Two more ACCA priority bills signed into law
This past Tuesday, two more ACCA priority bills were signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey, and both will take effect October 1, 2026. Act 2026-56 creates a streamlined process for counties to procure small-vehicle repairs and parts for individual incidents costing less than $15,000, a process similar to the existing method used for heavy-equipment repairs. Act 2026-57 allows counties — with policies and administrative oversight in place — to utilize purchasing/procurement cards (or p-cards) for service-related expenses, such as lodging and transportation costs.
Alabama county leaders to return this week from NACo Legislative Conference
Dozens of Alabama county leaders will return from Washington, D.C., this week upon conclusion of the 2026 Legislative Conference of the National Association of Counties (NACo). The conference kicked off on Saturday and, by its end, will have provided Alabama county leaders with four full days of networking with county leaders nationwide while learning about and discussing the latest federal policy issues affecting county government operations. The dates for next year’s NACo Legislative Conference have already been set, and Alabama county leaders are encouraged to go ahead and make plans to participate in the February 20-23, 2027, event.
Regional Meetings for Administrators begin this week
Regional Meetings of the Association of County Administrators of Alabama (ACAA) will kick off this week and run through April 10. All County Administrators and Administrative Staff are encouraged to participate in their Regional Meeting and take advantage of the opportunity to network with peers and discuss the latest obstacles and “lessons learned” in county administration. Each Regional Meeting will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude with lunch at a nearby restaurant of the host county’s choosing. Meeting participation is free, but those who plan to participate are asked to R.S.V.P. for their meeting through the County Family online community. For questions or assistance related to Regional Meetings, please contact the ACCA Events/Education Team.
Counties invited to apply for semiquincentennial community grants
America250AL is now accepting applications for semiquincentennial community grants and encouraging all local governments to apply for up to $2,500 to support locally-driven celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary. The grants are designed to help local governments develop community events, civic education initiatives, historical programs and other activities commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Local governments are encouraged to partner with schools, museums, libraries, historic sites and nonprofit cultural organizations to broaden community impact. Each local government is eligible for no more than one grant, awarded on a first-come, first-served basis — and applications must be submitted by April 30, 2026. Click here to learn more.