County Countdown – Nov. 6, 2023
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Every other week, NACo’s County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.
Watch the video above and explore NACo resources below on some of the top issues we're covering this week.
1. New House Speaker
The clock is ticking towards the November 17 deadline to avoid a federal government shutdown, and newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson is pivotal to the negotiations.
- The county perspective: NACo is advocating for continuity of federal funding to avert operational disruptions for counties.
- What you need to know: Review key points for counties in the event of a federal government shutdown.
2. Veterans and Military Services
Counties reinforced our commitment to veterans through a dedicated advocacy fly-in, rallying for the passage of critical veteran support legislation.
- CVSO Act: NACo's Veterans and Military Services Committee joined forces with the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers to champion the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act.
- Why it matters: The act would unlock federal funding for County Veteran Service Officers, who in 29 states help veterans secure over $50B annually in VA benefits.
- Operation Green Light: Show support for veterans and their families today to November 12 by participating in Operation Green Light for Veterans.
3. Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus
Amid rising concerns about mental health, the congressional Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus has emerged as a key group with direct implications for county-level services.
- Policy commitments: The caucus champions mental health legislation, aiming to improve service access and dismantle stigmas.
- Local solutions: NACo endorses policy initiatives that enhance counties' capacity to provide comprehensive mental health services.
4. BEAD Program Toolkit
NACo's new BEAD toolkit will guide counties through broadband funding and deployment strategies.
- About the BEAD Program: The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program earmarks over $42 billion for the expansion of high-speed internet to locations without adequate service.
- Toolkit for counties: NACo's toolkit offers resources and information for county leaders, including guidance in navigating the state challenge process to prioritize areas for broadband investment.
5. NACo Legislative Conference
The 2024 NACo Legislative Conference is February 10–13 in Washington, D.C.
- Convening leaders: The conference draws nearly 2,000 county officials looking to advance our federal policy priorities.
- Highlights: This year’s conference will include policy sessions, opportunities to engage with members of Congress, and robust interactions with federal agency representatives.
- Register today to secure early bird rates and hotel availability.
What Counties Need to Know When a Government Shutdown Happens
Counties are calling on our federal partners to work in a bipartisan way to keep the federal government fully operational. As intergovernmental partners, any budget uncertainty at the federal level creates uncertainty at the local level as counties administer federal programs on the ground.
Operation Green Light for Veterans
Once again this Veterans Day, NACo and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) invite the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes, and boroughs to join Operation Green Light and show support for veterans by lighting our buildings green from November 6-12.
NACo Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing
Launched in February 2023, the NACo Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing brings together county leaders from across the nation to take action to address the ever-growing mental health crisis from the county government perspective.
BEAD Program Toolkit for Counties
This toolkit is intended to guide counties on the key deadlines, pertinent resources, and other initiatives that are critical under the BEAD and DEA programs.
2024 NACo Legislative Conference
The NACo Legislative Conference brings together nearly 2,000 elected and appointed county officials to focus on federal policy issues that impact counties and our residents.
U.S. Senate eyes funding the Affordable Connectivity Program through broader telecommunications package
The ACP is under a short timeline to receive additional funding. After May 31, all 23 million enrolled households will cease to receive any benefit from the program. Several Senate proposals could lead to expedited passage of funding to save the program.
Legislation to restore advance refunding for tax-exempt municipal bonds introduced in U.S. House of Representatives
The Local Infrastructure Financing Tools (LIFT) Act would restore advance refunding of tax-exempt municipal bonds, a critical tool for county municipal finance.
Local Government Leaders Urge Congress to Protect Recovery Fund Flexibility
The National Association of Counties, the National League of Cities and the Government Finance Officers Association issued a statement urging Congress to oppose a Congressional Review Act joint resolution.
County Countdown – May 7, 2024
Every other week, NACo’s County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.
County Leaders Call for Action on Housing Affordability, Mental Health
Intergovernmental Partnerships Key to Achieving Solutions
Counties Recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, Plan Advocacy Across the U.S.
NACo again this year will mark Mental Health Awareness Month throughout the month of May with counties advocating for solutions that support the wellbeing of residents and address the nation’s mental health crisis.
How to Deliver a County AI Idea Hackathon
One collaborative strategy in prioritizing and evaluating AI Use-Cases is to hold an AI Hackathon. During this webinar, you will hear from Alameda County, California, and King County, Washington, on how they have taken this approach. The concept, along with steps for preparing and for delivering the Hackathon, will be shared. Tips on how to engage partner and county wide staff will also be covered.
Doing More with Less: Sustaining the County Government Workforce with Artificial Intelligence
Today’s county government landscape is at a pivotal juncture, with artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and big data technologies spearheading a revolutionary shift. A transformation is essential in an era where service delivery, technological advancements, and evolving workforce dynamics intersect. Amidst these challenges lies a critical question: How can county governments efficiently serve their communities with fewer resources while meeting the increasing expectations of today’s public?
Robert's Rules 101: Mastering the Basics
Robert’s Rules can help you run an efficient, effective meeting – who wouldn’t want that! This virtual workshop, a part of the County Leadership Curriculum, teaches the basics of Robert's Rules and how to apply them.
NACo Cyberattack Simulation: Supplier Management Access
Effective partner management is integral to the operational efficiency of government business, yet it poses inherent cybersecurity risks, especially concerning partner access to sensitive systems and data.
Transitions of Care in Mental Health
In this presentation, we will: define a successful transition of care for adults with schizophrenia, review barriers to a successful transition, highlight specific examples of successful transitional care programs, explore how a multidisciplinary/collaborative approach can support successful transitions, and identify actionable strategies for potential implementation.
Building a Behavioral Health Continuum of Care: The Role of Rural Leaders and Behavioral Health Directors
This webinar is hosted by the National Association of Counties (NACo) in partnership with the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Development Disability Directors (NACBHDD).