WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
MONDAY
Monday, 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Africa 10
Clerks of Circuit Court: The Backbone of Justice
Clerks of circuit court play a vital role in ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of our justice system while maximizing available resources. Join members of the Wisconsin Clerks of Circuit Court Association for an insight into what clerks are required to do, what they are permitted to do, and what falls outside their responsibilities. The session will also explore collaborative efforts with community justice partners, with a focus on case management, the collection of fines and fees, court security, and other key initiatives.
Speakers:
Jeff Okazaki, Clerk of Circuit Court & Register in Probate, Dane County​
Stacy Kleist, Clerk of Circuit Court, Richland County
Rebecca Matoska-Mentink, Clerk of Circuit Court, Kenosha County
​​Speaker and Moderator: Penny Carter, Clerk of Circuit Court, Forest County
Monday, 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Africa 20
County Highway Finances: Where the Asphalt Meets the Budget
Learn the basics of county highway budgeting and planning. Join the Wisconsin County Highway Association and experienced county highway commissioners for a panel discussion on the financial side of highway operations.
Speakers:
Patrick Vander Sanden, Executive Director, Wisconsin County Highway Association
Craig Hardy, County Highway Commissioner, Iowa County
Rob Krejci, County Highway Commissioner, St. Croix County
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​​Moderator: Matthew Budde, County Board 2nd Vice Chair, Calumet County
Monday, 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Africa 30
Long-Term Support Systems: Caring Across the Lifespan
Long-term care plays a vital role in supporting all ages, from birth to seniors. We’ll examine available care options, Wisconsin’s aging demographics, and the growing financial impact on counties. This session will also highlight Wisconsin’s comprehensive, lifespan-focused approach, featuring programs such as Birth to 3, Children's Long Term Support, and other aging and disability services that help ensure continuous support for individuals and families
Speakers:
Cindy Piotrowski, ADRC Director, Portage County
Kelly Firlus, Department of Health Services’ Children, Youth, and Family Services Manager, Juneau County
Clare O'Brien, Department of Health and Human Services’ Budget and Policy Director, Milwaukee County
Toto Chanthavixay, Department of Health and Human Services’ Children, Youth and Family Services Director of the Children's Disability Program, Milwaukee County
Moderator: Alice Connors, County Board Chair, Calumet County
Monday, 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Africa 50
County Leadership Development: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities
The recent statewide County Leadership Development Survey offers an overview of the current landscape of leadership training and perceived needs across Wisconsin county governments. This session will highlight key trends, identify common challenges, and uncover promising practices in fostering leadership growth. The discussion will open for reflection and dialogue, inviting attendees to share their own experiences and consider how these insights can inform future strategies for enhancing leadership development across Wisconsin.
Speakers:
Amber Wichowsky, Associate Professor of Public Affairs and Leadership Wisconsin Endowed Chair, UW-Madison Division of Extension
Sarah Schlosser, Organizational and Leadership Development Program Manager, UW-Madison Division of Extension
Moderator: Bob Keeney, County Board Chair, Grant County
Monday, 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Africa 60
Zoning, Incentives and the Path to More Housing: Permit Me to Explain
Jefferson County has faced a persistent lack of new housing development since the 2008 recession. With rising construction and infrastructure costs, as well as higher interest rates, affordable housing is becoming increasingly difficult to deliver. By utilizing housing studies to inform policy decisions, aligning comprehensive plans with the county’s strategic plan, and securing community buy-in, counties can create the conditions necessary to support new housing development. Tools like the Live Local Development Fund, a below-market interest rate loan program offered by Thrive Economic Development that utilizes public/private funds, can help attract developers and advance local housing priorities.
