The Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) participated in a recent meeting of the National Association of Counties’(NACo) Great Lakes Regional Forum focused on preparing for the 2026 NACo Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. The discussion built on prior forum conversations and centered on how Great Lakes counties can most effectively elevate regional priorities within NACo’s formal policy process while shaping a strong, relevant agenda for the upcoming conference.
The meeting began with a recap of the Forum’s earlier discussion on data centers and large water users in the Great Lakes region. Participants revisited the growing interest by data center developers in Great Lakes counties due to abundant freshwater resources and comparatively lower costs, while also noting the significant land use, energy demand, and water infrastructure implications these facilities create for local governments. The conversation underscored the unique position of Great Lakes counties, which must balance economic development opportunities with long-term stewardship of one of the world’s most significant freshwater systems. There was broad agreement that data centers and large water users should remain a priority topic for the Forum and that local experiences from Great Lakes counties can help inform NACo’s broader advocacy on these issues.
Participants also reviewed the broader Great Lakes governance and policy landscape, including the roles of regional commissions, interstate and binational bodies, local government coalitions, and advocacy organizations active on water quality, ecosystem restoration, transportation, ports, and economic development. It was noted that counties have historically lacked a dedicated voice within this ecosystem, and that the NACo Great Lakes Regional Forum is intended to help fill that gap by providing a space for county leaders to share experiences, coordinate priorities, and inform national county policy discussions through a Great Lakes lens.
The conversation highlighted shared regional priorities that have emerged across Great Lakes organizations, particularly continued federal support for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Participants discussed how this existing regional agenda could align with NACo policy and where counties might add value by emphasizing their responsibilities and on-the-ground role in water infrastructure, environmental compliance, and ecosystem restoration. While no formal decisions were made, there was clear interest in exploring how counties could reinforce these priorities through NACo, potentially through an interim policy resolution at the Legislative Conference.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on clarifying NACo’s policy process and the role of regional forums within it. Participants reviewed the structure of the American County Platform and the use of interim resolutions at the Legislative Conference to address emerging or time-sensitive federal issues. It was emphasized that while the Great Lakes Regional Forum cannot itself adopt policy, forum members can work collaboratively to develop ideas and submit resolutions through the appropriate NACo policy steering committees. This discussion framed the Forum as a coordinating and idea-generating body that can help Great Lakes counties navigate the policy process more effectively.
Looking ahead to the 2026 NACo Legislative Conference, participants reviewed logistics and discussed potential themes for the Great Lakes Forum session scheduled during the conference. Ideas included hearing from federal agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Great Lakes infrastructure and restoration projects, exploring economic development opportunities such as Great Lakes cruising and waterfront tourism, and continuing conversations on emerging issues like PFAS, plastics, and data center impacts. The goal is to create a session that blends expert insight with meaningful peer-to-peer exchange among county leaders.
The meeting concluded with a focus on next steps. NACo staff will follow up with background materials, policy resources, and guidance on resolutions, and forum members were encouraged to review those materials and provide feedback in January. Participants were asked to consider whether to pursue Great Lakes–focused interim resolutions for the Legislative Conference and to share ideas for agenda topics, speakers, and federal policy priorities. The group agreed that the coming weeks will be critical for refining priorities and positioning Great Lakes counties to play an informed and coordinated role in national county advocacy during the 2026 Legislative Conference.