New York Association of Towns - NYAOT

06/11/2026

The first installment of Governor Kathy Hochul's bold $3.75B clean water investment plan is available now through EFC.
💧Apply at https://efc.ny.gov/wiia

New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC)
New York Association of Towns - NYAOT
New York Water Environment Association - NYWEA
New York Conference of Mayors
New York League of Conservation Voters
The Nature Conservancy in New York

06/11/2026

Check out the latest episode of Talk of the Towns on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

At NYAOT, we remain committed to protecting home rule and ensuring towns have the information they need to make informed decisions on issues impacting their communities.

Learn more in the latest episode of Talk of the Towns today!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6GPZxVRd6i8?si=B4-jarUWsCWU0__Y

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0GOIZd3ppoE55kOVefn4uN?si=4Mf5k0zWT2KlQRVS8KEstQ

Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-of-the-towns/id1812688346?i=1000771046580

*Disclaimer: The statements made by our guest are his own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the New York Association of Towns.*

06/10/2026

⛳ Join us for the 2nd Annual NYMEF Golf Fundraiser!

Mark your calendars for Monday, September 21, 2026, at Pinehaven Country Club in Guilderland for a day of golf, networking, and supporting a great cause.

Registere here: https://www.nytowns.org/Towns/AOTEvent_Display.aspx?EventKey=26GOLFFUND&WebsiteKey=04e83c96-c455-49b2-9c20-d10c9d201e7c

Proceeds benefit the New York Municipal Empowerment Foundation (NYMEF), helping to:
✅ Provide scholarships for students and town employees
✅ Support towns through grant opportunities
✅ Defend Home Rule and local decision-making
✅ Raise awareness of the vital work being done in New York's towns

Whether you're registering a foursome, becoming a sponsor, or donating a raffle basket, your support helps strengthen communities across New York State.

📅 September 21, 2026
📍 Pinehaven Country Club, Guilderland
⏰ Registration begins at 9:00 AM

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, including Breakfast Sponsor, Lunch Sponsor, Cart Sponsor, Tee Signs, and more.

Register today and help us empower communities and build stronger futures.

06/05/2026

A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a technology that captures electricity from power plants or renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, and stores it in rechargeable batteries. These systems act as giant power banks, instantly releasing stored energy to help stabilize the electrical grid, prevent outages, and balance energy supply with demand.

But as Andrew J. Campanelli explains, BESS facilities can also present important safety considerations and potential risks that communities should understand.

Learn more in the latest episode of Talk of the Towns today!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6GPZxVRd6i8?si=B4-jarUWsCWU0__Y

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0GOIZd3ppoE55kOVefn4uN?si=4Mf5k0zWT2KlQRVS8KEstQ

Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-of-the-towns/id1812688346?i=1000771046580

Disclaimer: The statements made by our guest are his own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the New York Association of Towns.

06/04/2026

🎙️ NYAOT Executive Director Chris Koetzle recently joined WAMC Northeast Public Radio's The Capitol Connection to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing New York's towns.

Listen to the full interview here: https://www.wamc.org/show/the-capitol-connection/2026-06-04/the-capitol-connection-chris-koetzle-executive-director-of-the-new-york-association-of-towns

The conversation covered the growing impact of unfunded mandates, the importance of protecting home rule, ongoing infrastructure needs, and other challenges local governments are navigating across the state.

Thank you to WAMC and David Guistina for the opportunity to highlight the priorities and concerns of New York's towns.

(Airs 06/04/26 @ 3 p.m.) WAMC’s David Guistina in conversation with Chris Koetzle, Executive Director of the New York Association of Towns, about the need for more funding to cover unfunded mandates, home rule, infrastructure needs, and much more.

06/04/2026

Join us on June 9 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. for Investing Bond Proceeds, an educational webinar presented by registered representatives of EPIC Fund NY.

Register here: https://www.nytowns.org/Towns/AOTEvent_Display.aspx?EventKey=INVBOND&WebsiteKey=04e83c96-c455-49b2-9c20-d10c9d201e7c

Learn how to develop and implement investment strategies for project funds, debt service funds, and other bond proceeds accounts while potentially maximizing retainable investment income and strengthening your municipality's investment program.

Topics include:
✔️ Active vs. passive portfolio management
✔️ Managing risk in bond proceeds investing
✔️ Investment strategies for different bond proceeds funds

Featuring Jeffrey Fasino, Institutional Sales and Relationship Manager, PFM Asset Management.

EPIC Fund NY is proudly sponsored by NYAOT and provides collaborative investment solutions designed specifically for New York local governments.

Register today and discover what makes cooperative investing EPIC.

06/03/2026

Want towns to do more with the same budget? Give us the authority to create an OPEB reserve fund. Planning ahead for retiree costs frees up today's dollars to invest in workers. NYAOT strongly supports A11522/S10630 which would give local governments the ability to do just that.

06/02/2026

Thank you to Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages, Chair of the Local Government Committee, for introducing A11522, an important bill that would allow municipalities to establish reserve funds for Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB).

This is a meaningful step forward. By giving local governments a tool to set aside funds in advance, the bill helps municipalities plan responsibly, strengthen their financial footing, and meet their long-term obligations to employees and retirees.

We’re grateful for leadership that supports the fiscal health of our towns and the people who serve them.

06/02/2026

What a great morning in Ithaca, NY at the 2026 Highway School!🌅

NYAOT Executive Director Chris Koetzle took the stage to share exciting updates on the latest initiatives at NYAOT, followed by an engaging discussion on how Town Supervisors and Highway Superintendents can build strong working relationships — and why that collaboration is so vital for the communities they serve.

06/01/2026

Morning one is complete at Highway School 2026. Attendees heard from Jeff Flowers, Founder of Gantry One Consulting, on Obtaining and Retaining Your Crew. The session was followed by the Road Scholar Awards presentation by David Orr, P.E., Director of Nysltap Cornell Local Roads Program. Congratulations to all of this year's Road Scholar recipients for their dedication to professional development and excellence in local highway operations.