The County Countdown – July 10, 2023
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Key Takeaways
Every other week, NACo’s County Countdown reviews federal advocacy updates on topics related to counties and the intergovernmental partnership.
Watch the video above for your intergovernmental policy bulletin, and explore below for NACo's resources on the key issues we covered this week.
1. Supreme Court Decisions Impacting Counties
The Supreme Court recently issued decisions on a number of cases with direct implications for county governments, covering topics like the Independent State Legislature Theory and employment law.
- Why it matters: These outcomes significantly shape the operational and legal landscape for counties nationwide.
- Looking ahead: The Local Government Legal Center – which was co-founded by NACo – will host a briefing to provide an in-depth analysis of these decisions tomorrow, July 11 at 1 p.m. ET.
2. Broadband Funding
The National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) has announced state funding allocations for the $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
- Why it's important: This initiative is set to bring high-speed, affordable internet access to county residents in unserved and underserved areas, bridging the digital divide.
- Getting it right: Accurate data and advocacy for responsible broadband development are pivotal to the successful implementation of this program.
3. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
A bipartisan, bicameral group of congressional leaders have introduced the NFIP Reauthorization Act, aiming to renew the program for five years with significant changes.
- Why it matters: This legislation proposes measures such as capping annual policy premium increases and providing vouchers for low- and middle-income homeowners and renters, which would directly benefit counties and our constituents.
- What's next: NACo is tracking this legislation and will share updates as it moves forward.
4. Recompete Pilot Program
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) has announced a $200 million pilot for the Recompete Program, with at least 20 plans receiving grants of $6-12 million.
- Why it matters: This investment is intended to catalyze economic recovery and growth, targeting economically distressed communities with high unemployment.
- Applications: Applications for the pilot are due October 5.
Attachments
Related News
Technology upgrade boosts disaster evacuation process
San Bernadino County's mobile app reports each step of the evacuation process as it happens, helping emergency managers take a lot of mystery out of chaotic incidents, including floods and fires.
White House Releases Budget Request for FY 2027: Top Highlights for Counties
On April 3, the White House released the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget request, outlining the administration's proposals for budgetary spending for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026. The President’s budget requests cutting non-defense discretionary funding by 10 percent, or $73 billion. This budget proposal reflects the administration’s priorities but is unlikely to be passed in its current form and will need to be approved by Congress to be implemented.
Gulf counties receive more than $92 million in revenue sharing from offshore energy projects
On March 27, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue sharing from Gulf energy projects, including more than $92 million which will be distributed directly to 42 coastal counties and parishes and Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. The revenue is generated from offshore oil and gas projects on the federally managed Gulf Outer Continental Shelf, and a portion is redirected to states and counties.