Jeff Eslinger | County News Editor

The Board of Directors of the ND Association of Counties (NDACo) has approved matching funds for non-commissioner department heads who attend one of three National Association of Counties (NACo) events:

• Legislative Conference: March 1-4, 2025 (Washington, DC)
• Western Interstate Region Conference: May 21-23, 2025 (Pennington County-Rapid City, SD)
• NACo Annual Conference: July 11-14, 2025 (Philadelphia, PA)

The ND County Commissioners Association (NDCCA) started a similar program two years ago, and five applications have been approved so far. (Learn more here.)

Because the NDCCA program is available only to commissioners, the NDACo program does not apply to commissioners, but to non-commissioner department heads. Both programs have an upper limit of $1,500 per event, which is typically enough to pay half of the person’s expenses for registration, travel and lodging. It is up to the individual whether they pay out of their own pocket or seek professional development funds from their county. Payment is made after the event, pending submission of receipts.

To learn more and apply online, please visit www.ndaco.org/about-ndaco/national_involvement, or call Michelle Tabbert in the NDACo office at 701-425-0822.