County Leaders From Across The Country To Convene In DeKalb

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — The National Association of Counties (NACo) will host a series of events in DeKalb County Wednesday through Friday, according to a news release.

Among the topics county leaders will examine are federal COVID-19 recovery aid; infant mortality; homelessness; community engagement; and diversity, equity and inclusion.

NACo will hold its annual Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) Symposium Dec. 1-3. It will focus on pressing issues facing urban counties with populations greater than 500,000, according to the release. The symposium’s theme is “Urban Counties THRIVE,” part of President and DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson’s year-long effort to position counties to emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever.

The symposium is expected to attract over 200 county officials from across the country.

“After nearly two years on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic, we are honored to host counties leaders here in DeKalb County,” said President Johnson. “We are proud to showcase our county, and we look forward to learning from one another’s successes and challenges as we help all our counties thrive.”

Prior to the symposium, NACo’s Prenatal-to-Three County Leaders Academy will take place, examining policies to strengthen services for young children and their families. Additionally, NACo’s Board of Directors will meet Dec. 3-4.

As part of the meetings, county leaders will participate in mobile tours highlighting success stories from the Atlanta metro area. All sessions, excluding mobile tours, will take place at Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Decatur Downtown/Emory, 130 Clairemont Ave., Decatur, GA 30030.

Mobile Tours:

CHRIS 180 (Wednesday, December 1, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET). Supported by DeKalb County and other partners, Atlanta nonprofit CHRIS 180 offers extensive wraparound services to children, youth, young adults and families, including counseling, skill-building, trauma-informed care, foster homes, adoptions, assistance to those suffering or recovering from substance use disorders, and safe homes for those experiencing homelessness.

Wednesday, Dec. 1

New Black Wall Street Market (1 – 5 p.m. ET).

Thursday, Dec. 2

"Reducing Infant Mortality Rates Through County-Based Strategies" (9:00 – 10:15 a.m. ET).

"How Can Local Leaders Successfully Invest Fiscal Recovery Funds" (10:30 – 11:45 a.m. ET).

"Fits and Starts: Successes, Challenges and Opportunities of County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Efforts" (2 - 3:15 p.m. ET).

"Opportunities and Innovative Solutions for Preventing Homelessness" ( 2 – 3:15 p.m. ET).

Friday, Dec. 3

The Metro Atlanta Urban Farm (9 – 11:30 a.m. ET).

Other programming includes:

"Prenatal-to-Three County Leaders Academy" (Tuesday, Nov. 30 – Wednesday, Dec. 1). The Prenatal-to-Three County Leaders Academy is a cohort of elected and appointed county leaders pursuing policies to expand and improve services for young children and their families. Sessions include:

• Federal Relief Supporting Families with Young Children from Prenatal to Age Three: Opportunities and Challenges During COVID-19
• Equitable Recovery for Child Care Post-COVID
• Coordinating Services for Children and Families
• Building Public Will for Prenatal-to-Three Investments

Click here to view the full agenda.