County Conversations

Let’s Talk Budget: Making the County Case

This episode features a conversation on the priorities shaping this year’s state legislative session and budget negotiations. Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz are members of NYSAC’s Legislative Team: Alex Regan, Legislative Director, and Dave Lucas, Director of Finance & Intergovernmental Affairs. They highlight both the investments counties support, and the areas where reforms are urgently needed to ensure a fair and sustainable state-local partnership.

To learn more about NYSAC’s priorities for the year, visit nysac.org/legislativepriorities and for the latest news about the ongoing state budget negotiations visit nysac.org/budget

Modern Tools for County Justice Systems

In this episode, NYSAC Deputy Director Mark LaVigne is joined by Omar Usmani, CEO of Aeon Nexus. They discuss how counties and local governments can modernize justice systems through improved case management, workflow automation, and secure technology platforms. The conversation explores ways counties can increase efficiency, improve transparency, and better serve their communities.

Aeon Nexus is an Excelsior Partner of the New York State Association of Counties

The Local Agenda: NYSAC, NYCOM, NYAOT Discuss Shared Priorities for 2026

In this special joint episode of NYSAC's County Conversations and NYAOT’s Talk of the Town, the three executive directors of New York’s statewide municipal associations come together to discuss the collective and individual issues the associations and municipal membership are most concerned about.

Mark LaVigne, Deputy Director of the New York State Association of Counties, is joined by Stephen Acquario (NYSAC), Barb Van Epps (New York Conference of Mayors), and Chris Koetzle (New York Association of Towns).

Counties, cities, towns and villages are all facing similar challenges for 2026. This episode highlights the essential, bipartisan role local governments play in delivering everyday services such as clean water, safe roads, and public safety across the state.

NY Counties Lead: How Erie County Trained 147,000 Lifesavers

This episode of County Conversations, part of NYSAC’s NY Counties Lead initiative, highlights how counties are leading on public safety and emergency preparedness. NYSAC’s Kate Pierce-Nimz joined Erie County Community Coalition Coordinator Lindsay Wright, and Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera for a conversation exploring Erie County’s designation as a HEARTSafe Community by the Citizen CPR Foundation, the essential benchmarks required to achieve it, and how it has impacted emergency preparedness and response the county.

Civil Service, Coaching, and Leadership with Paul Eldridge

In this episode, NYSAC’s Patrick Cummings is joined by longtime friend and mentor Paul Eldridge, Putnam County Personnel Officer. With more than four decades of leadership in Putnam County and a career that spans nearly 50 years, Paul has been a pillar of the civil service community in New York State. From civil service law to mentoring the next generation, Paul shares lessons learned, career highlights, and advice for county leaders navigating complex challenges.

This episode is sponsored by the Alliance for Clean Energy New York and their Plugging In podcast.

2026 Economic Outlook for County Leaders

In this year-end episode of County Conversations, NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Joseph Rulison, Co-Founder of three+one, for an annual economic outlook. Together, they review the surprises, shifts, and standout trends that defined 2025, and forecast what county leaders need to know as they prepare for 2026. This episode is sponsored by the Alliance for Clean Energy New York and their Plugging In podcast.

Modernizing Medication Disposal by Curbing Waste and Risk

This episode of features a conversation with NYSAC’s Kate Pierce-Nimz, joined by Jordan Brown of Rx Destroyer, to explore how counties can strengthen public health, protect waterways, and support residents through safe medication disposal. From bridging gaps in take-back programs to offering easy, at-home solutions, Jordan explains how innovative tools and local partnerships can reduce harm, empower communities, and advance countywide environmental and public safety goals. This episode is sponsored by the Alliance for Clean Energy New York and their Plugging In podcast.

Introducing NYSAC President Phil Church

This episode features a conversation with NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario and Philip Church, newly elected NYSAC President and Oswego County Administrator. They discuss Phil’s journey in county government, the challenges and opportunities of regional economic development, as well as NYSAC priorities for the year ahead. This episode is sponsored by the Alliance for Clean Energy New York and their Plugging In podcast.

Short-Term Rentals, Local Solutions: Building Registries That Work for Counties

This episode features a conversation that unpacks New York’s updated short-term rental law and what it means for counties across the state. NYSAC Deputy Director Mark LaVigne is joined by Nick Del Pego, CEO of Deckard Technologies to discuss the practical benefits of establishing a short-term rental registry and a clear roadmap for local leaders navigating compliance, education, and enforcement. 

Federal Budget Shifts, Immigration, and Medicaid: NACo’s Matt Chase Talks County Impacts

This Director’s Cut episode features an in-depth conversation on federal actions that are directly impacting New York’s counties. NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Matt Chase, Executive Director of the National Association of Counties (NACo). They discuss shifting federal immigration policy, the implications of proposed Medicaid and SNAP reforms, as well as the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap, federal budget reconciliation efforts, and the role of counties in providing essential services.