NYSAC Celebrates Century of Service to Counties

This year—2025—marks the centennial anniversary of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC). All year long, NYSAC will be celebrating 100 years of fostering excellence in county government and uniting the county voice.

To recognize this historic milestone, NYSAC is planning a yearlong celebration with special events centered around its two annual conferences, beginning with their Centennial Legislative Conference, February 24th-26th, at the Desmond Crowne Plaza in Albany. The conference will feature a State Capitol tour, where a special feature in the East Gallery will recognize the historic contributions of counties to New York State.

“Achieving 100 years of continuous service is a major accomplishment for any organization, and I think it speaks directly to the incredible value that NYSAC brings to its members–the elected and appointed county officials of New York State,” said Westchester County Legislator and NYSAC President Benjamin Boykin II. “It’s truly an honor to serve as president during this milestone and I couldn’t be more excited for our members to participate in our celebration this year.”

“NYSAC has made an incredible contribution for thousands of county officials and also the residents we serve,” said Albany County Executive and NYSAC Past-President Dan McCoy. “For 100 years, NYSAC has worked to ensure counties have the resources we need to improve services mindful of local taxes, and I’m incredibly proud to be a part of this association during its centennial year.”

“The centennial anniversary of NYSAC is a momentous occasion and we’re proud and excited to celebrate this achievement,” said Oswego County Administrator and NYSAC President-Elect Philip Church. “The organization is an invaluable resource to counties, consistently advocating on our behalf and ensuring that local governments have a place at the table with state and federal leaders.”

NYSAC was founded in 1925 as the New York State County Officers Association by county officials seeking to unify the county voice in Albany and create a forum for sharing ideas and experience. As counties grew in size and complexity, so too did NYSAC, opening its first permanent office in 1956. Permanent staff and proximity to the capital helped NYSAC achieve many significant policy and fiscal victories over the century. Most notable in more recent years, NYSAC was instrumental in:  

• Establishing and protecting a cap on county Medicaid contributions,
• Implementing sales taxes on internet sales ($2.5 billion for counties),
• Achieving $3.8 billion in direct Covid stimulus for counties,
• Historic pension reform,
• Improving EMS Services,
• Advocating for $4.5 billion in state aid to counties over the last 5 years,
• Establishing a regulatory framework for short term rental units,
• Securing nearly $200 million from opioid settlements to fight opioid epidemic locally. 

“This centennial celebration is an important opportunity for our members to look back proudly on our history and past achievements and set our sights on an even brighter future for New York’s counties,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario.

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