Resource Library
AI County Compass: A Comprehensive Toolkit for Local Governance and Implementation of Artificial Intelligence
The NACo AI Compass and Resource Hub provides county governments with essential tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). This toolkit covers key themes such as responsible applications, policy models, ethical frameworks, and workforce preparation, helping counties leverage GenAI for improved operations and services.
Housing Affordability for America's Counties
Discover how counties play a crucial role in addressing the housing crisis through community planning, zoning, financial policies, and federal partnerships in our "Housing America's Residents" series of briefs.
County Policy Playbook for an Equitable Economic Recovery
In July of 2021, NACo’s Economic Mobility Leadership Network (EMLN) launched a small sub-cohort within the EMLN to focus on developing equitable economic recovery initiatives that ensure short- and long-term recovery and sustainability.
Featured Resources
Bridging Divides: Tools for County Leaders to Overcome Division and Foster Collaboration
Part of NACo President Mary Jo McGuire’s “Forward Together” theme, the Convergence Center for Policy Resolution has developed a toolkit to help county leaders connect with one another, inspire trust and engagement in county government, and lead intergovernmental partnerships.
The County Maternal Health Landscape: Inequities, Barriers and Recommendations
This report highlights survey findings and insights from county officials on their role in supporting pregnant and postpartum people, addressing gaps in care, and promoting equitable maternal health outcomes.
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.
Understanding the State and Local Role in Home-Based Child Care
High-quality child care is essential to the success of families and economies, and state and local leaders play an important role in ensuring this care is affordable, responsive and accessible to working families.
County Policy Playbook for an Equitable Economic Recovery
In July of 2021, NACo’s Economic Mobility Leadership Network (EMLN) launched a small sub-cohort within the EMLN to focus on developing equitable economic recovery initiatives that ensure short- and long-term recovery and sustainability.
Promising Practices for Collaboration on State and Local Opioid Settlement Spending
Between 2022 and 2040, states, counties and cities expect to receive over $50 billion in payments from the national opioid settlements. As settlement payments are disbursed in the coming years, continued state-local coordination is key to ensuring that these resources are effectively invested.
Revitalizing Main Street and Urban Corridors: Exploring the Potential of Commercial to Residential Conversion Projects
This report delves into the transformative trend of converting commercial properties, including high-rise office buildings and various smaller commercial structures, into residential dwellings.
Building a Legacy of Health: Transforming the Health and Wellbeing of Our Communities
From designing neighborhoods and public spaces, maintaining the corridors that allow us to travel within and across communities, caring for our physical and mental health, ensuring public safety, and strengthening environmental stewardship, county leaders make decisions that impact our everyday lives.
The Marvelous Adventures of Countyland
With county government policymakers and practitioners now facing the realities of generative artificial intelligence (AI), this book was developed with three main objectives:
- Showcase the remarkable capabilities and intricate nature of contemporary AI technologies
- Stimulate collaborative policy discussions among intergovernmental partners regarding the near limitless applications within the public sector, taking into account the possible inherent biases in AI systems, and
- Inspire the young people of America to explore the exciting and meaningful roles and responsibilities of county government officials.
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.
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.
Implementing Infrastructure Investments at the County Level: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58)
On November 15, 2021, President Biden enacted the five-year, $973 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, formally known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
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.
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.
Opioid Solutions Center
NACo's Opioid Solutions Center empowers local leaders to invest resources in effective treatment, recovery, prevention and harm reduction practices that save lives and address the underlying causes of substance use disorder.
NACo Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing
Counties increasingly handle direct mental health services, acting as the safety net for vulnerable residents and operating crisis lines, hospitals and detention centers. NACo’s Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing unites county leaders to address the mental health crisis through four key policy priorities.
Artificial Intelligence Exploratory Committee
The AI Exploratory Committee covers emerging policies, practices and potential applications and consequences of AI through the lens of county governance, operations, constituent services, innovation, public trust, privacy, security, and workforce productivity.
Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities
The Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities initiative connects coal communities, supports local leaders and builds capacity in under-resourced communities to advance new approaches and projects for economic diversification.
Familiar Faces Initiative
The Familiar Faces Initiative aims to reduce incarceration and hospitalization rates for individuals frequently cycling through jails, shelters, and emergency services. The program encourages communities to share data and integrate care between health and justice systems for earlier intervention, improving outcomes for these "familiar faces."
Economic Mobility Initiative
Explore these resources to promote inclusive economic prosperity for county residents.