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
Congress passes short-term funding bill, keeping the federal government funded through Dec. 11 and delaying OMB rule
The U.S. Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to extend government funding through December 11 and delay the OMB proposed rule on Unform Guidance that governs how every federal grant can be administered.
DOJ announces $211 million in grants for county criminal justice systems focused on reentry and mental health treatment
The Department of Justice announced $211 million in grant opportunities for counties to improve their criminal justice systems, specifically reentry, substance use, crisis response and behavioral health programs.
NACo Legal Advocacy: St. Mary’s Catholic Parish v. Roy
The U.S. Supreme Court is deciding how easily a challenger can move a neutral local rule out of deferential review and into the most demanding standard in Constitutional law.
Upcoming Events
NACo CLEARR Cohort Application Optional Information Call
NACo is launching a year-long virtual opportunity for county law enforcement agencies to receive implementation support for a new recruitment or retention strategy and guidance on developing an evaluation framework to assess the impact.
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.
More Choices, Stronger Counties: Introducing NACo Public Promise Insurance Supplemental Benefits
- Dental
- Vision
- Life
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Care
- Worksite (Critical Illness/Accident/Hospital/Cancer)
- Pet
- An overview of the Supplemental Benefits Trust structure and how it works
- Details on each available line of coverage
- How MetLife and Trustmark will support implementation and ongoing administration
- Next steps for counties interested in participating
- Chris Blanchette, National Director, Public Promise Insurance, National Association of Counties