Martin Stokes

Association of County Commissions of Alabama

Formed in 1929, the Association of County Commissions of Alabama has worked to promote effective county government and improved services to Alabama's residents for more than 80 years. Each year the Association works with leaders of the executive branch as well as the 140 members of the Alabama Legislature to promote the interests of county government. Using the Association's Legislative Program as a guide, ACCA works to ensure law is written in a way that is most favorable to counties. Providing educational opportunities for county commissioners and their staff members is a major function of the Association. The Alabama Local Government Training Institute and educational programs for county administrative personnel, county engineers, county attorneys, emergency management directors, 9-1-1 directors and county revenue officers are sponsored by the Association. ACCA offers legal advice and assistance and often employs outside legal counsel in cases that will have a dramatic impact on counties. To provide the best benefits to taxpayers and county employees, many counties participate in one of the Association's self-funded insurance programs. The Association's award-winning magazine, County Commission, is published six times annually, providing county officials with information on current issues important to the operation of county government. ACCA also produces other publications that are used as resource documents for county officials. The activities of the Association are governed by a board of directors. The board consists of three officers (president, first vice president and second vice president), representatives from 12 districts and all past presidents who are still serving in county government.