County News: 2025 NACo Legislative Conference

Veterans Affairs Sec. Doug Collins speaks to a General Session audience March 3 at NACo’s 2025 Legislative Conference at the Washington Hilton. Photo by Denny Henry
County News

Helping veterans, with an assist from counties, is ‘priority number one,’ VA secretary says

County officials can “touch more lives than any member of Congress or any governor,” because they see their constituents every day, said Doug Collins, the new VA Secretary.

Los Angeles County, Calif. Supervisor Kathryn Barger discusses the coordination necessary to help rebuild her community after deadly wildfires displaced 150,000 residents. Photo by Leon Lawrence III
County News

LUCC members hear challenges, solutions to disasters

Disasters require coordinated, multi-level responses that support the long-term resilience of urban counties.

Jonathan Harwitz, director of policy for the Housing Assistance Council, speaks to NACo’s Rural Action Caucus March 2. Photo by Lana Farfan
County News

Rural housing affordability approaches crisis

Policy solutions mentioned in the national discussion on housing affordability often pose a mismatch with the conditions on the ground in rural counties.

Guilford County, N.C. Commissioner Carly Cooke, vice-chair of the Midsize County Caucus Exploratory Committee, makes a point March 2 before a crowded room. Photo by Denny Henry
County News

NACo members explore adding a midsize county caucus

If the NACo Board approves it, a midsize county caucus would join LUCC and RAC.

 Stephen McCall, the director of research for PHI, discusses the role of Medicaid in home and community-based services March 1 before the Health Policy Steering Committee. Blaire Bryant, legislative director for Health Policy, sits to his right. Photo by Leon Lawrence III
County News

Medicaid cuts threaten home and community-based care

Roughly 40% of home care workers live in low-income households and the majority rely on some form of public assistance, with about one-third relying on Medicaid.

Emily Brock (right), director of the Government Finance Officers Association Federal Liaison Center, explains why tax-exempt municipal bonds are best suited to serve counties’ infrastructure financing needs. Brian Egan, chief policy officer for the National Association of Bond Lawyers, looks on. Photo by Lana Farfan
County News

Stakes rise for counties in municipal bond fight

Bond experts see alternatives pale in comparison to tax-free finance tools.

Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-Utah) addresses NACo's Public Lands Steering Committee March 1. Photo by Denny Henry
County News

History fuels optimism for county veteran Maloy

The second-term member of Congress from Southern Utah sees parallels to the 1930s government transformation.

 Lake County, Ill. Board Member Jennifer Clark makes a point during a panel discussion Saturday, March 1 on ‘digital skilling.’ Looking on are fellow panelists Kyla Williams-Tate, Cook County, Ill. Digital Equity director and Wake County, N.C. CIO Jonathan Feldman. Photo by Denny Henry
County News

Panel touts bridging digital skills gap

Digital literacy skills are becoming increasingly crucial not just for county officials, but their constituents, too. 

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County News

NACo kicks off 2025 Legislative Conference

County officials are addressing workforce gaps, land use, intergovernmental partnerships, disaster response and preparedness, federal regulations and the future of artificial intelligence at NACo’s 2025 Legislative Conference.

Explore Our Top Picks

Apply for the 2025 NACo Achievement Awards

Your county can earn local and national recognition. Applications are due March 31, 2025.

Opportunities to Engage

Get involved with NACo! Find open opportunities for cohorts, initiatives and working groups, learn how to join a committee and make a difference, or check our our membership roadmap to learn more about getting involved.

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Program

Counties for Housing Solutions

Housing is a key component of economic mobility, yet continues to be a challenge for many residents. NACo’s Counties for Housing Solutions program offers free three-month technical assistance sprints to address this challenge by helping counties increase local housing supply.

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How to Get Involved with NACo

Join a committee and help solve problems impacting counties, boroughs and parishes.

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Directory of Programs & Resources

A full listing NACo's committees, initiatives and tools for counties – this is your playbook for all things NACo.

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NACo Membership Roadmap

Find the tools you need to make the most of your NACo membership.

