County Countdown – August 12, 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.
With Congress in August recess, NACo’s County Countdown will take a hiatus until lawmakers return in September.
Federal Appropriations
Before the congressional August recess, the House advanced 5 of their 12 appropriations bills, while the Senate Committee marked up 11 of 12 funding bills. After the recess, Congress will work on passing a funding bill before the government’s fiscal year ends on September 30, 2024.
- Why it matters: A strong, reliable intergovernmental partnership is necessary for counties to deliver essential, often mandated services. NACo encourages county leaders to meet with members of Congress during the recess to advocate for county priorities in the next funding bill.
- Tracking tool: NACo has launched an interactive appropriations tracker to help counties monitor the process.
American Rescue Plan Act Deadline
The obligation deadline for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds is the end of this year. ARPA invested $65.1 billion in direct aid to counties.
- Key dates: Counties must obligate these funds by December 31, 2024, and fully expend them by December 31, 2026.
- NACo support: NACo’s ARPA Resource Hub offers technical assistance, webinars, white papers and analysis to help counties meet the deadline. NACo will also host a series of webinars leading up to the obligation deadline.
Recompete Pilot Program
Last week, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced $184 million in funding for six Recompete Pilot Program applicants.
- About Recompete: The Recompete Pilot Program awards – authorized under the CHIPS and Science Act – aim to create renewed opportunity in economically distressed communities through good-paying, high-quality jobs and improved access to the workforce.
- County achievement: One of the six winners was Clallam County, Wash., which will receive $35 million to revitalize the natural resources industries in Washington's North Olympic Peninsula. NACo applauds this success and advocates for flexible, locally-driven programs like Recompete.
U.S. Supreme Court
NACo is preparing for the 2024–2025 U.S. Supreme Court term and its impact on counties.
- Looking ahead: NACo will file amicus briefs in at least five cases during the upcoming Supreme Court term. County officials can explore case summaries to understand the issues at stake and how NACo is advocating for counties.
- Past term review: NACo recently hosted a webinar reviewing the 2023–2024 Supreme Court term. Stream the webinar and stay updated on future Supreme Court decisions through NACo’s Supreme Court Advocacy Hub.
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.
American Rescue Plan Resource Hub
In this resource hub, find stories of counties investing these resource to support our residents, technical assistance in implementing these programs in your county and our latest analysis and research.
White House names county finalist for new Recompete Pilot Program funding
On August 5, U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), announced $184 million for six Recompete Pilot Program finalists. The Recompete Program, enacted as part of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, was created to provide renewed opportunity in economically distressed communities through good-paying, high-quality jobs and improve access to the workforce for Americans.
Related News
Senate Funding Bill Delivers a Win for Counties, Delaying OMB's Uniform Guidance Proposed Rule
The Senate Appropriations Committee releases CR language to fund the government until December 11 and delay the OMB proposed rule on Uniform Guidance that governs how every federal grant can be administered, a major win for counties.
Streamlining Federal Grants Act: Improving Federal Grants Access for Counties
Federal grant programs represent significant funding opportunities for counties, but technical jargon and limited staff capacity make them especially hard for small and rural counties to access.
Counties make the case for FEMA reform on Capitol Hill
Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng testifies to Congress about the county perspective on FEMA reform, advocating for the passage of the bipartisan FEMA Act.
Upcoming Events
Economic Considerations for Data Centers: Understanding Revenue, Risk and Long-Term Value
As the first webinar in NACo's Fall Data Center Webinar Series, this session will provide county officials with a foundation for understanding data center development before exploring the fiscal and economic considerations counties face.
Funding Your Future: Mapping County Technology to Grant Opportunities
Ready to turn your communications modernization plans into funded reality? This webinar provides a practical roadmap for aligning technology initiatives with available grant funding in justice reform, rural health, mental health, and public safety.
We will share firsthand experience navigating the funding landscape and successfully securing support for technology investments and break down specific funding sources and demonstrates how to position Zoom solutions within grant applications.
2026 NACo Energy Symposium
Join county leaders from across the country in the Texas Panhandle to engage with the most pressing energy issues shaping rural America today. Hear from experts, exchange ideas with peers and gain practical insights into the policies, projects and partnerships driving rural energy development.