News

Learn, Connect and Problem-Solve at Governance Conference 2026

Registration is now open for Governance Conference 2026 , March 1–4 in Nashville. This annual learning opportunity brings together pool governing body members and supporting staff . Through candid discussion and real-wor ld examples, attendees gain practical guidance they can apply back home . The c onference is also a chance to connect with service providers that support pool governance, operations and member service. Content is designed for governing body members at any experience level and staff whose functional roles support board work. Planned topics include ...
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Advisory Standards for Recognition Now Include AI Best Practices

Effective Jan. 1, our Advisory Standards for Recognition have been updated to help pools address a rapidly changing environment of AI-enabled operations . The updates support responsible AI use across the full spectrum of pool operations . AI-related considerations have been incorporated into existing standards for claims management, underwriting, service provider contra cts , dat a s ecurity and business continuity . In addition, a new standard provides guidance for pools adopting AI more broadly. As with all A dvisory S tandards, the ...
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Lexipol Becomes a Legacy-Level QEI Patron

Lexipol , a longstanding and collaborative partner to many pools , has become a Legacy-level QEI Patron. QEI Patrons advance AGRiP’s educational mission, making pools more effective, collaborative and informed. They provide significant funding support to AGRiP conferences, webinars and Pooling Academy. Legacy-level support is only available to service provider organizations that have demonstrated longevity in commitment to pooling. This highest tier of patronage reflects Lexipol’s support of pools and the communities they serve. W ith ...
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Strengthening Connections through Member Pool Visits

One of the greatest strengths of the pooling community is learn ing from peers working through similar realities. While each pool operates within its own regulatory, geographic and organizational context, there are common experiences and issues that extend across the pooling community . AGRiP colle cts and shares pooling experiences in a variety of ways, including visiting member po ols. During recent visits with nine pools, we heard about a few common challenges : Increasing numbers of sexual abuse and molestation claims as statutes of limitations are extended by ...
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View AI Agents as Digital Teammates

Pools are moving into a meaningful new phase of AI adoption. After establishing early efficiencies with everyday tools, they are now ready for a deeper opportunity: using AI agents as digital teammate s that support broader workflows, strengthen decisions and expand the capacity of staff. Many pools initially use AI for quick efficiencies such as capturing notes, drafting communications or organizing information. Those early gains build momentum, yet they represent only the beginning. Greater value emerges when AI strengthens broader operational processes, ...
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Pools Talk About Public Safety Risk Mitigation

Lexipol , an AGRiP CEO-level QEI Patron, recently gathered risk pool leaders for a conversation that prompted rare candor about the challenges and opportunities shaping public safety risk mitigation today. The conversation centered around how pools can leverage policy, training and performance insight to address foreseeable risks within member agencies before they escalate. Pool participants discussed the need for clearer visibility into member-agency operations, particularly around policy adoption, training participation and compliance behaviors, to better understand where exposures originate and how pools can intervene ...
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Governance Conference 2026 Registration Is Open for Pools

Governance Conference  takes place  March 1–4 in Nashville, Tennessee .  This event brings together pool governing body members of all experience levels, as well as pool staff who support governance decisions through their day-to-day work. Attendees will explore concepts that shape their pool roles and prioritie s, address common challenges and connect in a collaborative environment. Conference sessions address a range of topics, such as improving operational efficiency, addressing conflict styles in the workplace and on your board, e ducat ing your members about rate increases and ...
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Engage Members through Podcasting

Podcasts give pools a platform to inform and inspire members , turning experiences into stories, expertise into lessons and connections into community. With clear strategy and authentic voices, each episode strengthens engagement and brings your pool’s mission to life. Make Strategy Your Starting Point Before pressing record , define what success looks like. Think beyond simply “ having a podcast” and focus on how the platform supports your pool ’ s strategic goals , audience needs and member -focused value s . As with any project, t ake the time to ...
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Establish Standards with an AI Use Policy

AI opens the door to sharper insight s , faster workflows and stronger member service delivery. It also calls for disciplined attention to data privacy, clear decision-making processes and accountability at every level. A clear AI use policy gives important structure to that balance. It helps pool teams pursue innovation while protecting member trust. It defines how and when AI can be applied, what standards must be met and who oversees the process. Most importantly, it reinforces that technology should always serve human judgment — never replace it. The Role of an AI Use Policy ...
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2026 Residency Focuses on Operational Efficiency

Each year, AGRiP produces a residency for pools to explore big ideas and insights for their future success. In 2025, the residency highlighted the growing impact, challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence. Our 2026 residency turns attention to operational efficiency, demonstrating how streamlined workflows and optimized daily work processes can enhance the results pools deliver to their members. The residency will explore practical ways to reduce points of friction , reclaim ing daily and strategic focus to strengthen organizational performance across al l pool operations. ...
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AI Accountability Among Pool Service Providers

