NCACC County Advocacy Days Dinner Brings Together County Leaders and Legislators to Focus on County Priorities and Partnerships

Wake County, N.C. – More than 240 county officials, state lawmakers, and policy leaders gathered on Tuesday, June 10, at the Raleigh Marriott City Center for the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) County Advocacy Days Dinner Program. Held as part of NCACC’s annual County Advocacy Days, the dinner offered county commissioners, managers, and staff the opportunity to engage directly with legislators on key policy issues impacting North Carolina’s counties. 

The evening focused on advancing county priorities, fostering intergovernmental collaboration, and highlighting the importance of strong partnerships between local, state, and federal leaders. A highlight of the program was a moderated panel discussion featuring invited legislative leaders, including:

• Sen. Phil Berger, president pro tempore of the North Carolina Senate 

• Rep. Destin Hall, speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives 

• Rep. Robert Reives II, Democratic leader of the North Carolina House of Representatives 

• Sen. Lisa Grafstein, who represents North Carolina Senate District 13 

The panel was moderated by Tim Boyum, political anchor with Spectrum News 1, and provided attendees with a timely update on legislative activity at the General Assembly and its direct impact on North Carolina counties. 

Earlier that afternoon, County Advocacy Days began with concurrent NCACC steering committee meetings, where county leaders heard from state officials and subject matter experts on key issues shaping policy and programs statewide. These sessions provided valuable insights and meaningful discussions tailored to counties’ roles and responsibilities. Topic areas included agriculture, environment, general government, health and human services, justice and public safety, public education, and tax and finance. 

“Our goal is to create space for collaboration and dialogue between county and state leaders,” said NCACC President and Warren County Commissioner Tare “T.” Davis. “Events like this help build the partnerships necessary to support all 100 counties and the communities they serve.” 

The following day, on Wednesday, June 11, county leaders continued their advocacy at the General Assembly, holding meetings with legislators to discuss local priorities and emphasize the need for policies that empower counties to address challenges and plan for growth. 

The NCACC County Advocacy Days is an annual event designed to elevate the voice of counties and ensure that local governments remain at the forefront of statewide policy conversations. For more information about County Advocacy Days or the Association, visit ncacc.org.

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