Speakers:
Deborah Reinbold, President, Thrive Economic Development
Ben Wehmeier, President & CEO, Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation
Moderator: Staci Hoffman, Register of Deeds, Jefferson County
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Monday, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Africa 10
Cybersecurity, Compliance and AI Policies: Governing in the Digital Era
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, effective governance requires a deep understanding of the intersection between cybersecurity, compliance and the transformative power of artificial intelligence. This session will explore the challenges and opportunities that boards and executives face in ensuring robust cybersecurity protocols, navigating complex regulatory requirements, and shaping forward-thinking AI policies. Join us to gain valuable insights and actionable strategies for governing in the digital era.
Speakers:
Barry West, IT Director, Waushara County
​T.J. Podmolik, IT Director, Price County
Ben Hall, Practice Manager - Governance, Risk & Compliance, Heartland Business Systems
Seth Johnson, Senior Cyber Risk Professional, Charles Taylor
Moderator: Cedric Schnitzler, County Board Chair, Monroe County
Monday, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Africa 20
County Issues in the Northwoods: Navigating Northern Realities
This session will take a closer look at some of the significant challenges facing northern Wisconsin counties, including shifting demographics, limited affordable housing and child care options, and the ongoing concerns regarding fire and EMS funding. We'll also discuss the complex balance between land conservation and the need for economic development, especially in areas with limited property on the tax rolls.
Speakers:
Mary Felzkowski, State Senator, Wisconsin State Legislature
Kevin Dospoy, Deputy Director, Forward Analytics
Moderator: Michael Luckey, County Administrator, Jefferson County
Monday, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Africa 30
Supporting Opioid Recovery: Tools to Track and Improve Outcomes
Following the distribution and availability of opioid settlement funds, counties have taken responsibility for planning, managing, monitoring and evaluating the use of these funds to reduce overdose risks in their communities. The Opioid Settlement Principles Resource and Indicators, developed through the Bloomberg Overdose Prevention Initiative, is an online tool hosted by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to help counties do this important work. Learn more about the OSPRI tool and how your county can use it to plan, monitor, and evaluate your settlement funds.
Speakers:
Eric G. Hulsey, Executive Director, Institute for Research, Education and Training in Addictions
Andy Phillips, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.
Moderator: Sue Smith, Director/Health Officer, Wood County
Monday, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Africa 50
Short-Term Rentals: Residential Use? Commercial Use? Both? What May a County Do?!
Short-term rentals have exploded in the market over the last decade, often creating difficult questions for counties. Conflicting public information and challenges in state law further complicate a county's regulatory role. This session will address a county's regulatory authority of short-term rentals, legal restrictions on that authority, and options for counties considering whether to adopt a short-term rental regulatory ordinance.
Speakers:
Rebecca J. Roeker, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.
Malia Malone, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.
Moderator: Marty Krueger, County Board Supervisor, Sauk County
Monday, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Africa 60
Demystifying Your Fund Balance: The Rainy Day Realities
Understanding your county’s fund balance isn’t just for accountants - it’s essential knowledge for every county leader making budget decisions. This session breaks down what a fund balance really means, why it matters to your financial health, and how it affects everything from bond ratings to budget flexibility. Join us for a practical discussion that will leave you better equipped to advocate for smart, sustainable financial decisions in your county.
Speakers:
Jeffrey S. French, County Administrator, Barron County
Nick Trimner, County Administrator, Price County
Moderator: Jim Heinrich, County Board Chair, Waukesha County
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Monday, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Africa 10
MakeMyMove: Bringing People and Jobs Together
Cities and towns across the United States are facing unprecedented challenges from labor shortages and declining population growth. States and municipalities spend $70 billion annually to grow their economies, but most of these dollars focus on attracting more employers, not people. Every year, over 7 million Americans move to a new state, presenting a significant opportunity for communities to expand their workforce and population. Many move in search of a high quality of life and a sense of belonging. MakeMyMove is the first and only marketplace that connects move-ready talent with the cities and towns that are competing for their relocations.
