WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel joined nearly 2,000 county leaders from across the country for the 2026 Legislative Conference hosted by the National Association of Counties (NACo) February 21–24 in Washington, D.C. Wendel, who serves on NACo’s Board of Directors, represented Chautauqua County on the national stage—advocating for local priorities and strengthening intergovernmental partnerships that directly impact residents at home.
Over two general sessions, attendees heard from senior administration officials and members of Congress while shaping NACo’s federal policy agenda. Conference discussions addressed critical issues impacting counties, including surface transportation, federal disaster policy, housing and permitting reform, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, energy, workforce development, and mental health services.
“Serving on the NACo Board of Directors gives Chautauqua County a seat at the table in national conversations,” said Wendel. “While I routinely connect with Nick Langworthy and Charles Schumer on federal matters, there is tremendous value in traveling to our nation’s capital and speaking face to face with federal leaders and agency officials. These conversations ensure rural counties like ours are heard.”
Throughout the conference, Wendel participated in briefings and meetings focused on federal infrastructure funding, rural broadband expansion, mental health services, workforce development, and transportation programs that support local municipalities. He emphasized the importance of maintaining and strengthening federal partnerships that help counties address aging infrastructure, economic development, and public health challenges.
Conference speakers—including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Lee Zeldin, Tom Emmer, Sam Graves, Glenn Thompson, Andrea Salinas and Bruce Westerman—reinforced how federal decisions in health, transportation, agriculture, natural resources, and environmental policy directly impact counties like Chautauqua.
“Federal decisions have direct impacts on our towns, villages, and cities,” Wendel added. “From road and bridge funding to disaster relief and mental health resources, we must continue advocating for policies that recognize the unique needs of rural communities like Chautauqua County. I’m proud to bring our local perspective to the national level—and to bring back information and partnerships that help us move forward.”
The conference culminated in an Advocacy Day of Action, where Wendel joined county leaders in meetings with members of Congress and federal agency representatives to reinforce county priorities and discuss legislative opportunities that benefit local governments.
As a member of the NACo Board of Directors, Wendel continues to help shape national policy positions that reflect the needs of counties across America—while ensuring Chautauqua County remains actively engaged in federal policymaking discussions.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) strengthens America’s counties, including nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking; promote exemplary county policies and practices; nurture leadership skills and expand knowledge networks; optimize county and taxpayer resources and cost savings; and enrich the public’s understanding of county government. www.naco.org.
