Bernalillo County hosts 85th annual NM Counties Conference
SANTA FE, N.M. – Over 500 county officials and employees will meet at the New Mexico Counties 85th Annual Conference hosted by Bernalillo County, June 15-17, 2022, at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The conference provides an opportunity to develop strategies for the advancement of county government and to prepare for the 2023 Legislative Session.
On Monday and Tuesday, June 13-14, prior to the official start of the conference, NM EDGE offers professional development classes for county elected officials and staff at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The NM EDGE program is a collaborative partnership between NMC and New Mexico State University. A golf tournament takes place at the Sandia Golf Course in the afternoon and Bernalillo County hosts several facility and art tours at various locations.
Beginning Wednesday, June 15, the Public Works Affiliate hosts a heavy equipment ROADEO all day at the Expo NM Junior Livestock Pavilion highlighting operator skills through a series of demonstrations and amusing competitive events. These are the county employees that provide the road infrastructure in your communities. An event not to be missed.
The conference officially opens at noon with guest speaker Cathryn McGill, Founder and Director of New Mexico Black Leadership Council. She starts the conversation about the most important elements of a successful career in the public sector and how to inspire others to join local government. At this time, McGill will premiere the R.E.A.L. (Recognizing Excellence and Leadership) video campaign trailer and first video release of five videos that reinvigorate engagement and awareness about the role of county government and to elevate county messaging over the virtual buzz.
The campaign is to engage citizens with ways to support local services, allow interaction with residents, share other county ideas, and convey transparency and accountability on issues that matter to the community. After an afternoon of affiliate work sessions, Bernalillo County will host a county reception at the Salt Yard East.
On Thursday, June 16, NMC has scheduled two workshops:
• Elections Under Siege – What county clerks do to ensure the integrity of our elections and why free and fair elections are the cornerstone of democracy that we should all care about.
• Infrastructure Investments for New Mexico’s Next Generation and Beyond – How local governments are focusing on revitalizing aging infrastructure and broadband connectivity using the influx of federal funding provided by the Infrastructure and Jobs Act, as wells as the American Rescue Plan Act.
During the awards luncheon, Senator Liz Stefanics and Representative Greg Nibert will be recognized for their advocacy and support for county government with the NMC Legislative Excellence Award. Risk Awareness Program (RAP) and accreditation program awards will be presented to several counties. And NM EDGE will hold a graduation ceremony recognizing the accomplishments of county participants.
Affiliate meetings kick off the afternoon and then the New Mexico Counties Board of Directors will meet to elect a new President Elect and Vice President to serve one-year terms. Thursday evening NMC will host a Hawaiian nights dinner and dance at the Albuquerque Convention Center with live entertainment by The Black Pearl Band.
On Friday, June 21, National Association of Counties First Vice President Denise Winfrey, Will County, IL Commissioner, will provide a video recap of what NACo has accomplished for counties country-wide and recognize New Mexico as a 100% county membership state. The closing session will include the installation of new officers. President Elect Valencia County Commissioner Jhonathan Aragon will take over as NMC President from Bernalillo County Clerk Linda Stover upon adjournment of conference.
The New Mexico Counties is a non-profit, nonpartisan association representing New Mexico’s 33 counties since 1936. Its mission is to strengthen New Mexico counties’ ability to govern their own affairs and to improve the well-being and quality of life of their constituents. NM Counties provides numerous services to counties including legislative advocacy, self-insurance administration, legal assistance, and professional development. For more information, please visit www.nmcounties.org.
This article originally appeared on Deming Headlight: Bernalillo County hosts 85th annual NM Counties Conference
