critical role and partnership with the state of North Carolina. 

Amber Harris, NCACC’s Director of Government Relations, highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating that “County Advocacy Days are a unique opportunity for county commissioners to engage in elected-to-elected advocacy with members of the General Assembly. They’re partners in the mission of providing essential services and ensuring the best quality of life for all North Carolinians–we want to be sure to spread the message the policy makers can count on counties. Collaboration is key!” 

Editors: Print quality photos for 2023 County Advocacy Days may be downloaded for use at: County Advocacy Day . Photos should be credited as follows: Photo courtesy of NCACC.