Upcoming Events

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Webinar

Banking on Experience: Takeaways from three+one’s Recent Banking RFPs and Client Insights, a NACo EDGE Webinar

Join Mike Ablowich of three+one for a practical webinar on the latest trends shaping banking RFPs nationwide. With decades of public finance experience, Mike will share actionable takeaways from three+one’s recent work with counties—focusing on what’s changing and how it can benefit your operations. This session offers real-world strategies to strengthen banking relationships and optimize taxpayer funds. 

This webinar is brought to you by NACo EDGE, establishing people, purchasing, and performance cost-saving solutions that can be applied to counties nationwide. EDGE is owned by NACo, advised by county leaders and 100% focused on solutions for U.S. Counties. Learn more about NACo EDGE here.

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Webinar

Connected and Protected: The Importance of Regional Cyber Tabletop Exercises

Join us for an interactive webinar on the importance of regional tabletop exercises in enhancing cybersecurity defenses for county governments. Learn how these exercises can help bridge connections between different local government agencies and departments, improve cybersecurity measures, and foster effective collaboration. Discover practical steps to initiate and conduct regional tabletop exercises, ensuring a coordinated and resilient response to potential cyber threats.

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Webinar

Saving Millions: How Counties Are Cutting Employee Health Plan Rx Costs with the NACo Public Promise PBM Coalition, a NACo Public Promise Insurance Webinar

Join us for an educational webinar on how NACo’s Public Promise Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) Coalition is helping counties save millions on employee health plan prescription drug costs. Learn more about how Mecklenburg County, N.C. is projected to save $7-8 million by joining the NACo PBM coalition. This offering, through NACo’s Public Promise Insurance, in partnership with CVS Caremark, provides counties with powerful cost-savings and multi-year pricing guarantees to combat rising Rx costs.

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Conference

Gulf States Counties and Parishes Caucus Symposium

Lafourche Parish, La.

Join us at NACo’s Gulf States Counties and Parishes Caucus Symposium, where county and parish leaders will engage in dynamic mobile workshops and collaborative sessions.

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Webinar

AI & The Workplace Transformation: How to Enhance Staff Efficiency and Well Being in the Public Sector

Join Grace White, Deputy Chief of System of Care Network at MHMR of Tarrant County, TX and Chris Yakscoe, Director & GM of AI at Netsmart, for a deep dive into the transformative power of automation and AI in the workplace. This session will explore how these technologies simplify daily tasks, reduce administrative burdens and improve staff well-being by fostering a healthier work environment. Learn from real-life examples of AI-driven tools that enhance recruitment, engagement and patient care while also supporting operational excellence. Key takeaways will include strategies for successful AI and automation initiatives to boost staff retention, reduce burnout and optimize workflows, with a look into future innovations in workforce management and patient care. Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your team and elevate your agency’s potential!

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Conference

NACo AI Regional Forum Series

Details below

The NACo AI Regional Forum series is convening local government elected officials, appointed officers, department heads, and staff across different geographical regions to provide an educational, hands-on symposium on the landscape of artificial intelligence.

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Cost-Saving Tools

Solutions from NACo EDGE

NACo EDGE establishes sustainable, cost-saving and value-added solutions that can be applied to counties nationwide. By providing quality solutions, we strive to develop and maintain healthy, vibrant and safe counties across the United States.

Learn More

Solutions for Counties

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NACo Deferred Compensation Program

NACo's Deferred Compensation Program has helped more than 1.5 million county employees and retirees save for and live comfortably in retirement. More than 423,000 county employees from over 3,000 county agencies participate, with accumulated assets of more than $25 billion.

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Public Promise Insurance

Public Promise Insurance is a fully licensed provider that strengthens local governments. We provide voluntary benefits to public employees and their families with cost effective and best-in-class solutions.

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Public Promise Procurement

Providing public sector and other entities with a vetted, transparent option for purchasing goods and services more efficiently and cost effectively.

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NACo Career Center Job Board

Good employees are crucial to getting the job done. NACo provides a method for counties to find the right people to fill staffing vacancies.

