ICG Studio 67’s County Conversations

Counties are responsible for a broad range of environmental and natural resource issues, many of which are subject to state and federal regulations beyond their control. In this episode of County Conversations, we are joined by Kim Tapley, President of the Florida Environmental Resource Agencies (FLERA) and Dina Ferguson, Executive Director of FLERA, to discuss environmental issues and the role of counties.

On this episode we speak with Commissioner John Meeks from Levy County. Now in his 12th year on the County Commission, Commissioner Meeks is someone who, through a love of his county -- which he calls a little piece of heaven - puts community first.  Active in several FAC policy committees over the years, Commissioner Meeks currently serves as the Chairman of the Institute for County Government (ICG) at FAC, where he helps shape education programming for county commissioners. Join us as we discuss what it means to be a commissioner on your first day in office; how to be a student commissioner; and, how to work with diverse issues and individuals in small coastal county.

On this episode of County Conversations we are joined by Brett Mattson, Legislative Director for Justice and Public Safety at the National Association of Counties (NACo) to discuss, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The program is set to expire on September 30, 2023, and we discuss options for extending and reauthorizing the program. Other issues discussed include major program changes from 2012 and 2104; Risk Rating 2.0; Increase Cost of Compliance; and, opportunities to make flood insurance more affordable.   

On this episode of County Conversations, we are joined by Eryn Hurley, Legislative Director for the National Association of Counties, where we discuss the upcoming deadline for a new federal budget; FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Fund shortfall; broadband funding; ARPA funding flexibility; and the final WOTUS Rule.  

On this episode of County Conversations, we are joined by Mark Friedland with the Insurance Information Institute, where we discuss recent trends and legislation surrounding Florida’s insurance market.

On this episode of County Conversations, we are joined by Whit Blanton, Executive Director of Forward Pinellas and current President of FAPA.

On this episode of County Conversations, we are joined by Ms. Shannon Weiner, Monroe County Emergency Management Director, and current President of FEPA.

On this episode of County Conversations, we are joined by Elizabeth Payne, Chief Executive Officer of the Northeast Florida Regional Planning Council and Chair of FRCA’s Executive Directors Advisory Committee.

On this episode of County Conversations, we are joined by Neil Fleckenstein, Planning Coordinator for Tall Timbers in Leon County.