The County Countdown – August 29, 2023
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BlogEvery 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 are covering this week.The County Countdown – August 29, 2023August 29, 2023August 29, 2023, 2:30 pm
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Blog
The County Countdown – August 29, 2023
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 are covering this week.
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA)
The U.S. Treasury Department has released a rule detailing how counties can utilize $65.1 billion in ARPA resources for transportation, infrastructure, disaster relief and community development.
- New Opportunities: This flexibility offers expanded options for counties.
- Action Plan: Counties are encouraged to strategize about how to align resources with local needs.
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA)
Congress is working on the reauthorization of the FAA.
- Significance: Counties manage a third of all public airports and invest over $5 billion per year in air transport.
- Call to Congress: NACo is underscoring the necessity for a lasting FAA reauthorization, emphasizing both airport safety and operational efficiency.
NATIONAL POLL WORKER RECRUITMENT DAY
National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, held August 23, highlighted the essential role of poll workers and the importance of election security.
- Why it Matters: Consistent federal funding is imperative for counties to successfully meet election criteria and address safety concerns.
- Recommendations: NACo advocates for the Election Worker Protection Act and supports the use of resources from the Election Assistance Commission.
WEB ACCESSIBILITY
The U.S. Department of Justice has proposed a rule aiming to enhance web accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
- Timeline: Larger counties (population >50,000) have two years to comply, while smaller counties are granted three years.
- Next Steps: Counties should assess web platforms and kickstart any necessary enhancements.
HEAVY TRUCKS
NACo and our partners penned a letter to Congress addressing the potential repercussions of altering heavy truck dimensions.
- Unfunded Mandate: The absence of corresponding funding places unwarranted strains on counties.
- Advocacy: Counties are advised to voice concerns and explore avenues for possible funding to counterbalance infrastructure ramifications.
FEDERAL LAND OWNERSHIP
Mariposa County, Calif. Supervisor Miles Menetrey provided insights on behalf of NACo on wildfire management during a field hearing conducted by the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee.
- Challenges: Central to the discourse were the obstacles arising from federal land ownership, which necessitate collaborative interventions.
- Collaboration: Wildfire management and the safety of our communities depends on collaborative discussions and unified efforts among the levels of government.
Every other week, NACo’s County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.2023-08-29Blog2023-08-29
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 are covering this week.
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA)
The U.S. Treasury Department has released a rule detailing how counties can utilize $65.1 billion in ARPA resources for transportation, infrastructure, disaster relief and community development.
- New Opportunities: This flexibility offers expanded options for counties.
- Action Plan: Counties are encouraged to strategize about how to align resources with local needs.
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA)
Congress is working on the reauthorization of the FAA.
- Significance: Counties manage a third of all public airports and invest over $5 billion per year in air transport.
- Call to Congress: NACo is underscoring the necessity for a lasting FAA reauthorization, emphasizing both airport safety and operational efficiency.
NATIONAL POLL WORKER RECRUITMENT DAY
National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, held August 23, highlighted the essential role of poll workers and the importance of election security.
- Why it Matters: Consistent federal funding is imperative for counties to successfully meet election criteria and address safety concerns.
- Recommendations: NACo advocates for the Election Worker Protection Act and supports the use of resources from the Election Assistance Commission.
WEB ACCESSIBILITY
The U.S. Department of Justice has proposed a rule aiming to enhance web accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
- Timeline: Larger counties (population >50,000) have two years to comply, while smaller counties are granted three years.
- Next Steps: Counties should assess web platforms and kickstart any necessary enhancements.
HEAVY TRUCKS
NACo and our partners penned a letter to Congress addressing the potential repercussions of altering heavy truck dimensions.
- Unfunded Mandate: The absence of corresponding funding places unwarranted strains on counties.
- Advocacy: Counties are advised to voice concerns and explore avenues for possible funding to counterbalance infrastructure ramifications.
FEDERAL LAND OWNERSHIP
Mariposa County, Calif. Supervisor Miles Menetrey provided insights on behalf of NACo on wildfire management during a field hearing conducted by the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee.
