Memorandum
Date: June 23, 2026
To: The Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Susan Parker, County Administrative Officer
Subject: Approve travel exceeding 1,500 miles round trip to Joliet, Illinois and any associated costs for Supervisor Jessica Pyska to attend the National Association of Counties (NACo) Rural Energy Academy Peer Exchange June 29 - July 1, 2026
Executive Summary:
Staff is requesting the Board’s approval for Supervisor Jessica Pyska to attend the NACo Rural Energy Academy Peer Exchange June 29 - July 1, 2026.
Lake County is a member of the National Association of Counties (NACo), an organization that represents the interests of America’s counties, serving as a powerful voice in federal policymaking and a vital part of our nation’s intergovernmental system. With a membership of thousands of county elected and professional officials, NACo brings together leaders from across the country to shape national policies, share best practices and strengthen counties for a stronger America.
This peer exchange is a one-and-a-half-day event, hosted in Grundy County, Illinois. The peer exchange is designed to foster peer and expert learning among county officials pursuing solutions to address their communities’ energy needs, interests and natural resources. The event will include peer discussions, mobile tours and classroom learning against the backdrop of local innovation. Targeted discussions will focus on key topics including: energy-related economic development, community engagement, safety and resiliency of energy generation and storage. There is a limited number of spots available, and attendees must be selected. This is to generate meaningful dialogue and exchange of ideas.
NACo will reserve and pay for the hotel in Joliet, provide ground transportation from and to the airport, and will reimburse Lake County up to $700 (airfare, meals, etc.). Total cost to the County is estimated to be no more than $800.00.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: __$0.00____ Amount Budgeted: ________ Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ☒ Not applicable
☐ Fully Article X. <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI>- and/or Consultant Selection Policy <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Policy/Policies+$!26+Procedures+Manual/Ch4_2021v2.pdf>-Compliant (describe process undertaken in “Executive Summary”)
☐ Section 2-38 <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI> Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in “Executive Summary,” attach documentation, as needed)
☐ For Technology Purchases: Vetted and Supported by the Technology Governance Committee <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Intranet+Forms/Information+Technology/AdvPlan.pdf> (“Yes,” if checked)
☐ Other (Please describe in Executive Summary)
Consistency with Vision 2028 <http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/Administration/Visioning/Vision2028.htm> (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☐ Well-being of Residents ☐ Public Safety ☒ Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery
☐ Economic Development ☐ Infrastructure ☐ County Workforce
☐ Community Collaboration ☐ Business Process Efficiency ☐ Clear Lake
Recommended Action: Approve travel exceeding 1,500 miles round trip to Joliet, Illinois and any associated costs for Supervisor Jessica Pyska to attend the National Association of Counties (NACo) Rural Energy Academy Peer Exchange June 29 - July 1, 2026