Perry County Commissioners Participate in White House Leadership Conference to Strengthen Local-Federal Collaboration
From Left to Right: Perry County Commissioner Scott Owen, State Rep. Jodi Salvo, Congressman Troy Balderson, Muskingum County Commissioner Melisa Bell, Perry County Commissioner Chase Bennett, Tuscarawas County Commissioner Kristin Zemis.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Perry County Commissioners Scott Owen, and Chase Bennett joined more than 60 county leaders from across Ohio in Washington this week to participate in the 2025 White House Leadership Conference, hosted by the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs in partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo).
The event underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting counties and strengthening the relationship between federal and local governments. The convening gave Ohio’s county commissioners and executives the opportunity to speak directly with White House officials and cabinet secretaries about the real-world challenges their communities are facing — and how federal-local collaboration can help solve them.
“Being here in Washington gives us a chance to share real life impact of federal policies on our communities” said Commissioner Scott Owen. “It’s always good to get face to face with your government leaders for a conversation.”
“It’s critical that county leaders have a seat at the table, and this event made that possible.”
The White House’s broader State Leadership Conference initiative is designed to elevate local voices in national policy discussions.
Throughout the day, participants engaged with top-level federal officials including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner. In addition, briefings were delivered by representatives from the Departments of Agriculture, Transportation, and Justice, who provided policy updates and answered questions directly from county leaders.
Discussions covered a wide range of pressing issues, including:
- Expanding internet access
- Economic trends and workforce development
- Trade and global competitiveness
- Transportation and infrastructure needs
- Affordable housing
- Agricultural innovation and rural support
- Access to safe drinking water
White House officials emphasized their dedication to maintaining open lines of communication with local governments and working side by side with county officials to identify practical, community-driven solutions.
Commissioner Owen also spent time in the Office of the Vice President with his Chief of Staff to discuss local issues.
Commissioners Owen, and Bennett also took the opportunity to meet with Congressman Troy Balderson to continue important conversations about federal support for local initiatives.