APCO 2017’s First General Business Session opened with remarks by President Cheryl J. Greathouse, who then presented awards for service.

Jeff Cohen, Chief Counsel, Director of Government Relations provided a regulatory update, noting that,  along with new leadership, “the FCC is at full strength.” In the last year, APCO has weighed in on three different issues related to emergency alerts – improving Wireless Emergency Alerts, or “WEA,” the potential for advanced Emergency Alert System capabilities, and “Blue Alerts” – articulating a variety of benefits relevant to public safety communications. Cohen reported that work to improve 9-1-1 location technologies is on track, and progress is being made to create the National Emergency Address Database, or “NEAD,” as part of providing dispatchable location solutions. Much attention has been given to the deployment of FirstNet, and Cohen reinforced that APCO believes state opt-out is a false choice. Outage reporting is another topic of particular concern, and APCO advocates information must be provided to PSAPs to provide situational awareness during outages. Cohen also spoke about real time text, mobile apps and spectrum issues.

Jeff Cohen also provided a Project 43 report on behalf of Steve Proctor, who chaired Project 43 but was unable to attend. The purpose of P43 is to help the public safety community leverage existing public safety technologies and prepare for new broadband technologies. It is the first of its kind to examine the impact on PSAPs with such breadth of scope, including operations, governance, cybersecurity, technology, training, and workforce perspectives. The report is to be released during APCO 2017 at the Opening General Session on Monday, August 14. APCO expects the report to be the beginning of numerous conversations in the industry.

Past President Brent Lee provided an overview of the procedures regarding the upcoming vote on Quorum Resolution #1, scheduled for Tuesday’s General Business Session. First Vice President Martha Carter read the resolution, which resolves “that the PM be amended to permit Online Members under the Agency Group Membership Category to receive the discount that Full and Associate categories of membership enjoy when it comes to Annual Conference registration and online classes.”

Second Vice President Candidate Tracey Hillburn gave her candidate address, emphasizing that she continues to work in a PSAP, which gives her a firsthand perspective of operational and technical issues in the ever-evolving world of public safety. Her focus is on education, standards and initiatives as the industry transitions to NG9-1-1 and the future evolution of PSAPs. “We cannot be successful without each other,” Hillburn said, “Mentoring of the younger generation is essential because they are our future.” Election results will be announced during the Second General Business Session on Tuesday.

In other business, two members requested technology support. The president concluded the meeting with conference highlights.