Marion County to review MOU to host NACO 2028, schedules vote for Nov. 18

Marion County Commissioners on Nov. 5 agreed to review a memorandum of understanding that would make Marion County the official host for the National Association of Counties’ annual conference in July 2028 and scheduled a formal vote for 2 p.m. on Nov. 18 in Room 260 of the City-County Building.

"A great opportunity I think for the city of Indianapolis and Marion County is to host the National Association of Counties Conference in July 2028," said David Bauer, executive director of the Association of Indiana Counties, who opened the presentation and introduced NACO staff to the commissioners.

Jack Peterson, managing director for membership and events at NACO, told the commission the association typically hosts conferences in mid-to-late July, draws more than 3,000 total attendees and over 2,000 county elected or appointed officials, and often contracts more than 2,000 room nights at peak. Peterson said Visit Indy’s initial estimate of local economic impact for a 2028 event was about $4.1 million, with roughly $800,000 in tax revenue, and that NACO expects the final impact to be higher once affiliates and additional spending are counted.

Peterson described the host role as focused on promotion and content: county officials would be asked to participate in sessions and receptions, help plan mobile workshops and site visits that highlight local projects, and serve on a 3–5 person planning committee. He also said NACO would handle the bulk of contracts, planning and event logistics under the MOU while seeking host help with fundraising and in-kind support.

Commissioner and Marion County Treasurer Barbara Lawrence proposed that commissioners take time to review a revised MOU and bring the item back for a formal vote at the Nov. 18 meeting. "I would like to ... take a look at it, and then actually do a vote on the meeting," Lawrence said.

Myla Eldridge, Marion County auditor and commission secretary, said she supported the idea but voiced concern about the scale of the fundraising commitment. "Whether it's $475,000 or whatever that number may be ... that is, because that's a lot of money," Eldridge said, calling it her primary red flag even as she expressed enthusiasm about hosting.

Peterson and Bauer responded that NACO provides a sponsorship menu and fundraising assistance and that in-kind discounts from venues and Visit Indy often reduce the host's net cash commitment. "We frequently are able to revise that down and say we've got a more manageable different number here as well," Peterson said, describing a model in which the host makes asks while NACO facilitates sponsorship conversations and documentation.

On a motion by Commissioner Barbara Lawrence, seconded by Myla Eldridge, the commission voted to place the revised MOU on the Nov. 18 agenda for final consideration. President Joseph O'Connor called for the ayes and declared, "Motion carries."

Votes at a glance Motion: Review and vote on the revised memorandum of understanding to host the National Association of Counties annual conference in July 2028 at the Nov. 18, 2:00 p.m. Marion County Commissioners meeting in Room 260. Mover: Barbara Lawrence. Second: Myla Eldridge. Outcome: Approved to place on agenda (motion carries).

Next steps Commissioners directed staff to review the revised MOU ahead of the Nov. 18 meeting, when the commission will take a formal vote on whether to commit Marion County to host the NACO conference.