Speakers:
Ben Ledo, Vice President of Enterprise Sales, MakeMyMove
Mike Rutz, CEO & Co-Founder, MakeMyMove
Moderator: Todd Romenesko, County Administrator, Calumet County
Monday, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Africa 20
PFAS Update: Forever Chemicals, Immediate Challenges
Join us to hear the latest news on what’s happening with PFAS in Wisconsin, the role that counties play, and opportunities to partner with the private sector. This panel will give you the inside perspective from the Legislature, counties, and the private sector to arm you with the knowledge necessary to make important decisions back home.
Speakers:
Eric Wimberger, State Senator, Wisconsin State Legislature
Rebecca J. Roeker, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.
Larry Kinsman, Principal, ORIN Technologies
Moderator: Alayne Krause, County Administrator, Sheboygan County
Monday, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Africa 30
Crisis Care Facilities: No-Wrong Door Access to Mental Health
This session will explore the development of crisis care facilities in Wisconsin as part of the Crisis Now Model. A “safe place to get help” is a foundational component of this model and crisis care facilities are intended to provide 24/7, no-wrong-door access to mental health and substance use crisis care. Join us to learn how these new facilities fit within the continuum of care, and how they can serve their communities and provide an additional resource to individuals and their care partners.
Speakers:
Brianne Zaborowske, Lead Crisis Coordinator, Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Heather Carlson, Mental Health Services Section Manager, Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Joanette Robertson, Bureau of Prevention Treatment and Recovery Director, Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Moderator: Dennis Pocernich, County Board Chair, Bayfield County
Monday, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Africa 50
The Foundation of Good Governance: Solid Rules, Solid Boards
Establishing a culture promoting efficient and effective governance requires effort. The foundation of every good governance model begins with a set of solid and understandable procedural rules. A county board with a solid set of board rules in place is well on its way to establishing the appropriate culture. Join us for this session, which will focus on both the purpose and language of board rules.
Speakers:
Tricia Clements, County Administrator, Richland County
Ben Conard, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.
David Turk, County Board Chair, Richland County
Moderator and Speaker: Andy Phillips, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.
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Monday, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Africa 60
Numbers Don't Lie, But They Can Mislead
Understanding data and how to navigate its potential to mislead is critically important. Attendees will learn to identify data pitfalls, such as biases or misinterpretations, by highlighting real-world, common misconceptions. Join us to deepen your data literacy in an increasingly complex information landscape.
Speakers and Moderators:
Kevin Dospoy, Deputy Director, Forward Analytics
Dale Knapp, Director, Forward Analytics
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TUESDAY
Tuesday, 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Africa 10
County Constitutional Officers: Demystifying Their Roles
Some of the duties of county constitutional officers are prescribed by statute, while others have evolved differently over the years in various counties. So, where do these officers fall on the county organizational chart? Join us to explore the important roles and duties undertaken by county constitutional officers.
Speakers:
Mike Schlaak, County Treasurer, Calumet County
Matt Thome, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.
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Speaker and Moderator: Andy Phillips, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.
Tuesday, 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Africa 20
The Road Goes on Forever, or Does It?
Transportation delivers. Investment in infrastructure supports jobs, connects communities, boosts economic growth, and enhances safety. With transportation-specific revenues facing challenges, how will Wisconsin continue to fund the programs and projects necessary to keep our state moving? Join us to learn about the current state of the Wisconsin Transportation Fund, the obstacles it faces, and potential strategies to align funding with economic growth, adapt to new technologies, and maintain our aging transportation network.
Speaker: Debby Jackson, Executive Director, Transportation Development Association​
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Moderator: Lance Pliml, County Board Chair, Wood County
Tuesday, 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Africa 30
Youth Justice Reform in Action
Wisconsin Act 185, enacted in 2018, restructured the state's youth correctional system, aiming to close the Lincoln Hills School for Boys and Copper Lake School for Girls and shift towards community-based alternatives. Join the presenters for an update on youth justice system reforms related to the new law and a look at Racine County’s new youth corrections facility, programs and services.
