‘County Conversations’ Podcasts Tackle Timely and Pressing Issues Impacting Counties

• By: NYSAC
• On: 08/04/2020 09:43:05
• In: Press Releases

The debate about if and how schools will reopen this fall is of deep concern to counties, who are on the front lines of stopping the spread of COVID-19 and reopening our economies. That's why the “Challenges Ahead for School Districts” is the podcast released today by the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC). 
 
NYSAC has recently expanded its County Conversations podcast to be updated weekly, with updates being released each Monday morning.  
 
The most recent podcast episodes include: 

• Challenges Ahead for New York's School Districts 
• School Transportation Concerns During COVID-19 Pandemic 
• Rural Cellular Coverage 
• COVID-19 Response: NYC Food Czar 

 
“As the coronavirus pandemic swept across the nation, local governments had to reinvent themselves as they adapted to the awesome challenges and responsibilities of managing the response from the front lines,” said NYSAC President John F. Marren. "A key part of counties success in handling the pandemic has been sharing information and ideas with each other, and this podcast is another way for our members to find valuable information, perspectives, and solutions in a format that fits their busy schedules.”
 
Each episode features discussions with leaders from across the state that are focused on providing innovative solutions to local issues. Recent episodes have featured Congressman Anthony Brindisi to discuss rural cellular coverage, NYS School Boards Association Executive Director Robert Schneider to discuss the challenges the pandemic presents for school districts, and New York City Commissioner of Sanitation Kathryn Garcia to discuss food insecurity and emergency distribution.  
 
“The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis have presented new challenges for local leaders that require new and innovative solutions,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario. “Part of our mission at NYSAC is to facilitate the sharing of these strategies and this podcast is another tool in the toolbox for county leaders as they lead their communities through this crisis.” 
 
To listen to the County Conversations podcast, visit www.nysac.org/podcast.  

Listeners can contact NYSAC Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce via email (kpierce@nysac.org) to provide feedback and ideas for the podcast, or to become a guest on the show.