New Learning Opportunities

This year, ACCG is offering additional learning opportunities for conference attendees not participating in Lifelong Learning Academy classes. Attendees not enrolled in an LLA class may enjoy one of the following hot topic sessions:

Data Centers, Your Community, and You: Developing County Ordinances
Thursday, April 23
1:45 p.m.

Following the success of the ACCG webinar — Data Centers, Your Community, and You: Equipping Counties with Information & Resources — this session will equip elected officials and county management staff with a clear, actionable framework for developing ordinances that address the rapid growth of data processing centers. Panelists will explore unique land-use, infrastructure, and community-impact considerations associated with these facilities—such as energy demand, noise, water usage, and emergency services planning. Through case examples, peer discussion, and guidance on aligning local rules with state law, commissioners will gain the tools to craft ordinances that protect community interests while supporting responsible economic development.

Embrace the Dialogue, Evolve the Policy, Emerge with Trust: County Social Media Engagement
Saturday, April 25
10:30 a.m.

Counties are increasingly expected to meet their communities where they are—online, vocal, and engaged. This session will help county officials embrace social media as a primary tool for constituent engagement, evolve their social media policies and practices to uphold First Amendment protections, while emerging with trust. Participants will learn how to navigate comment moderation without infringing protected speech, set expectations for online conduct, and build public information strategies that strengthen transparency and community connection.