Speakers:
Lance Horozewski, Division of Juvenile Corrections Administrator, Wisconsin Department of Corrections
Amberlyn Yohn, Administrator of Youth Rehabilitative Services, Jonathan Delagrave Youth Development and Care Center, Racine County
Hope Otto, Human Services Director, Racine County
Moderator: Rebecca Glewen, County Administrator, Trempealeau County
Tuesday, 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Africa 50
Using Contracts To Build Better (and Smarter)
Counties have varied and complex facility needs. Capital projects add a whole other layer of complications. Counties should be mindful of basic project delivery methods, contract sets and public bidding laws when determining how best to ensure a project is done on time and within budget. This session will address legal questions and provide real-life examples of the complicated and, at times, risky world of construction contracts.
Speakers:
Rebecca J. Roeker, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.
Malia Malone, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.
Michael Lanzdorf, Corporation Counsel, Racine County
Moderator: Ron Skallerud, County Board Chair, Forest County
Tuesday, 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Africa 60
AI and Local Government: Challenges, Opportunities, and Next Steps
Wisconsin counties are beginning to deploy artificial intelligence to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations. This session will provide guidance explaining AI, its potential uses, how counties and municipalities are deploying it, and how to identify and mitigate potential risks, as well as best practices for implementing AI security and potential AI-use policies for county staff.
Speakers:
Bill Oemichen, Professor of Practice - Law, UW-Madison Division of Extension
Kyle Cranmer, Data Science Institute Director, UW-Madison
Megan Poindexter, Office of Digital Solutions Teaching, Learning and Technology Specialist, UW-Madison Division of Extension
Moderator: Kurt Gibbs, County Board Chair, Marathon County
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Tuesday, 9:15-10:15 a.m.
Africa 10
Hold My Beer: It's Weird. It's Wacky. It's Wisconsin County Government!
"Hold my beer" is a popular phrase typically used by people about to undertake a foolhardy endeavor. Often, county officials find themselves in strange or unusual situations where it appears someone has just uttered, "Hold my beer." In this session, we will discuss the strange and the unusual and, more importantly, how counties handled the odd situations. While the session will be sure to entertain, there will no doubt be a valuable lesson or two baked into the discussion.
Speakers:
Andy Phillips, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.
Tim McCumber, County Board Chair, Sauk County
Rebecca Glewen, County Administrator, Trempealeau County
Moderator: Lance Pliml, County Board Chair, Wood County
Tuesday, 9:15-10:15 a.m.
Africa 20
Legal Land Descriptions: Understanding Where the Lines Are
One of the greatest privileges we have as members of a free society is the right to own land. Legal descriptions are written to define the limits of land ownership. Those descriptions are then placed on deed forms and recorded in the county register of deeds office. In this session, learn about the basic types of legal descriptions. We’ll look at examples of poorly written descriptions and discuss the challenges and confusion they can create for county personnel and the general public.
Speaker: Bryan H. Meyer, Professional Land Surveyor, La Crosse County
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Moderator: Dave Frohling, County Board Chair, Dodge County
Tuesday, 9:15-10:15 a.m.
Africa 30
Shared Services, Stronger Counties: Maximizing Efficiency in Local Government
Through collaboration and shared services, government entities can improve public services. The discussion will cover the rationale, benefits, and challenges of shared service models, highlighting how they can enhance efficiency, reduce duplication, and deliver better outcomes for taxpayers. The presenters will share best practices, success factors, and structural models for shared services across core functions, such as emergency dispatch, IT, and public works, while maintaining local control.
Speakers:
Josh Schoemann, County Executive, Washington County
Todd Romenesko, County Administrator, Calumet County
Moderator: Samantha Kerkman, County Executive, Kenosha County
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Tuesday, 9:15-10:15 a.m.