Every day, your pool data flows through service provider systems enhanced by AI. Understanding your service providers' AI practices is important to identify vulnerabilities before they surface, clarify accountabilities and protect member data across every partnership. Read the latest Intelligence for a practical framework to evaluate your service providers’ AI use, protect pool data and strengthen oversight. Taking a systematic approach to understanding and guiding service provider use of AI will help your pool navigate AI risks and rewards with confidence.
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Apply for Internship and Scholarship Reimbursement by Dec. 4

AGRiP member pools in good standing can apply for reimbursement for internships and scholarships paid in the 2025 calendar year. Apply for reimbursement by Dec. 4, 2025. Our internship and scholarship reimbursements : Ignite interest in pooling careers B uild relationships with post-secondary institutions Guide the next generation of professionals in our one-of-a-kind industry Explore our internship and scholarship resources , and c ontact Claire Torza with questions.
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Submit a Nomination for Awards for Excellence by Dec. 4

Awards for Excellence celebrate the visionaries and initiatives that move our industry forward and strengthen the entire pooling community. The Leadership Award recognizes an individual at any point in their career whose guidance, mentorship or innovation has meaningfully advanced public entity pooling. The Service Award acknowledges an individual at any point in their career whose dedication and contributions have elevated the quality and impact of pooling services. The Performance Award spotlights a member pool for a creative, effective program or approach that strengthens ...
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New Conference Format, Pooling Academy Changes

Looking ahead to 2026, strategic updates to our education offerings will provide the resources and insights pools need to be more effective, collaborative and informed. We are shifting our annual conferences from three to two: Governance Conference in March and Staff Institute in October. Staff Institute is a new event with content for pool staff across all roles. It will feature a learning path centered on our annual residency (similar to CEO and Senior Staff Institute) and another with concurrent sessions on pooling trends and issues (similar to Staff Forum). We made this change to support ongoing professional development and reduce travel demands ...
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Guidance for Pools Managing Law Enforcement Risks

A recent publication by Lexipol, an AGRiP CEO -level QEI Patron, offers a framework for pools to empower member law enforcement agencies with data-driven tools, training and strategies to enhance performance and reduce liability. This whitepaper explores how pools can help agencies get started on the performance excellence journey, how the concept incorporates other continuous quality improvement initiatives, and strategies for integrating a performance excellence mindset into agency culture. Download the report.
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Membership Renewal Period Is Approaching

Membership renewal for all AGRiP members is Jan. 1, 2026. In November, we will email renewal information to each member’s primary contact . Invoicing for pools will follow in January. AGRiP membership keeps your pool connected to the resources, education and insights that make our industry unique. Renewal ensures your pool stays effective, collaborative and informed, while supporting education and innovation that strengthens the entire pooling community. To maintain long-term stability and support the ongoing development of valuable resources, we implement annual dues increases. Pool member dues will ...
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Nominate a Colleague or Pool for an Award for Excellence

Awards for Excellence recognize the remarkable individuals and pools driving our industry forward. T hese awards honor talented people and trailblazing programs that make a difference for all of us. The Leadership Award recognizes an individual whose transformative leadership, mentorship or innovation has significantly advanced public entity pooling. The Performance Award honors an AGRiP member pool for a creative, effective program or approach that strengthens pooling and can be shared across the community. The Servi ce Award celebrates an individual whose outstanding contributions ...
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Apply for Internship and Scholarship Reimbursement

Our internship and scholarship reimbursement s help build distinctive pipelines for pool talent , strengthen relationships with post-secondary institutions , and elevate awareness of pooling as a meaningful career path. Applications for reimbursement are open through Dec. 4, 2025. Member pools in good standing can apply for reimbursement for internships and scholarships paid in the 2025 calendar year. Explore our internship and scholarship resources , including guidance on launchin g internships, offering scholarships and connecting with local colleges ...
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Poppi Helps Draft an AI Use Policy for Pool Members

Our AI collaborator, Poppi , gathers information from pools, QEI Patrons and other trusted sources to help members make informed decisions, brainstorm ideas and understand key concepts. For instance, a pool recently prompted Poppi: I want to create an AI use policy for my members and was looking for a sample of such a policy for local governments , like cities, counties and special districts. Poppi responded with sample sections and language for an AI use policy tailored for local governments, highlighting several real examples of local public entities using AI to improve services. By drawing from practical, real-world ...
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Behavioral Study Explains the Drivers Behind Social Inflation

Pools are well aware of the influence of social inflation and impact of nuclear verdicts, seeking to better understand these trends and establish strategies to mitigate them. A recent behavioral study from Swiss Re examines the drivers behind these troubling trends. Although the study focuses on verdict outcomes for large and small private companies as defendants, not public entities, it outlines important patterns in jury behavior worth every pool’s attention : Notably, injury severity — not fault — emerges as the strongest driver of verdict outcomes. There is a noticeable impact ...
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