Publications

In December 2012, 80 members of the NACo Board of Directors participated in a live polling session to explore local perspectives on national politics and elections, county fiscal conditions, public pensions, health, immigration, economic development, natural disasters, and more. This report summarizes the findings of that session.
February 2013

NACo's Green Government Advisory Board identifies key trends influencing the emergence of new sustainability strategies providing efficiency and cost savings to county government.
October 2012

In this ninth iteration of the National Survey of County Elected Officials a random sample of 501 county elected officials was polled on issues related to the economy, budgets, and politics.
July 2012

The 2012 Operations Survey looks at county government operations in the areas of county administration, health and human services, economic development, environment, and justice and public safety.
March 2012

This publication showcases some of the positive practices being conducted at the county level for children and youth.
December 2011

This best practices book describes the programs that were recognized with the Best of Category designation for the 2012 Achievement Awards.
June 2012

This publication showcases some of the positive practices being conducted at the county level during the current tough economic times.
June 2012

A brief look at how counties are using Soy Biobased products to save money and green their counties.
October 2012

This issue brief examines ways that counties may be involved in enrolling individuals held in county jails who become newly eligible for health insurance coverage in 2014 through the Affordable Care Act.
March 2012

This report provides a state by state look at the requirements for counties to redistrict.
January 2012

12/6/12

This issue brief provides an overview of the Economic development options available for local governments including Tax Incremental Financing, Conduit Bonds, and Business Development bonds as well as examples of county best practices.
September 2012

1/10/13

The ENERGY STAR program helps counties improve energy efficiency in their facilities, local businesses and residences. Join counties across the country and see what free tools can best work in your county.
June 2011

This survey conducted by NACo provides information about the the current conditions of county roads and bridges and how the recent economic slowdown has affected construction and maintenance funding.
March 2012

In counties across the country, finding ways to provide efficient and cost-effective methods of service delivery is a process that routinely lands at the top of priority lists every year. This issue brief provides an overview of the methods of privatization available to counties.
June 2010

Information in this report is a result of a NACo survey conducted to learn about green purchasing in counties. Learn how to get started, why purchasing green can save green, county policy on green purchasing, who leads green purchasing efforts and more.
November 2011

This publication serves as a resource for counties interested in understanding their role in the green economy and tapping into its tremendous potential.
May 2010

Learn about soy and how soy-based products are a win-win on numerous fronts for county governments.
June 2011

This publication examines the history of term limits for elected offices and provides a state by state look at term limits for county officials.
February 2011

This report by the American Institute of Architects and NACo provides an in-depth examination of the state of green incentives, by highlighting specific green building incentives throughout the country.
March 2012

This publication provides a state by state overview of the rules pertaining to property taxes including exemptions, tax limits, and assessment cycles.
July 2012

This report examines the importance of tax-exempt municipal bonds as the most important tool in the United States for financing investments in schools, roads, water and sewer systems, airports, bridges and other vital structures. A joint report from NACo, The National League of Cities and The United States Conference of Mayors.
February 2013

This issue brief examines the key components of forming a consolidated government and provides case studies of five localities that attempted consolidation.
February 2012

The housing market crash and concomitant recession have left counties across the country struggling to solve fiscal crises. This report describes how a select group of counties attempted or are in the process of making structural changes in order to better face current and future challenges.
March 2012

This guide discusses how to effectively engage stakeholders in the community. It is a companion to another NACo guide, Strategic Visioning for Community and Economic Development: Keys to Managing Public Dialogue. Together they intended to provide local and regional leaders with tips and resources regarding effective public engagement and dialogue.
April 2013

This guide discusses effective messaging, meeting management, and presenting decisions. It is a companion to another NACo guide, Strategic Visioning for Community and Economic Development: Keys to Engaging Stakeholders. Together the guides are intended to provide local and regional leaders with tips and resources regarding effective public engagement and dialogue.
April 2013

A poster which visually demonstrates the various departments within county government that are influencing sustainability to better their communities. Hard copies of the poster are available upon request.
October 2012

This publication outlines the obstacles many small counties face when considering pretrial justice programs and offers recommendations to overcome these challenges. A joint report from NACo and the Pretrial Justice Institute (PJI).
January 2013

The National Association of Counties has prepared this pocket guide that shows the steps and rules according to Robert’s Rules of Order.
June 2011

This update of NACo's Volunteer Toolbox provides information about establishing a county volunteer program, volunteer liability/legal issues, managing a volunteer program and volunteer roles as well as provides resources to counties.
February 2012