This episode features a conversation on a new county initiative that aims to keep local college graduates in the area after graduation. The program is called Rochester Emerging Talent and Innovation Network or RETAIN. The RETAIN program offers recent graduates a $2,000 lump sum payment after having lived, worked, and networked in Monroe County for at least one year.

Joining NYSAC Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz to discuss the RETAIN program and other workforce development initiatives is Monroe County Executive Adam Bello.  

Our thanks at NYSAC go to our sponsor, The Bonadio Group

This episode features a conversation on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and legislation establishing a carpet stewardship program. We discuss the benefits of product stewardship for the environment, local governments, and taxpayers, and what the timeline for the carpet EPR program will look like.

Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is Resa Dimino, Managing Principal at Resource Recycling Systems, and Managing Partner at Signalfire Group.

Our thanks at NYSAC go to our sponsor, Intellipure.

This episode features a conversation on the $4.2 billion Clean Air, Clean Water, and Green Jobs Bond Act and how it could provide long-term and dedicated funding for New York to prepare for the impacts of climate change and invest in restoring wildlife habitats.

Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is Jessica Ottney Mahar, Director of Policy & Strategy at The Nature Conservancy.

Our thanks go to NYSAC’s sponsor,  the New York Power Authority.

This episode features a conversation on mental health and the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining Ryan Gregoire, NYSAC Legislative Director, is Kathy Coons, Commissioner of Mental Health in Rensselaer County and past president of the NYS Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors.

NYSAC thanks our sponsor, ProAct.

This episode features a conversation on the conclusion of the 2022 State Legislative Session. NYSAC’s Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire and Director of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Dave Lucas discuss the main takeaways for county leaders, and what’s in store for legislative advocacy going forward.

Our thanks to NYSAC's sponsor NYSTEC.

This episode features a conversation on the Broome County Purchasing Alliance, a shared service model that brings high quality Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug (MAPD) retiree health benefits to participating entities. In 2021, the Alliance generated $9.1 million dollars in premium savings to qualifying participating public entities with several counties achieving a projected 3-year savings of over $3 million.

NYSAC’s Deputy Director Mark LaVigne is joined by Douglas Bulman, President of Statewide Purchasing Alliance of NY, as well as Jo Ann Wetzel, Vice President of Client Development and Retiree Solutions at UnitedHealth Group.

This episode features a conversation on Schenectady County’s Public Health Services newly launched Tickborne Illness Prevention Dashboard. The online dashboard includes information on how to prevent tick bites and tickborne diseases, as well as the prevalence of ticks and risk of illness by season.

Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce is Claire Proffitt, Deputy Director of Schenectady County's Public Health Department.

This episode features a conversation on financial sector predictions for county leaders for the remainder of the year, and how liquidity asset management can help maximize county revenues.

Joining NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario is Joseph Rulison, CEO and Co-Founder of three+one. Three+one is also a featured sponsor of NYSAC’s upcoming County Finance School in Syracuse, NY.

In recognition of National County Government Month, this episode features a conversation on the experience of former county government officials who went on to serve in the state legislature.

NYSAC’s Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire is joined by Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles and Assemblymember Billy Jones.

Every year following the passage of the final enacted state budget, the NYSAC Legislative Team combs through budget and identifies areas that will impact a range of county functions, departments, services, and programs.

NYSAC’s Communications Manager Tom Oldfather hosts this conversation with the legislative team members Ryan Gregoire, Dave Lucas, Alexandra LaMonte, and Patrick Cummings.

Visit https://www.nysac.org/nysbudget for more analysis from the county perspective.