CONFERENCE WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
MONDAY
Monday, 1-2 pm
Africa 10
Part 1: Fundamentals of Parli Pro – Are You Ready for the "Lombardi County" Board Meeting?
Join us to discuss basics and pointers on parliamentary procedure. This session is a great introduction to get ready for the Part 2 session at 2:15 p.m., where we put the fundamentals to work in a simulated meeting.
Andy Phillips, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c. (moderator)
James Braughler, County Supervisor, Jefferson County
Africa 20
WisDOT Update
Get a programmatic update from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The session will discuss progress made by counties within the WisDOT 2023-25 biennial budget and future transportation initiatives.
Joel Nilsestuen, Assistant Deputy Secretary, WI Department of Transportation
Moderator: Jeff French, County Administrator, Barron County
Africa 30
Alternative Courts: A County's Perspective of How They Can Be Useful
In 2009, Brown County created its first treatment court for repeat drug offenders. In the years since, the county has worked to build an entire criminal justice services department featuring seven alternative courts for offenders utilizing incentives, treatment and rehabilitation to avoid the costly public safety system that heavily impacts families, the workforce and recidivism rates. Learn more about this case study in modern criminal justice.
Troy Streckenbach, County Executive, Brown County
Mark Vanden Hoogan, Criminal Justice Services Manager, Brown County
Moderator: Penny Carter, Clerk of Circuit Court, Forest County
Africa 50
Secure Act 2.0 – What Comes Next?
This session will provide an update on the implementation of Secure Act 2.0 and review its key provisions. Enacted in December 2022, Secure Act 2.0 is comprehensive legislation that includes over 90 provisions impacting retirement plans and individual retirement arrangements (IRAs). This session focuses on expanding coverage, increasing retirement savings and easing administrative burdens.
Keith Mancini, AVP Government Affairs, WI Deferred Compensation Program
Emily Lockwood, Managing State Director, WI Deferred Compensation Program
Moderator: Jim Brey, County Supervisor, Manitowoc County
Africa 60
WI DNR Update
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Adam Payne will provide attendees with an update on the latest initiatives and goals at the DNR. He will also offer key insight into how the department interacts with counties and the benefits counties can expect from his leadership at the agency in light of his background as a county administrator.
Adam N. Payne, Secretary, WI Department of Natural Resources
Moderator: Jeff Schleif, County Board Chair, Washington County
Monday, 2:15-3:15 pm
Africa 10
Part 2: Under the Bright Lights – The "Lombardi County" Board Meeting
You have the fundamentals down, but how do they really work? This session will simulate a county board meeting where knowledge of parliamentary procedure will be critical. But be wary of your fellow "Lombardi County" board members - they may be trying to create problems...
Andy Phillips, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c. (moderator)
James Braughler, County Supervisor, Jefferson County
Africa 20
County Surveyors and the Important Work They Do for Wisconsin
County surveyors serve to protect landowner rights for thousands of Wisconsin citizens. In this lively session, you will learn how county surveyors interact and resolve conflicts with landowners, land surveyors, attorneys, title professionals, real estate agents and other government officials regarding land ownership concerns.
Bryan Meyer, County Surveyor, La Crosse County
Moderator: Staci Hoffman, Register of Deeds, Jefferson County
Africa 30
Innovative Solutions to Wisconsin's Mental Health Crisis
As mental health needs continue to grow throughout our state, counties have implemented a variety of programs targeted at transforming their systems of care. Racine County will discuss valuing prevention, committing to voluntary programming, and investing in self-administered services to create a sustainable and robust behavioral health system. Waukesha County will share details about their practice of creating intergovernmental partnerships, including their award-winning, embedded mental health professional program. Jefferson County will focus on their partnership with law enforcement as well as their new youth crisis stabilization facility.