Africa 50
Strategic Planning for Counties: Principles, Pitfalls, and Practical Applications
Take a comprehensive look at strategic planning and its core principles and explore why organizations undertake this crucial process. This session will delve into the unique context of county governments, examining case studies to illustrate both the benefits and potential pitfalls of strategic planning in this setting. Participants will leave the session with the ability to evaluate whether strategic planning and its related processes apply to their county’s unique situation and challenges.
Speakers:
Elizabeth McCrank, Community Leadership Specialist, UW-Madison Division of Extension
Garret Zastoupil, Community Leadership Development Educator, UW-Madison Division of Extension
Moderator: Nancy Coffey, County Board Chair, Eau Claire County
Tuesday, 9:15-10:15 a.m.
Africa 60
Broadband Proliferation: Can You Hear and See Me Now?
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program is a federal effort to expand high-speed internet access across the United States. It seeks to connect all Americans to reliable, affordable broadband by funding planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption programs. Join this session for a discussion on the availability and impacts of BEAD funding in Wisconsin
Speaker:
Rebecca J. Roeker, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.
Ben Conard, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.
Gail Huycke, Professor of Practice, Broadband Specialist, UW-Madison Division of Extension
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Moderator: Kurt Gibbs, County Board Chair, Marathon County
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Tuesday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Africa 10
Protecting Judicial Privacy: Understanding and Implementing WI Act 235
Join us for an informative discussion on the countywide impact of 2023 Wisconsin Act 235, which enhances privacy protections for judicial officers. This discussion will highlight key responsibilities, potential risks, and strategies to ensure compliance while maintaining public service and transparency. Gain the insight you need to support your departments and uphold the intent of this important legislation.
Speakers:
Staci Hoffman, Register of Deeds, Jefferson County
Ben Conard, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.
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Moderator and Speaker: Andy Phillips, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.
Tuesday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Africa 20
Facility Planning for Success: From Strategy to Performance
Learn how facility master plans can help counties effectively manage capital dollars and inform long-term strategies. This session will break down key facility planning decisions and how to align them with the county's operational goals. Real-life examples will show how master plans create value, increase efficiencies and guide future investments.
Speakers:
Cory Beyer, Vice President & Senior Project Manager, Venture Architects
Brad Kwasny, Senior Associate & Senior Project Architect, Venture Architects
John Sabinash, Vice President & Government Studio Director, Venture Architects
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Moderator: Monica Kruse, County Board Supervisor, La Crosse County
Tuesday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Africa 30
An Interactive Budgeting Experience: What's in Your Bucket?
The Bucket Challenge is an interactive, priority-based budgeting exercise. Participants will explore key budget issues and vote on their top priorities in this engaging and hands-on session. Attendees are encouraged to take the exercise home to help identify and discuss budget priorities in their counties.
Speakers:
Ken Witt, County Administrator, St. Croix County
Lance Leonhard, County Administrator, Marathon County
Moderator: Tina Tryggestad, County Board Chair, La Crosse County
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Tuesday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Africa 50
Regulating Renewable Energy: Are Counties Full of Hot Air?
Counties continue to receive requests for siting renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind energy systems. The complex regulatory framework governing renewable energy projects creates challenging questions of a county’s limited ability to regulate them. This session will provide an update on the key legal issues, including preemption, financial impacts, and assurances; trends in approval processes; the potential for a collaborative approach; and other options available for counties when considering regulating renewable energy systems or when presented with a proposal for a renewable energy project.
Speakers:
Rebecca J. Roeker, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.
Malia Malone, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.
Moderator: Tim McCumber, County Board Chair, Sauk County
Tuesday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Africa 60
Emerging Cyber Trends: Hacking the Heartland
In this session, join a cyber risk professional for a pulse check on the recent increase in cyber incidents impacting counties across Wisconsin. He will analyze key trends and challenges that have emerged this year, providing insights into how these incidents have affected county environments.
Speaker: Seth Johnson, Senior Cyber Risk Professional, Charles Taylor
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Moderator: Nick Trimner, County Administrator, Price County