Lake County Vice-Chair Mary Ross-Cunningham and Board Members Marah Altenberg, Jennifer Clark, Angelo Kyle, and John Wasik recently returned from the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference in Hillsborough County, Florida, where they played a role in shaping national policy. At the conference, Vice Chair Cunningham and Board Member Clark presented key resolutions for inclusion in NACo’s American County Platform, the organization's permanent policy document.

"Once again, Lake County is demonstrating its leadership at this national conference, introducing important policy changes and addressing topics for the benefit of our residents," said County Board Chair Sandy Hart.

The NACo resolutions process empowers members to engage in national policy discussions and decisions on issues directly affecting their counties. Resolutions presented to NACo’s policy steering committees are considered for adoption by the Board of Directors and, if approved, guide NACo’s legislative advocacy for the coming year.

Vice Chair Cunningham proposed a resolution to NACo’s Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee, urging Congress to provide additional federal funding for county deflection initiatives. These initiatives aim to divert non-violent individuals from jails to treatment programs during behavioral health crises.

"Lake County has had much success with our COaST and ‘A Way Out’ deflection programs," said Vice Chair Mary Ross-Cunningham. "Our resolution calls for increased funding to further support our programs and to offer similar opportunities to smaller counties lacking resources."

The County’s "A Way Out" program and the Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COaST) focus on providing necessary services and treatment to individuals instead of incarceration.

Addressing public safety and environmental health concerns along rail lines, Board Member Clark presented a resolution to NACo’s Transportation Steering Committee. The policy focuses on issues such as blocked crossings, freight train lengths and the routing of hazardous materials.

The resolution urges Congress and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to mitigate delays and pollution caused by idling freight trains and blocked gate crossings, which negatively impact public safety and economic development. It also requests funding and recommendations for strategic grade separations to enhance roadway capacity and safety.

"By tackling these critical issues, we can ensure train safety, protect the environment from air pollution, reduce risks associated with transporting hazardous materials and safeguard the well-being of our residents and communities," said Member Clark.

Member Clark also proposed to NACo’s Telecommunications and Technology Steering Committee that Congress reauthorize the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provided free or low-cost internet services to eligible low-income residents. Despite its success, the Federal Communications Commission ended the ACP in June 2024 due to lack of funding.

Alongside these national efforts, Lake County continues to address high-speed internet service and digital equity through its Digital Growth Initiative. The County's Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan aims to bridge the digital divide.

"All of our residents should have access to affordable high-speed internet," said Member Clark, who also chairs the Special Committee on Broadband. "We must continue to remove barriers, improve device access and offer digital skills training so everyone can thrive in an increasingly digital society."

All resolutions presented by Lake County were adopted by their respective committees.

Board members and county staff attended various sessions at the conference, gaining valuable insights on artificial intelligence, public safety, environmental sustainability and more. This information will be shared with Lake County government teams for further evaluation and consideration.