Hope Otto, Human Services Director, Racine County
Elizabeth Aldred, Department of Health and Human Service Director, Waukesha County
Holly Pagel, Behavioral Health Division Manager, Jefferson County
Moderator: Paul Decker, County Board Chair, Waukesha County
Africa 50
What Everyone Should Know About Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving topic that impacts our lives at work and home. Join the conversation and learn what everyone should know about protecting yourself and your organization.
Lance Spranger, Chief Information Officer, Waukesha County
Bill Nash, Cybersecurity Advisor, Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Shuchi Wadhwa, Chief Information Officer, Racine County
Moderator: Louie Okey, County Board Chair, Barron County
Africa 60
Internet for All in Wisconsin – A Federal Update
Counties are actively engaging with the WI Public Service Commission as part of the planning process for the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment grant program. Join this session to learn about the federal Internet for All initiative and how significant funding will be directed to Wisconsin over the next few years. Session highlights include an overview of program requirements, key dates and how to effectively engage in this historic opportunity to connect all Wisconsinites to high-speed internet.
Carah Koch, Federal Program Officer, National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Moderator: Cedric Schnitzler, County Board Chair, Monroe County
Monday, 3:30-4:30 pm
Africa 10
Know Your Wisconsin Retirement System
This session will provide an overview of the Wisconsin Retirement System. Topics will include recent law changes that affect the WRS and counties, the demographics of the WRS, how Wisconsin compares to other state retirement systems, and much more.
Matt Stohr, Retirement Director, WI Department of Employee Trust Funds
Moderator: Brent Miller, County Administrator, Sauk County
Africa 20
County Leadership in Workforce Housing
Over the last 30 years, housing costs have increased substantially, making it difficult for young professionals to purchase a first home. Creating community-driven neighborhoods with high-quality homes built on low-cost lots will diversify the housing market. In this session, we will discuss Washington County's Next Generation Housing Initiative and how to fill the housing void in our counties with attainable, quality housing for the next-generation workforce.
Josh Schoemann, County Executive, Washington County, and President, WI County Executives and Administrators Association
Howard Husock, Scholar/Author, American Enterprise Institute
Moderator: Ben Wehmeier, County Administrator, Jefferson County
Africa 30
Guidance for Local Health Officers
Local health officers play a vital role in promoting public health throughout the county and bear a great responsibility in controlling the spread of communicable diseases. Join us for this session as we explore some of the myths surrounding the roles of local health officers and discuss how to promote public health in your county.
Andy Phillips, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.
Joan Theurer, WI Public Health Forward Project Director, WI Association of Local Health Departments and Boards
Moderator: Todd Romenesko, County Administrator, Calumet County
Africa 50
Partnering with UW-Madison’s UniverCity – County Success Stories and How to Engage
Counties need thoughtful partners to rethink traditional ways of doing business. Learn about how the UW's UniverCity Year program has worked with counties across the state to improve a variety of issues, including affordable housing, sustainability, child care, consolidation of services and the recruitment of EMS workers. The discussion will highlight a partnership with Polk County on economic development rebranding.
Claire Johnson, Communications & Public Information Specialist, Polk County
Gavin Luter, Managing Director, UniverCity Alliance, UW-Madison
Moderator: Alice Connors, County Board Chair, Calumet County
Africa 60
Maximize the Value of Your IT
Technology has become essential to nearly every facet of government operations. Join us for a discussion on the crucial elements of technology in every organization, technologies that elevate the organization, and how to maximize your investment.
Barry West, Information Technology Director, Waushara County, and Chair, Governmental Information Processing Association of Wisconsin
Kevin Koenig, Information Technology Solutions Manager, Waukesha County
Moderator: Melissa Pingel, County Administrator, Waushara County
TUESDAY
Tuesday, 8:00-9:00 am
Africa 10
Whose Job Is It? Top 10 Misconceptions About Board and Administration Roles
County government runs smoothest when there is widespread understanding of the respective roles of the board and administration. Join us for this session where we explore common misconceptions surrounding roles and responsibilities and give you the information necessary to promote good governance and administration in your county.
