County Countdown – August 12, 2024

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.