The County Countdown – October 23, 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 and explore NACo resources below on some of the top issues we're covering this week.
2024 Appropriations
NACo urges Congress to finalize fiscal year 2024 appropriations without delay, to stave off a potential government shutdown.
- Making our voice heard: NACo sent a letter to congressional leadership detailing county priorities.
- Areas of emphasis include:
- Funding for behavioral and mental health programs
- The Community Development Block Grant program, HOME Investment Partnerships, and the Affordable Connectivity program
- Election security grants via the Help America Vote Act, and
- Full support for Payments in Lieu of Taxes and the extension of Secure Rural Schools.
Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) Symposium
The LUCC Symposium, held this month in Orange County, Fla., offered a productive platform for county officials and our partners.
- County-led solutions: The symposium featured in-depth dialogues on disaster readiness and response, housing affordability, mental and behavioral health, and artificial intelligence.
- Survey: Were you there? Share your thoughts in the attendee survey!
Federal Grants
NACo supports the bipartisan Streamlining Federal Grants Act, introduced last month. The bill would facilitate more straightforward grant application processes for counties.
- Key takeaway: The legislation tasks the Office of Management and Budget with guiding federal agencies towards streamlined grant application processes.
- Support for counties: The legislation includes a special focus on aiding counties, particularly rural counties, in accessing grant opportunities.
Black Maternal and Infant Mortality
On October 16, NACo hosted an event on disproportionate Black maternal and infant mortality rates.
- A collaborative effort: County leaders, federal officials and thought partners identified actionable policy solutions to address this public health crisis.
- Catch up: Watch the recording here.
2024 NACo Legislative Conference
The 2024 NACo Legislative Conference is scheduled for February 10-13 in Washington, D.C.
- Join your peers: The conference convenes nearly 2,000 county officials to tackle federal policy matters impacting counties and citizens.
- 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.
NACo sends letter to congressional leadership urging prioritization of county activities in FY 2024 appropriations
NACo has sent a letter to congressional leaders urging them to prioritize federal investments in crucial local government activities through the FY 2024 appropriations process.
2023 Large Urban County Caucus Symposium
The 2023 NACo Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) Symposium will gather county executives, governing board members and other senior elected officials alongside national thought leaders and partners in Orange County, Florida to identify urban challenges and elevate solutions through peer-to-peer information exchanges and national policy discussions.
Improving access to federal grants through the Streamlining Federal Grants Act
The Streamlining Federal Grants Act simplifies the grant application process for local governments to improve access to federal grant funding.
Breaking Down Silos to Address Maternal and Infant Mortality: Lessons from the Local Level
Join NACo for a briefing focused on innovative county solutions to address disproportionate Black maternal and infant mortality rates
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.
LUCC members see housing cooperation in Arlington County, Va.
Large Urban County Caucus leadership met in Washington, D.C. and Arlington County, Va. to discuss and examine partnerships that encourage the development of housing that is affordable.
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
2024’s Top Tech-tonic Shifts in Local Government
Industry insights to help you adapt to changing demographics, regulations, and more!
In this session, we’ll uncover research on the changes and trends affecting local governments. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of the transitions happening in 2024 and beyond. Secure your seat for this informative session to learn key insights for local governments around:
- ADA Compliance Laws
- Increased Use of AI (with examples)
- Generational shifts in employees and constituents
- And more!
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.
Protected Retirement Solutions for County Employees
Employees are looking to employers for guaranteed income solutions. This workshop will focus on key strategies and solutions available to employees through 457(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans such as the Protected Retirement Solutions suite of investment products.
Navigating the Future of Public Finance: 2024 Top 10 Economic Outlook Mid-Year Update- Assessing Developments and Implications
As we reach the midpoint of 2024, this webinar will explore the key insights and significant developments that have unfolded in 2024. Explore critical factors such as interest rate movements, the evolving economic landscape, inflation trends, and shifts in the role of cash as an income-generating asset.
NACo Cyberattack Simulation: Financial Access
Financial transaction systems are prime targets for cyber threats due to the value and sensitivity of the data. This cyber simulation assesses risks and fortifies safeguards within financial access systems.
Conference
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.
