County Countdown – December 16, 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.
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.
Related News
Interest in energy generation builds in the West
Counties are exploring the potential for energy generation on their public lands, but local control will set the stage for a tradeoff.

BLM, HUD target public lands for housing
A multi-agency push could open up hundreds of thousands of BLM acres near towns and cities to development for attainable housing.

WIR grows membership, offerings in South Dakota
Members of NACo’s Western Interstate Region learned about and fueled the work being done by the National Center for Public Lands Counties at the WIR Conference in Pennington County, S.D.
Upcoming Events

Efficiency in Action: Saving Millions, Serving Better — Summit County’s Success Story
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how technology can drive significant improvements in government efficiency and constituent outcomes. Register for the webinar today and join the conversation on transforming community services.

Inside Washington: County Impacts from the White House & Congress, June 12
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.

LUCA: Improving Census Data. Here’s How, Starting Now
The Census Bureau’s first operation in preparation for the 2030 census is the Local Update of Census Addresses, or LUCA, and it needs your help in updating its address list. Preparation starts now. States, local jurisdictions and tribal nations can identify areas with hidden and low-visibility housing, lots of in-fill and new residential developments; areas recovering from disasters; and areas with nontraditional addresses.
In this webinar cosponsored by the National Conference of State Legislatures, the National League of Cities, the International City/County Management Association and NACo, learn about the steps you and your partners can take now to get this critical census activity right!