Andy Phillips, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.
Moderator: Lance Pliml, County Board Chair, Wood County
Africa 20
Wisconsin's Transition to Electric Vehicles and What It Means for Drivers
The market share of plug-in electric vehicles in the United States increased from 0.2 percent in 2011 to 7 percent in 2022. What is driving this growth and how will a transition to electric vehicles impact Wisconsin drivers, transportation infrastructure funding and other factors? This session will also provide an overview of what we don't yet know and how other states are managing the transition to electric vehicles.
Debby Jackson, Executive Director, Transportation Development Association
Moderator: Monica Kruse, County Board Chair, La Crosse County
Africa 30
Access to Child Care in Wisconsin
Join the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association and Raising Wisconsin in unpacking how working parents and businesses are negatively impacted due to the child care crisis at an annual rate of $1.9 billion in lost economic productivity, earnings and revenue. Learn about the child care landscape in Wisconsin, why it's a broken business model, and what you can do to be a part of the solution.
Jackie Anderson, Director of Raising Wisconsin, WI Early Childhood Association
Ruth Schmidt, Executive Director, WI Early Childhood Association
Moderator: Hope Otto, Human Services Director, Racine County
Africa 50
Addressing Occupational Trauma with Resiliency Training
The Center for Suicide Awareness, supported by the Medical College of Wisconsin, conducts a program focused on resiliency skills to help first responders better handle stress and trauma from the ever-increasing volume of critical calls. These resiliency skills improve work performance and personal life balance, allowing our public servants to thrive in their profession. This session will summarize the three-day, no-cost seminar.
Matthew Joski, Sheriff, Kewaunee County
Moderator: Kurt Gibbs, County Board Chair, Marathon County
Africa 60
Debt Issuance Considerations and Strategies
This presentation will provide a general review of the key issues that Wisconsin counties face when financing capital projects through the issuance of debt. We will review statutory requirements, potential sources of financing, market participants, methods of sale options, credit pledges available to counties, and key rating agency considerations. There will be a discussion on how current market conditions are affecting the financing strategies of larger projects as well as market-based strategies for allowing for local bank participation.
Brian Della, Public Finance Director, PMA Securities, LLC
Moderator: Dave Frohling, County Board Chair, Dodge County
Tuesday, 9:15-10:15 am
Africa 10
Renewable Energy: Local Regulation and Financial Implications
Wisconsin's counties are receiving an increased number of requests for large-scale renewable energy projects, including solar energy systems. This presentation will address key issues such as the extent of a county's regulatory authority over renewable energy projects, preemption, financial impacts and assurances, and other considerations for counties confronting issues raised by these projects.
Jacob J. Curtis, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.
Rebecca J. Roeker, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.
Moderator: Donna Rozar, County Supervisor, Wood County
Africa 20
How to Manage PFAS
PFAS have the potential to be one of the greatest threats to our drinking water. The science is complex and the legal landscape is rugged. Learn about the legal paths available to counties and what community leaders can do when this chemical is discovered in their water.
Erin Dickinson, Attorney, Crueger Dickinson, LLC
Jim Zellmer, Division Administrator, WI Department of Natural Resources
Moderator: Samantha Kerkman, County Executive, Kenosha County
Africa 30
Creating a Culture of Belonging in Local Government
A culture of belonging is where every employee, regardless of their background, feels respected, welcomed and valued. This program spotlights best practices for developing a culture of belonging at work while sharing lessons learned along the way.
Paula Phillips, Office of Equity Interim Director, Milwaukee County
Marcelia Nicholson, County Board Chair, Milwaukee County
Moderator: Mark Abeles-Allison, County Administrator, Bayfield County
Africa 50
An Update on Next Generation 911: Implementation, GIS and Grant Funds
Next Generation 911 is being rebranded as a Now Generation 911 ecosystem. Panel members will highlight the importance of grant funding to county GIS and public safety answering points. Learn about how sustained state grant funding is necessary to maintain the viability and integrity of the systems' architecture. PSAP leaders will share the trials and triumphs of transitioning from the 1960s technology of delivering Enhanced 911 voice calls to this new state of NG911 providing access to voice, text, incident imagery and telematics.
