Raleigh, N.C. – The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) convened its biennial Legislative Goals Conference on Nov. 14-15, 2024, at the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley. The two-day event, which gathered county representatives from across the state, finalized the NCACC’s legislative priorities ahead of the upcoming long session of the North Carolina General Assembly.
During the event, conference attendees and county voting delegates discussed and voted on 47 legislative proposals, which will guide the NCACC’s advocacy efforts for the 2025 session. The proposals cover both state and federal issues that impact counties throughout North Carolina.
“This conference is a vital part of our democratic process,” said NCACC President and Warren County Commissioner Tare “T.” Davis. “It allows each county to directly shape the NCACC’s legislative agenda, ensuring that local governments have a unified voice in shaping policies that affect our communities.”
Panel speakers included State Senator Jim Burgin and State Representative Ray Jeffers. In addition, NCACC leadership provided updates and insights throughout the event.
Notable guests at the conference included:
- Wallace Nelson, NCACC President-elect and Perquimans County Commissioner
- Allen Thomas, NCACC First Vice President and Hoke County Commissioner
- Johnnie Carswell, NCACC Immediate Past President and Burke County Commissioner
- David Allen, Legislative Goals Co-Chair and Randolph County Commissioner
- Shinica Thomas, Legislative Goals Co-Chair and Wake County Commissioner
- Dennis Aldridge, Credentials Committee Chair and Avery County Commissioner
- Ann Keyes, Credentials Committee Chair and Washington County Commissioner
- Viola Harris, Credentials Committee Chair and Edgecombe County Commissioner
- Frank Queen, Parliamentarian and Haywood County Manager
The Legislative Goals Conference serves as the final step in a comprehensive process, which began months ago with counties submitting proposals for consideration. Through discussion, debate and voting, counties helped determine NCACC’s legislative priorities for the next two years.
“This is the moment when counties come together to align their voices and push for the policies that will improve our communities,” said NCACC Executive Director Kevin Leonard. “The decisions made at this conference will have a lasting impact on local governments across North Carolina.”
Amber Harris, director of Advocacy and Policy for NCACC, thanked the counties for their active participation in this important process: “The involvement of counties in shaping our legislative priorities is truly invaluable. Their engagement ensures that NCACC’s advocacy is rooted in the real needs and experiences of local governments across the state. I want to thank all the counties for their thoughtful contributions, which will help guide us as we advocate for policies that support and strengthen our communities.” For more information about the Legislative Goals Conference or the Association, visit www.ncacc.org.
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Editors: Print-quality photos may be downloaded for use from here. Photos should be credited as follows: Photo courtesy of NCACC.