County Countdown – April, 22, 2024
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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 above and explore NACo resources below.
ARPA Guidance Update: A Win For Counties
Last month's U.S. Treasury update offers substantial flexibility for counties using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), incorporating key suggestions from NACo.
- County personnel: Extended personnel costs now cover a larger list of eligible positions through the end of 2026.
- Subrecipient flexibility: Subrecipient entities are not required to comply with the Dec. 31, 2024 obligation deadline, easing pressure on county timelines.
- Reclassification of funds: After Dec. 31, if a county has funds that have been obligated but not expended, the county may reclassify those funds for other eligible uses.
- Reporting reminder: All SLFRF recipients must submit Project and Expenditure reports by April 30. For details, visit NACo’s ARPA Hub.
Counties Directly Eligible for Competitive Transportation Grants
On March 25, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced the availability of $5.2 billion in competitive funding as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Counties are directly eligible.
- Streamlined applications: A simplified process will assist counties in applying by the May 6 deadline.
- Broad funding scope: The USDOT Notice of Funding Opportunity packages the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program, Mega grants and INFRA grants, allowing counties to apply using a single application. Learn more here.
Federal Uniform Guidance Revisions
Recent updates from the White Office Office of Management and Budget simplify federal grant processes, significantly impacting how counties manage federal funds.
- Reduced burdens: Key changes include simplified grant applications and higher thresholds for single audits.
- Implementation by FY 2025: Counties should be prepared for these changes to take effect October 1, 2024.
EPA Sets New Standards For PFAS In Drinking Water
The EPA's new regulations set stringent limits on PFAS levels, impacting counties that manage water utilities.
- Tough standards: Limits for PFOA and PFOS are set at four parts per trillion, with significant cost implications for counties.
- Stay tuned: NACo will provide updates and guidance to help counties comply with these new standards.
Insights From NACo's U.S.-Mexico Border Visit
County leaders' recent visit to the U.S.-Mexico border shed light on urgent needs and challenges at the border, emphasizing the importance of intergovernmental collaboration.
- Valuable perspectives: The trip highlighted the critical role of counties in managing border security and migrant welfare.
- NACo advocacy: Counties continue to advocate for sensible immigration reforms that support county efforts.
Treasury Department releases new obligation guidance for the ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund
On March 29, the U.S. Department of Treasury released new FAQs related to their Obligation Interim Final Rule for the ARPA Recovery Fund.
Counties directly eligible for $5.2 billion in competitive transportation grants
Counties are directly eligible for $5.2 billion in competitive transportation grants.
White House OMB releases final revisions federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200)
The White House OMB released final revisions to the federal Uniform Guidance that outline compliance and reporting requirements for federal financial assistance.
Urge Congress and EPA to Consult with Counties on any Future Regulations on PFAS
Urge the U.S. Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies to study the health and environmental impacts of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) compounds and to work closely with state and local governments on any regulatory or legislative actions related to PFAS.
County leaders seek greater coordination on migrants after border visit
A trip to the southern border in El Paso County, Texas offered county officials a chance to see how the asylum system works, amid a sustained increase in people surrendering to immigration authorities.
U.S. House committees mark up budget reconciliation titles: What it means for counties
Counties should continue to advocate for county priorities to be included in the final budget reconciliation bill.
NACo sends letters to House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee urging support for county priorities in surface transportation reauthorization
On April 30, NACo submitted three letters to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee outlining county priorities as Congress begins work on the next surface transportation reauthorization. The current authorization is set to expire on September 30, 2026, and renewing it is a key priority for the Committee in the 119th Congress.
County Countdown – May 6, 2025
Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership. This week features
White House releases FY 2026 Budget Request: Top Highlights to Counties
The President’s budget requests cutting non-defense discretionary funding by 23 percent, amounting to $163 billion, and proposes a 7.6 percent spending cut to discretionary spending.
NACo endorsed advanced refunding bills reintroduced in the 119th Congress
NACo endorsed these bills and supports counties’ ability to issue tax-exempt advance refunding bonds, which can save taxpayers millions of dollars.
County Countdown – April 21, 2025
Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership. This week features the ARPA reporting deadline, a budget reconciliation update and more
Inside Washington: County Impacts from the White House & Congress, Week 1
Join NACo’s Government Affairs team for 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 every other week for an inside look at how these evolving federal dynamics may shape county priorities, responsibilities and operations.
Understanding the House Ways & Means Tax Proposal: Key Takeaways for County Governments
On May 12, the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee released their proposed tax package, which includes trillions in tax cuts and changes to popular tax credits. Join NACo staff as they analyze key takeaways for counties on the tax proposal and share insights into the ongoing reconciliation process.
Safeguarding Taxpayer Assets: Inside Suffolk County’s Bank Account Collateralization Program
In today’s evolving regulatory and banking landscape, public entities must have clear visibility into their deposits, collateralization, and verification processes. Yet, many municipalities lack a comprehensive solution to streamline this complex responsibility.
Join Stephen Acquario (Executive Director, NYSAC), John M. Kennedy Jr. (Suffolk County Comptroller), and Alex DeRosa (Associate Vice President, three+one) as they host an inside look at how Suffolk County has implemented a cutting-edge bank account collateralization program. This session will explore:
How having a single point of reference for bank collateral enhances audit functions and strengthens financial oversight
Common misconceptions about collateralization programs—why more counties aren’t adopting them and whether implementation is as complex as it seems
The impact of a well-structured collateralization program on credit ratings and financial stability
Protecting taxpayer assets requires more than just compliance—it requires certainty. Discover how to bring transparency and security to your entity’s financial management.
Inside Washington: County Impacts from the White House & Congress, Week 2
Join NACo’s Government Affairs team for week two 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.
Inside Washington: County Impacts from the White House & Congress, Week 3
Join NACo’s Government Affairs team for week three 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.
Impacts of Federal Action on Local Jurisdictions: A Conversation on County Administration
In this webinar, you will hear from a panel of county administrators as they unpack their local responses to the current federal and political environment and, ultimately, prioritize good governance and high-quality service delivery.