County Conversations

Taking Stock and Looking Forward

As we’re coming up to the end of the year, this episode features a recap of county advocacy and achievements over the span of 2022, and what’s on the horizon heading into 2023.

NYSAC’s Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire joins Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz to discuss outcomes from federal and state elections, key outcomes from this past legislative session, and NYSAC’s top priorities for continued advocacy.

Happy Thanksgiving from NYSAC

We have so much to be thankful for at NYSAC, especially our membership of dedicated county officials across the state of New York. This episode features some familiar voices from our staff, as we detail what we are each grateful for this year. Happy Thanksgiving to the county family, and best wishes throughout this holiday season.

Voters Approve $4.2 Billion Environmental Bond Act

Last week voters passed the Clean Air, Clean Water and Green Jobs Bond Act. The bond act will fund flood reduction, wastewater and stormwater upgrades, park preservation, and green infrastructure and renewable energy projects to fight climate change.

In light of this historic investment, we've revisited a conversation held earlier this year with NYSAC's Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz and Jessica Ottney Mahar, Director of Policy & Strategy at The Nature Conservancy to dive into details about the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Green Jobs Bond Act.

Our thanks go to NYSAC’s sponsor, the New York Power Authority.

Stopping the Scammers! An inside look at fraud identification and scam prevention.

This episode features a conversation on fraud identification and scam prevention. Joining NYSAC’s Deputy Director Mark LaVigne is Jen Martin, Head of Enterprise Fraud Services at KeyBank. Jen gives an overview of new forms of financial fraud county leaders should be aware of, and she provides tips for county and financial services leaders in the challenging task of protection.

Operation Green Light: Shining a Light on Veteran Service

This episode highlights Operation Green Light, an initiative that raises awareness for the challenges faced by veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level to assist veterans and their families.

Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is NYSAC’s Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire, and Rachel Mackey, the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Director for Human Services and Education, as well as Liaison to the Veterans and Military Services Committee.

Leveraging Data for Responsible Financial Stewardship

This episode features a conversation on how Otsego County leverages financial data provided by three+one to manage liquidity and investments, increase revenue, and make decisions in the best interest of public funds.

NYSAC’s Deputy Director Mark LaVigne introduces Garrett Macdonald, Senior Vice President of three+one, and Allen Ruffles, Treasurer and CFO of Otsego County.

Taking Action on Climate Mitigation and Resiliency

This episode features a conversation with the Chair of NYSAC’s Climate Action Standing Committee on advocacy and climate change mitigation efforts at the state and local level.

Heather Brown, Sullivan County Deputy Planning Commissioner, joins NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz to discuss the Resilient New York Revolving Loan Program, The Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, and Extended Producer Responsibility.

For more information on the resolution passed by the Climate Action Standing Committee, visit nysac.org/resolutions

Suffolk County Cybersecurity Briefing

To raise awareness and help counties learn from the cyber attack in Suffolk County, NYSAC recently convened a briefing for more than 100 county officials from across the state.

This episode features presentations from Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, and Lisa Black, Chief Deputy County Executive and Unified Commander of Suffolk County’s Cyber Response Team, as they discuss a timeline of events and how the county is continuing its operations.

NYSAC is committed to raising awareness and providing resources on cybersecurity, which you can find on our website at nysac.org/cyber

Highlights from NYSAC’s Fall Seminar

Over 600 county officials from throughout New York State convened in Erie County for NYSAC’s 2022 Fall Seminar in September. This episode features interviews from the conference on the work accomplished, and a look ahead to the upcoming year of county advocacy.

In this episode you will hear from Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, NYSAC President Michael Zurlo, Lieutenant  Governor Antonio Delgado, NASA Engineer Bonita Seaton, Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell, and more.

Easing Range Anxiety with the Oneida County EV Dashboard

This episode features a conversation on a new county dashboard that helps residents and visitors locate and utilize electric vehicle charging stations, and how the expansion of EV infrastructure will benefit the Mohawk Valley.

Joining NYSAC’s Communications Manager Tom Oldfather for the conversation is Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente.