Counties are defined by the people who serve them, and every story is a vital part of that legacy. When Wise County Judge J.D. Clark was sworn in this year as the National Association of Counties president, he emphasized the importance of elevating storytelling in county government. If you don't tell your story, someone else will, he said.

We agree. This fall, we are launching a campaign to collect and share the voices of county officials and employees across Texas. By working with you to capture your ideas and personal narratives, we will produce stories — in print, audio or video — that highlight the impact of counties and preserve the experiences that shape our communities. While we may not be able to feature every submission, we invite you to share your perspective and help ensure the real voice of county government is heard.