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This article originally ran in County News, the NACo newspaper, on December 10.

When I first got involved in NACo more than 15 years ago, I never would have thought that I would be serving years later as NACo’s president. As I lead NACo into the future, I have enjoyed partnering with my colleagues in the 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs across America to determine how best to reach out and serve residents in our communities.

Like many counties throughout California, Santa Cruz County is getting ready for the 2020 Census.

This Census comes at a time when government services play an increasingly important role in our residents’ lives. Housing affordability, stagnant wages and rising poverty all weigh heavily on the prosperity of people in Santa Cruz County. Nearly one-third of our residents now receive County services of some kind.

In a small conference room in Yolo County last week, a number of County Supervisors, Treasurer Tax Collectors and Auditor-Controllers from around the state gathered together to talk pot. More specifically, they gathered together to talk about the numbers – cannabis permits, state cannabis licenses, tax proceeds, and how they are going to use this data to better regulate cannabis businesses in their jurisdictions.

When it comes to developing innovative, successful programs, Sacramento County’s Probation Department is on a roll.

Much like the San Francisco Giants recent run of winning World Series in even-numbered years, the Sacramento County Probation Department is following a similar trend by taking home CSAC Challenge Award honors in 2014, 2016 and now 2018. CSAC spotlights the most innovative programs created by California Counties each year through our awards program.

You know how a bill becomes a law, you’ve listened to Schoolhouse Rock ad nauseam, but have you ever wondered about budget trailer bills? What they are and why they’re important?

From homelessness to new employee orientations to public safety realignment, budget trailer bills have impacted multiple aspects of county government over the years. 2018 was no exception with Governor Brown signing a total of 40 individual trailer bills, many of which impact counties in one way or another.

To watch a video spotlighting this year’s award-winning programs, click here.

Innovation is alive and well in California Counties. That’s a phrase we often use in describing the annual CSAC Challenge Awards. But this year, perhaps a better phrase would be: resiliency is alive and well in California Counties.

California County leaders are continuously adapting to changing conditions, including economic downturns, legislative decisions made at the state level and even natural disasters.

The Seismic Safety Commission wants county officials to help their local businesses prepare for the next natural disaster, whether it’s an earthquake, fire, or flood.

For the 124^th time, county officials and staff will be coming together this fall for our Association’s Annual Meeting. In November, we will be gathering in San Diego County – and we hope you can join us.

California’s counties find themselves at the center of the complex responsibility to provide, integrate and finance critical behavioral health services in California.

Behavioral health is at the centerpoint of the most vexing policy challenges facing California’s counties today; from combatting homelessness, recovering from disasters, bending the criminal justice recidivism curve and cultivating a resilient workforce, each of these local challenges hinge on the county role in providing behavioral health services.