- Challenges: Central to the discourse were the obstacles arising from federal land ownership, which necessitate collaborative interventions.
- Collaboration: Wildfire management and the safety of our communities depends on collaborative discussions and unified efforts among the levels of government.
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Press Release
Counties Encourage Federal Government Partners to Avoid Shutdown
WASHINGTON – The National Association of Counties (NACo) today issued a statement encouraging a speedy, bipartisan effort to avoid a federal government shutdown. NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase said: -
Reports & Toolkits
What Counties Need to Know When a Government Shutdown Happens
Counties are calling on our federal partners to work in a bipartisan way to keep the federal government fully operational. As intergovernmental partners, any budget uncertainty at the federal level creates uncertainty at the local level as counties administer federal programs on the ground. -
Blog
The County Countdown – September 26, 2023
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. -
Webinar
NACo Information Series on Treasury’s ARPA Flexibility Guidance: Transportation Infrastructure Project
Sep. 20, 2023 , 1:00 pm – 2:00 pmOn August 10, the U.S. -
Blog
The County Countdown – September 13, 2023
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 are covering this week. -
Webinar
Earmarks: What Rural Counties Need to Know to Get Started
Sep. 12, 2023 , 1:00 pm – 2:00 pmCongress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending (often referred to as earmarks) in early 2021. Since then, hundreds of county governments have secured billions of dollars in funding during the last three funding cycles.
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Webinar
Supreme Court Preview for Local Governments: 2023-2024 Term
October 31, 2023 , 1:00 pm – 2:00 pmHosted by the Local Government Legal Center (LGLC), join legal experts in a discussion of the new Supreme Court term and what decisions local governments should watch. The Supreme Court will rule on several major cases this term, including on issues related to:10311:00 pm<p>Hosted by the Local Government Legal Center (LGLC), join legal experts in a discussion of the new Supreme Court term and what decisions local governments should watch. The Supreme Court will rule on several major cases thi
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Reports & Toolkits
American Rescue Plan Resource Hub
In March of 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 authorized the $350 billion State and Local Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund (Recovery Fund), which provided $65.1 billion in direct, flexible aid to every county in America.Reports & Toolkitsdocument03092:00 pmReports & Toolkits<p>In March of 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 authorized the $350 billion State and Local Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund (Recovery Fund), which provided $65.1 billion in direct, flexible aid to
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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 by improving the collection, creation, and communication of their budgets.pagepagepage<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:100%" summary="call-out transparent">
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Finance, Pensions & Intergovernmental Affairs Steering Committee
All matters pertaining to the financial resources of counties, fiscal management, federal assistance, municipal borrowing, county revenues, federal budget, federal tax reform, elections and Native American issues. Policy Platform & Resolutions 2023-2024 2023 NACo Legislative Prioritiespagepagepage<p>All matters pertaining to the financial resources of counties, fiscal management, federal assistance, municipal borrowing, county revenues, federal budget, federal tax reform, elections and Native American issues.</p>
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Transportation Policy Steering Committee
Responsible for all matters pertaining to federal transportation legislation, funding and regulation and its impacts on county government. This includes highway and bridge development, finance and safety, public transit development and finance, transportation planning, airport development and service, passenger and freight railroads, ports and waterways, freight movement, and research and development of new modes of transportation.pagepagepage<p>Responsible for all matters pertaining to federal transportation legislation, funding and regulation and its impacts on county government.
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Reports & Toolkits
Implementing Infrastructure Investments at the County Level: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58)
As intergovernmental partners, counties play a key role in ensuring the successful interpretation and implementation of the BILReports & Toolkitsdocument100710:00 amReports & Toolkits<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:100%" summary="call-out transparent jump">
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Related Resources
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Press ReleaseCounties Encourage Federal Government Partners to Avoid ShutdownSep. 29, 2023
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Reports & ToolkitsWhat Counties Need to Know When a Government Shutdown HappensSep. 28, 2023
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Reports & ToolkitsIntergovernmental Roles and Responsibilities in Disaster ResilienceAug. 29, 2023
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31Oct2023Webinar
Supreme Court Preview for Local Governments: 2023-2024 Term
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