HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 10-03-23; 8-k - Approval of Proposed Letter to the National Association of Counties (NACo) Supporting Relocation of the 2024 Annual Conference 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 3, 2023
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-k
SUBJECT: Approval of Proposed Letter to the National Association of Counties (NACo)
Supporting Relocation of the 2024 Annual Conference
DEPARTMENT: Board of County Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proposed Letter to NACo Supporting the BOCC Chair Jamezetta Bedford, 919-
Relocation of the 2024 Annual 245-2130
Conference
PURPOSE: To consider authorizing the Chair to sign the attached proposed letter requesting the
relocation of the 2024 NACo conference from Hillsborough County, Florida.
BACKGROUND: Each year, the National Association of Counties hosts the largest meeting of
county elected and appointed officials from across the country as part of its annual conference
and expo. The 2024 NACo conference is scheduled to be held in Hillsborough County, Florida
from July 20t" through the 23rd. Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, the State of
Florida has pursued and passed policies that are openly hostile toward African Americans,
people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. The Governor and the State of Florida's actions
encourage a culture of fear, harassment, and intimidation by public officials, and travel to the
state poses a risk for marginalized communities.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable
to this item:
• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or
ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic
status.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Chair recommends the Board review and authorize the Chair to
sign and send the attached letter to the National Association of Counties (NACo).
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JAMEZETTA BEDFORD,CHAIR Orange County Board of Commissioners
EARL MCKEE, VICE-CHAIR
AMYFOWLER Post Office Box 8181
SALLYG
REENE
JEANHAM/ETON 300 West Tryon Street
PHYLEAN HA
ANNA icHARFoR EASCOTT Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278
ANNA R/CHARDS Qg A T
October 3, 2023
President Mary Jo McGuire
660 North Capitol Street NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20001
Dear President McGuire:
On behalf of the Orange County Board of Commissioners,I am writing to express our concerns
regarding the location of the 2024 NACo Annual Conference in Hillsborough County,Florida.
Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, the State of Florida has pursued and passed
policies that are openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+
individuals. The NAACP, League of United Latin American Citizens, and Equality Florida
have all issued travel advisories outlining the devastating impact of laws that attack accurate
Black history,voting rights,immigrants,diversity and inclusion efforts,women's reproductive
rights,freedom of speech,the LGBTQ community,gun safety,and incite racial prejudice. The
Governor and the State of Florida's actions encourage a culture of fear, harassment, and
intimidation by public officials, and travel to the state poses a risk for marginalized
communities.
A value of the National Association of Counties is to embrace and respect our diversity of
experience, heritage, and thought. Holding the annual conference in the State of Florida is
antithetical to this value. We strongly request that the conference planning committee analyze
the impact on under-served and marginalized individuals and groups and relocate the event.
Sincerely,
Jamezetta Bedford
Chair, Board of County Commissioners
WWW.ORANGECOUNTYNC.GOV
ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
(9 79)245-2130