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Live Healthy U.S. Counties

The NACo Live Healthy Prescription, Health & Dental Discount Program is a no-cost program available to all member counties, providing relief to uninsured and underinsured Americans facing growing health costs.

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cashvest® by threeplusone®

cashvest® by threeplusone® provides a new and unparalleled level of liquidity analysis and data services for local, county, school district and community college governing bodies.

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ClearGov®

ClearGov® is the leading provider of budget cycle management software, focused on helping local governments streamline the annual budgeting process.

Female instructor stands in front of a Mental Health First Aide poster and answers an attendee question.

Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training administered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

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NACo High Performance Leadership Academy

The NACo High Performance Leadership Academy is an innovative, completely online 12-week program created to equip frontline county government professionals with practical leadership skills to deliver results for counties and communities.

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NACo Enterprise Cybersecurity Leadership Academy

The NACo Enterprise Cybersecurity Leadership Academy is an online 12-week collaborative readiness program led by Fortune 500 CISOs and peers who deliver a proven framework and insights on leading and securing a network and an organization.

Policy Analysis

Longer-form legislative analysis highlighting policy impacts for counties

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2025 Federal Policy Priorities

NACo policy positions are debated and voted on by ten policy steering committees comprising more than 1,400 county officials, along with the NACo Board of Directors and full membership. NACo supports federal policies and programs that equip county governments with the resources and flexibility needed to serve our residents effectively.

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2025 Appropriations Tracker

The NACo 2025 Appropriations Tracker provides counties with a comprehensive overview of the federal appropriations process, tracking the progress of key spending bills and offering insights on how these will impact county funding and services.

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Outreach Toolkit for Counties: The FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program

The NACo Outreach Toolkit aids counties in promoting the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program by providing resources to increase awareness and maintain broadband access beyond the program's funding.

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Implementing Infrastructure Investments at the County Level: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58)

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a major victory for counties, who worked closely with our partners in Congress throughout the legislative process to ensure county priorities were included. NACo's implementation tracker highlights the latest information critical for counties.

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County Policy Priorities for Transforming the Child Welfare System

Regardless of population size, geography and available resources, counties are deeply invested in our residents’ health and well-being. Every day, we provide services that help vulnerable individuals and families thrive, functioning as an integral part of the federal, state and local partnership in human service delivery.

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Legislative Analysis: Impact of PFAS Regulations on Counties

NACo's analysis provides an in-depth examination of current and proposed regulations on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their implications for county governments.

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Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP) Advocacy Toolkit

Find resources designed to help county officials educate Congress, the administration and the public on the importance providing access to federal health benefits for those awaiting trial and verdict decisions.

County News

Stay up-to-date on America's counties with NACo's award-winning County News.

Prince George’s County, Md. Air Boat 847 roams the Potomac River in the aftermath of the fatal Jan. 29 mid-air crash between a passenger jet and a military helicopter.
County News

Crash sets big stage for well-honed county mutual aid response effort

Local counties responded with practiced coordination to the deadly collision between an airplane and helicopter, offering help for search and rescue, recovery and support operations.

Durham County, N.C. Commissioner Wendy Jacobs listens to a speaker during NACo's Intergovernmental Roundtable on Local Behavioral Health Crisis Response. Photo by Nicole Weissman
County News

Panel: People in crisis need support, not handcuffs

Counties can better serve people experiencing a behavioral health crisis by engaging behavioral health specialists instead of law enforcement, experts told county officials at a recent meeting held at NACo headquarters.

DaRon McGee speaks at a press conference flanked by Jackson County legislator colleagues Sean Smith (left) and Manuel Abarca.
County News

Jackson County chair combines diverse experiences for effective leadership

A fellowship funded by the Congressional Black Caucus kick-started DaRon McGee’s career in public service, but his promise to his mother brought him back to Jackson County, Mo., where he's made his name.

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Get Involved

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NACo unites nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees to advocate for county priorities, promote  exemplary county policies and practices, nurture leadership skills, optimize county and taxpayer resources, and enrich the public’s understanding of county government.

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