County Countdown – December 16, 2024

Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.

Priorities during the lame duck Congress

During this lame duck session, Congress has a laundry list of items that must be addressed by the end of the year that are critical to counties, including:  

• Federal appropriations to fund government operations and critical programs through fiscal year 2025, with the current funding bill expiring on Friday, December 20 
• Supplemental disaster relief funding to address recovery needs from recent natural disasters
• Reauthorization of the Economic Development Administration, which would help local communities achieve long-term economic growth based on local and regional priorities 
• Passage of the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 which would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision that reduces the social security benefits of the retirees that have also earned a government pension 
• Reauthorization of the Farm Bill to ensure continuity of agricultural, nutrition and rural development programs  

These legislative actions are essential to sustaining local services, supporting economic development and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in counties across the nation.

American Rescue Plan Act obligation deadline

With the December 31, 2024 deadline for obligating American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) quickly approaching, counties nationwide are assessing how best to allocate any remaining funds. 

• Key implication: The deadline means counties must not only allocate these funds but also have contractual commitments in place before the year ends. 
• NACo support: NACo hosted recently hosted the second in a series of webinars providing insight on how counties may efficiently obligate funds. The final webinar will be hosted this week on Dec. 18 at 12:30 p.m. EST.
• About ARPA: Passed in 2021, the ARPA SLFRF provided $65.1 billion in direct, flexible aid to counties across the United States, offering a unique opportunity to respond to immediate pandemic-related needs, support long-term recovery and strengthen community resilience.

Reauthorization of workforce development legislation

Congress is negotiating the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Last month, the U.S. House unveiled a bicameral agreement to reauthorize WIOA, which included key provisions that would impact counties’ ability to support jobseekers and employers within our communities. 

• NACo advocacy: NACo and our partners expressed concerns about the reauthorization legislation, citing risks from redesignating local workforce areas, federal mandates limiting flexibility for vulnerable populations and increasing the governor's set-aside, which could reduce local workforce resources. 
• Take action: Reach out to your members of Congress and advocate for changes that protect local flexibility and resources while supporting enhancements to workforce education and training programs.

Reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools program

Counties are applauding the U.S. Senate passage of the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization (SRS) Act last month. The U.S. House needs to pass this bill for our forest counties to receive the support they need.

• House action needed: Please urge your House Representatives to pass this bill today so counties can provide essential services like infrastructure, education and fire suppression. 
• SRS impact: SRS supports over 700 counties, and without reauthorization some will experience severe budgetary shortfalls, affecting the delivery of vital services.

New NACo Regional Artificial Intelligence Forum series

NACo is launching a new Artificial Intelligence Regional Forum series to provide local government leaders and staff with essential insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. 

• AI from a county perspective: The forum will cover the foundations of AI, explore federal and state policy developments, highlight private-sector innovations and include hands-on exercises and breakout discussions on data governance and practical applications. 
• When and where: The first event in this series will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Texas Association of Counties office in Travis County, Texas. Additional forums in the series will be hosted throughout 2025 in NACo’s Northeast, Central and West Regions.