Strengthening America's Counties

Join NACo’s Government Affairs team for week six of a biweekly series on key developments from the White House and Congress. Discussions will focus on policies and actions that directly impact counties — from federal funding and regulatory changes to intergovernmental partnerships. Tune in for an inside look at how these evolving federal dynamics may shape county priorities, responsibilities and operations.

Rural communities face unique health care challenges, from provider shortages to funding disparities. To address these concerns, the U.S. Senate recently introduced two bipartisan bills aimed at improving rural health care access and funding: the Rural Health Focus Act and the Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act.

Kevin Leonard, executive director of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, and Amanda McKinney, a Yakima County, Wash. commissioner, talk about two different challenges county officials face in responding to disasters.

NACo is pleased to announce the winners for the 2025 Achievement Awards. Through a non-competitive application process, noteworthy programs receive awards in 18 categories that cover a vast range of county responsibilities.

The Stepping Up Initiative is a data-driven framework that aims to reduce the overincarceration of people with mental illnesses in jails through training, resources, and support that are tailored to local needs.

The annual appropriations process begins each year with the president submitting a budget request to Congress, outlining the administration's priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. The NACo 2026 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.

This report outlines how the federal cost shift and spending cuts pose a significant challenge to counties nationwide. It aims to clarify the scope of the potential impact, highlight key areas of concern and provide county leaders with the information needed to prepare for and respond to these intergovernmental changes.

Regardless of population size, geography and available resources, counties are deeply invested in our residents’ health and well-being.

Kevin Leonard, executive director of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, and Amanda McKinney, a Yakima County, Wash. commissioner, talk about two different challenges county officials face in responding to disasters.

As awareness of social isolation spreads, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Loudoun County, Va. Chair Phyllis Randall discuss the role of government in combatting the problem.

NACo Executive Director Matt Chase interviews County News Podcast Host Charlie Ban about a new book chronicling NACo’s first 90 years.

Commissioner Melody Villard and Economic Recovery Corps Fellow Sasha Nelson discuss the transition Moffat County, Colo. planned to diversify its economy after the closure of coal mines and a power plant decimated its property tax revenue.

Greenbrier County, W.Va. Commissioner Tammy Tincher, Cook County, Ill. CIO Tom Lynch and NACo CIO Rita Reynolds discuss the pilot CIO Reserves program, which offers IT experts to help rural counties assess their technology and cybersecurity needs.

Shinica Thomas, a Wake County, N.C. commissioner and a member of NACo's AI Exploratory Committee, talks about her process for learning about artificial intelligence, its limits and challenges and some applications for use in county government.

Johnson County, Texas Commissioner Rick Bailey spent 35 years in the trucking industry prior to running for office, and he offers two perspectives to the County News Podcast on the issue backed by his experience, but there’s no reason to save the surprise — he doesn’t approve of proposals to increase the weight limit on trucks. 

Allegheny County, Pa. Director of Housing Strategies Ed Nusser introduces the 500 in 500 initiative for moving people out of shelters and NACo’s Mike Matthews discusses the county role in developing housing affordability.

Clay County, Iowa Supervisor Barry Anderson joins the County News Podcast to describe the compounding effects from a generational flood his county seat faced in June.

NACo President James Gore joins the County News Podcast to talk about what brought him to county government, the challenges Sonoma County, Calif. has faced while he has been a member of the Board of Supervisors and and how he views county government.

Miami-Dade County, Fla. Administrative Judge Steve Leifman joined the County News Podcast to outline systems that can be put in place in counties across the country.

NACo President Mary Jo McGuire spoke to the County News Podcast about National County Government Month seen through the prism of her presidential theme: ForwardTogether — connect, inspire and lead.

A handful of county officials and a federal exhibitor talked on the County News Podcast about the connections they hoped to make and what they hoped to learn during the Federal Agency Expo at the NACo Legislative Conference.

The hosts of High Turnout, Wide Margins join NACo's inaugural podcast to discuss how they manage elections in Boone and St. Louis counties in Missouri, what elected officials should know about election administration and more.