Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections Advocates for County Priorities in Washington, D.C.
National Association of Counties Legislative Conference draws nearly 2,000 county leaders along with cabinet-level speakers, members of Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hayley Rippel joined nearly 2,000 county leaders from across the country for the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference February 21-24. Over two general sessions, featured speakers included senior administration officials along with members of Congress from the U.S. House of Representatives. Conference attendees shaped NACo’s legislative agenda, received updates on key federal policies and advocated for county priorities on Capitol Hill.

“I was honored to attend this event at the Capital to advocate for issues that directly impact Benton County residents and local government operations. I am currently serving as Vice-President of the Iowa State Association of County Auditors (ISACA), “ she said. “I proudly participated in discussions directly representing our profession regarding elections and county finances along with several critical funding and policy issues impacting counties directly. Counties are on the front lines and funding is critical to ensuring we can continue serving our residents responsibly and effectively.” One of the most valuable aspects of attending conferences is the opportunity to network with colleagues from across the state and country. We all come together to share ideas, problem-solve and learn what is or isn’t working for others. The relationships built in these settings often become trusted resources long after the conference ends.
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Discussions at the conference addressed critical issues impacting counties, including surface transportation, federal disaster policy, housing and permitting reform, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, energy and data centers, workforce development and more.

Attendees also participated in a Federal Agency Expo, with nearly 50 federal program offices sending representatives to meet with conference participants and build intergovernmental partnerships.

Our conversations focused on transportation funding, federal farm and healthcare policy and ensuring counties receive direct access to federal disaster and infrastructure dollars.

The conference culminated in an Advocacy Day of Action, positioning attendees to advocate for county federal policy priorities.

Our Iowa day on the hill was Tuesday, February 24. Rippel said that her group consisted of a few fellow Auditors, Engineers, Supervisors, Public Health Directors along with representation from the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC). We had meetings with Congressman Zach Nunn, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, Congressman Randy Feenstra, Senator Joni Ernst, Senator Chuck Grassley and Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks.

Over the course of the four-day conference, attendees heard from speakers including:

• Hon. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary
• Hon. Lee Zeldin, U.S. EPA Administrator
• Alex Meyer, Deputy Assistant to the President; Director, White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
• Hon. Tom Emmer, Majority Whip, U.S. House of Representatives (R-Minn.)
• Hon. Sam Graves, U.S. Representative (R-Mo.); Chairman, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
• Hon. Glenn “GT” Thompson, U.S. Representative (R-Pa.); Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture 
• Hon. Andrea Salinas, U.S. Representative (D-Ore.); Co-Chair, Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus
• Hon. Bruce Westerman, U.S. Representative (R-Ark.); Chairman, House Committee on Natural Resources

“Federal policies have direct and long-lasting impacts on county governments and our residents,” said NACo President J.D. Clark. “NACo’s Legislative Conference is an important opportunity for county leaders to strengthen relationships with our intergovernmental partners, tell our county story and advocate for county priorities that help our communities and residents thrive

Local Leaders have demonstrated that counties and local governments are responsible stewards for federal funding such as the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The direct allocation allows for faster response to our local needs while allowing us the flexibility to address unique rural challenges. Administrative efficiency improves when the funding bypasses unnecessary layers. “It is so important that we have strong partnerships between federal, state and local governments. They are vital to maintaining our current infrastructure, supporting vulnerable populations and protecting Benton County taxpayers. When the state and federal level cuts funding but continues to enforce the unfunded mandates on to the county and local levels, it is just not fiscally sustainable. I will continue working to ensure our county’s voice is represented in these important discussions,” Rippel said.

For more details about the 2026 Legislative Conference, visit: https://www.naco.org/event/2026-naco-legislative-conference

The National Association of Counties (NACo) strengthens America’s counties, including nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking; promote exemplary county policies and practices; nurture leadership skills and expand knowledge networks; optimize county and taxpayer resources and cost savings; and enrich the public’s understanding of county government. http://www.naco.org