County Conversations

Counties, Cities and Towns Weigh in on State Budget Proposal

NYSAC recently provided testimony to state lawmakers during the Joint Legislative Hearing on Local Government. The local government hearing is one in a series of joint senate and assembly legislative hearings to gather feedback on the Governor's proposed state budget, and offers elected officials and representatives of local governments an opportunity to brief lawmakers on the challenges they face and their priorities in the budget. 

In this episode, we’ll be hearing the testimony delivered by the three municipal associations representing local governments in New York State: NYSAC, NYCOM and AOT.

More resources and analysis of the Executive Budget Proposal can be found on our website at nysac.org/nysbudget.

What Local Leaders Need to Know about Cybersecurity

This episode features a conversation on cybersecurity and how local government leaders can be prepared for a cyber incident within your organization. NYSAC, in collaboration with the Center for Technology in Government at the SUNY Albany, recently published a Cybersecurity Primer for Local Government Leaders. As discussed in this episode, the Primer is geared for all the non-technical leaders within a county that must play a role as part of their county’s protection team.

Joining NYSAC Deputy Director Mark LaVigne for the conversation are Meghan Cook, Program Director for the Center for Technology in Government at the State University at Albany, Robert Corpora, Cortland County Administrator, and Glenn Marchi, Commissioner of the Dutchess County Office of Central & Information Services.

Visit nysac.org/cyber to download the Primer as well as additional documents, workshop and webinar recordings related to cybersecurity.

NYSAC thanks our sponsor for this episode, the New York State Insurance Reciprocal (NYMIR).

Supporting Older New Yorkers with the Association on Aging in NY

In this episode we discuss opportunities and priorities for the year ahead in supporting older residents and their families. Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce is Becky Preve, Executive Director of the Association on Aging in New York. To learn more about the Association on Aging and the resources they provide, visit their website at agingny.org.

2023 Executive Budget Proposal Highlights with NYSAC’s Legislative Team

Following the release of Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2023 Executive Budget Proposal, the NYSAC Legislative Team began analyzing the legislation and searching for new appropriations and programs as well as any new regulations or mandates.

In this episode, our team breaks down the top takeaways for county leaders from the budget proposal. Joining NYSAC’s Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire for the conversation are Patrick Cummings, NYSAC Counsel, and Dave Lucas, Director of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs.

For all NYSAC analysis and reports, make sure to visit our website at nysac.org/nysbudget  

County Probation Departments: Challenges and Priorities for 2022

This episode features a conversation on the ever-changing roles and responsibilities of county probation departments, how recent changes to New York State’s criminal justice system have brought new responsibilities and challenges, and what county probation administrators will be advocating for in the upcoming legislative session.

Joining NYSAC’s Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire is Luci Welch, Orleans County Probation Director and President of the NYS Council of Probation Administrators, along with Bob Iusi, Warren County Probation Director, and Chair of the Legislative Committee for COPA.

Fostering a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce

This episode features a conversation on ways to foster a diversity in the county workforce and the role of the Chief Equity and Diversity Officer in working with stakeholders from across the organization to create an inclusive workplace environment.

Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce is Deanna Carrithers, Chief Equity and Diversity Officer with Tompkins County.

2022 Economic Forecast with Three + One

For our first episode of the new year, NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Joseph Rulison, CEO and Co-Founder of three + one, to give a financial outlook and predictions for county leaders as we head into 2022.

County Priorities in the 2022 Legislative Session

In this episode we discuss NYSAC’s recently published 2022 Legislative Program. This document outlines the association’s legislative and budget advocacy goals for the coming year,  and is built from a series of reform proposals developed by our membership of county delegates.

Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce for the Conversation are Ryan Gregoire, NYSAC Legislative Director, and Dave Lucas, NYSAC Director of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Pandemic Democracy: Local Election Commissioners Discuss 2021 Election and Beyond

In this episode we’re joined by election commissioners from Schenectady and St. Lawrence Counties to discuss the 2021 elections and their observations as to what worked, what can be improved, and what resources are needed going into 2022.

Joining NYSAC’s Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire is Jennie Bacon from St. Lawrence County, as well as Amy Hild and Darlene Harris from Schenectady County.

County Population Snapshot: Breaking Down the 2021 Census

In this episode we’ll talk about NYSAC’s recently published County Population Snapshot Report. This report provides an update on population data in New York State on a statewide and county-by county basis, and you can find it on our website at NYSAC.org/policyreports.

Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce for the conversation are NYSAC’s Director of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Dave Lucas, and NYSAC Legislative and Communications Intern Kaylyn Vasquez.