The Washington, D.C. — Adams County Commissioner Barbara Moore joined more than 60 county leaders from across Ohio in the nation’s capital last week for the 2025 White House Leadership Conference. The event, hosted by the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs in partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo), brought local leaders together to engage directly with senior federal officials and Cabinet members.
The conference highlighted the Trump/Vance administration’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the partnership between federal and local governments. Ohio county commissioners and executives had the opportunity to share the challenges facing their communities and explore how collaboration with federal agencies can provide real-world solutions.
“Being here in Washington gives us a chance to share the real-life impact of federal policies on our communities,” said Commissioner Barbara Moore of Adams County. “It’s critical that county leaders have a seat at the table, and this event makes that possible.” Moore continued, “I appreciated the invitation from the White House and the opportunity to hear firsthand on matters that matter most to my constituents.”
As part of the White House’s broader State Leadership Conference initiative, the event is designed to elevate local voices in national policy discussions.
Throughout the day, participants met with high-ranking federal officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner. Additional briefings were provided by officials from the Departments of Agriculture, Transportation, and Justice, who offered policy updates and answered questions from county leaders.
Topics of discussion included: Economic development and workforce readiness, Trade policy and global competitiveness, Infrastructure and transportation needs, Affordable housing and homelessness, Immigration issues affecting border and rural communities, and agricultural innovation and rural development.
White House representatives emphasized their commitment to working alongside local governments to find practical, community-focused solutions.
Moore also visited the Vice President’s office, where they met with a senior member of Vice President J.D. Vance’s team to discuss shared priorities and opportunities for collaboration.
