County Conversations

Building a Work Ready County Workforce

This episode focuses on workforce development initiatives in Oswego County, including becoming the first county in the Northeastern United States to achieve the designation of a Work Ready Community. Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is Rachel Pierce, Director of Oswego County’s Department of Workforce Development, as well as County Administrator Philip Church.

Investing in Future Education with NY’s 529

This episode features a conversation on NY’s 529 College Savings Program. Joining NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario is Steve Tommasone from Ascensus Broker Dealer Services, LLC the Program Manager for NY’s 529. Many NY counties provide payroll deduction for employees to participate in this program. For more information on the program, visit www.nysaves.org

County Priorities for 2024 End of Session

This episode features a conversation on efforts to advance county priorities coming up on the end of the state legislative session. You'll hear from Ryan Gregoire and Dave Lucas from NYSAC's Legislative team as they discuss NYSAC’s legislative program and key concerns on the horizon.  

Transformative Power of Artificial Intelligence

This episode features a conversation on NACo’s Artificial Intelligence Exploratory Committee and considerations for county officials on this revolutionary technology. NYSAC’s Deputy Mark LaVigne is joined by Matt Chase, NACo’s Executive Director, Seamus Dowdall, NACo Associate Legislative Director, and Stephen Acquario, NYSAC’s Executive Director.  They discuss practical applications, policy considerations, and preparations for the integration of generative artificial intelligence in county government operations.

Payroll Fraud Prevention

Ghost employees, fake reimbursements, and check theft – oh my! This episode features a conversation on prevention against payroll fraud. Joining NYSAC’s Director of Finance & Intergovernmental Affairs Dave Lucas is Karen Webber, Partner at the Bonadio Group.

Counties Urge Action on Migrant Crisis

New York Counties are urgently calling for action to address the migrant crisis that continues to unfold at the southern border of the United States. Joining NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario to discuss their recent visit to the southern border are Daniel McCoy, Albany County Executive and President of NYSAC, along with Steve Neuhaus, Orange County Executive and President of the NYS County Executives’ Association.

Tip of the Spear: County Eclipse Preparation

This episode features a conversation about how Chautauqua County is preparing for the upcoming total solar eclipse, from increased tourism to public safety considerations. Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel.

First Responders Discuss 'Rescue EMS' Campaign

This episode features a presentation from two local emergency service providers on the legislative initiative to Rescue EMS. We are grateful to Alanna Badgley, a paramedic, and President of the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics Local 20 union, and Steven Kroll, Chief of the Delmar/Bethlehem EMS and Legislative Chair of the New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association. The presentation includes their personal experiences, challenges in local communities across New York State, and context for local leaders in the fight to Rescue EMS.

The 411 on GASB 87 and 96

This episode features a conversation on what county officials need to know about GASB 96 lease standard implementation. NYSACs Director of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Dave Lucas Tim Doyle and Keeley Ann Hines from NYSAC’s partner The Bonadio Group. They discuss what GASB 87 and 96 are, how they will affect financial reporting, and advice for the implementation and continuous monitoring of these standards. The Bonadio Group has compiled a Best Practices document, which you can find on their website.

New Frontiers in County Mental Health Services

This episode features a conversation about the innovative steps Erie County has taken to ensure mental health care reaches communities in need and is incorporated into first aid and disaster response. NYSAC’s Legislative/Policy Coordinator Alex Regan is joined by Arica Rouse from Erie County’s Office of Health Equity, as well as Sarah Bonk from the Erie County Department of Mental Health. They discuss what mental health first aid training entails, how to create accessible conversations around mental health, and how to implement trauma-informed care into county operations. You can find both the Office of Health Equity Newsletters and County Health Equity Report on Erie County’s website.