This weekend on In Focus, we’re exploring the role local governments play across upstate New York and the challenges they face. 

JoDee Kenney sat down with Stephen Acquario, the executive director of the New York State Association of Counties. As NYSAC marks its centennial year, Acquario talked about its ongoing mission to connect counties, sharing knowledge and bringing their message from all corners of the state to lawmakers in Albany. Counties, Acquario said, administer many critical state and federal programs like Medicaid, SNAP, Code Blue sheltering, home aid and foster care, making this level of government a lifeline for many New Yorkers. 

Economic development is being driven at the county level as well. Acquario said Micron’s investment in Central New York will have a ripple effect across upstate. To support this undertaking, Acquario said, NYSAC is helping provide county executives with the tools to grow infrastructure and workforce training programs. 

As New York’s roughly 1,600 local governments are dealing with rising costs and, most recently a shortage of rock salt, Acquario said shared services are the future for municipalities to meet the needs of residents.

You can watch the full interview in the video player above. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting upstate New York on In Focus with JoDee Kenney every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.