Danielle Miller, Communications Manager, Douglas County
Bob Frank, Chair, State 9-1-1 Subcommittee
Moderator: Al Haga, County Board Chair, Portage County
Africa 60
You Think Your Corporation Counsel Has a Conflict of Interest? What’s Next?
There are special ethics rules governing lawyers and even more special rules that apply to lawyers representing governmental entities. What is a legal conflict of interest? Who is a government lawyer’s client? Do the same rules apply to in-house lawyers and outside counsel? Join us for this discussion on the unique role of county corporation counsel and how you can help in ensuring your county is getting the legal advice it needs and deserves.
Margaret Daun, Corporation Counsel, Milwaukee County
Andy Phillips, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.
Moderator: Jonathan Delagrave, County Executive, Racine County
Tuesday, 10:30-11:30 am
Africa 10
Innovative Strategies on Weight Limits for Roads and Getting Products to Market
Learn about the latest on the partnership between counties and the agriculture community. This session will highlight the joint initiatives of the WI Farm Bureau Federation and the WCA that keep commerce moving and rural infrastructure in good condition.
Tim Fiocchi, Senior Director of Government Affairs, WI Farm Bureau Federation
Moderator: Tina Osterberg, County Administrator, Monroe County
Africa 20
Nontraditional Partners Working for Clean Water and Resilient Farms
Since 2019, agricultural and conservation groups have been partnering on the “Clean Water Initiative” to articulate a vision for agriculture and water quality in Wisconsin. While the job is not yet done, small victories have been achieved. Hear about lessons learned, and what the group is prioritizing in 2023 and going forward.
Shawn Pfaff, President, Pfaff Public Affairs
Sara Walling, Water & Agriculture Program Director, Clean Wisconsin
Alex Madorsky, Associate Director of Government Relations, The Nature Conservancy
Chad Zuleger, Director of Government Affairs, Dairy Business Association
Matt Krueger, Executive Director, WI Land+Water
Moderator: James Braughler, County Supervisor, Jefferson County
Africa 30
Fentanyl/Opioid Crisis Response from Brown and Waukesha Counties
Brown and Waukesha counties have developed multileveled approaches to combat the fentanyl and opioid crisis in our communities. In partnership with public health, Brown County is collaborating with public and private partners to raise awareness about the dangers of these drugs. Waukesha County has developed its own data dashboard to provide local information to the public. Learn about each county’s individualized approach.
Troy Streckenbach, County Executive, Brown County
Anna Nick, Public Health Officer, Brown County
Elizabeth Aldred, Director of Health and Human Services, Waukesha County
Moderator: Jon Doemel, County Executive, Winnebago County
Africa 50
What is Needed for a Successful County Fair
Presenters will share their ingredients in running a successful fair. Whether your fair is county- owned or an independent fair association, you can benefit from the resources of the WI Association of Fairs.
Amy Olson, Fairgrounds & Operations Director, Grant County Fair
Jayme Buttke, Executive Director, WI Association of Fairs
Mary Check, Fair Manager, Rock County 4-H Fair, and President, WI Association of Fairs
Moderator: Lisa Freiberg, County Clerk, Fond du Lac County
Africa 60
Get to Know Your CVSO – Every County Has One
In 2022, the federal Veterans Administration invested a significant amount of money in Wisconsin. County and tribal veterans service officers can help your county apply these funds appropriately. Attend this session to increase your knowledge of your local CVSO, who they are, their role, and how they can help veterans and our counties.
Rock Larson, Past President, County Veteran Service Officer Association of Wisconsin
Greg Quinn, 2nd Vice President, County Veteran Service Officer Association of Wisconsin
Moderator: Kurt Gibbs, County Board Chair, Marathon County