County Countdown – January 28, 2025
Upcoming Events
Related News
Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.
The first 100 days
President Trump and Vice President Vance were sworn in last week. Since then, the Trump administration has issued a series of executive orders addressing immigration, energy and the economy, among other issues with implications for counties.
- NACo event series tracking first 100 days: To educate county leaders on how these policies may impact local governments, NACo has launched a weekly series on the administration's first 100 days.
- Next session: The next webinar in the series is scheduled for Wednesday, January 29. Click here to register.
Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force fly-in
NACo’s Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force, a group of 28 county leaders with wide-ranging experience, is meeting in Washington, D.C. this week.
- Task force goals: The task force, launched late last year, has goals to help modernize disaster policies, enhance disaster resilience and strengthen intergovernmental partnerships.
- Advocacy efforts: Task force members will take advantage of this week's fly-in to highlight counties' critical roles in disaster response and long-term recovery in meetings with Congress and federal partners.
SALT deduction profiles released
NACo has released new profiles showing the impact of the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap on counties and residents.
- Why it matters: The $10,000 SALT cap, set to expire December 31, 2025, limits tax deductions and impacts funding for essential county services.
- Call to action: Counties urge Congress to restore the full SALT deduction, ending a double standard that taxes homeowners differently from businesses and landlords and preserving critical services.
Reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools
The Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program remains unfunded after not being included in funding bills passed at the end of 2024.
- Why it matters: SRS provides essential funding to over 700 rural counties for services like education, infrastructure and fire suppression.
- What’s next: As SRS funds are depleted, NACo encourages county leaders to advocate for reauthorization to prevent budget shortfalls in timber counties.
Medicaid and counties
Since being signed into law in 1965, the Medicaid program has helped counties provide support to residents who are unable to afford medical care.
- County contributions: Counties contribute to Medicaid in 24 states and the District of Columbia.
- Intergovernmental partnership: Counties work with Congress to strengthen Medicaid, ensuring access to high-quality care while responsibly managing taxpayer dollars. Counties stand ready to partner with federal leaders to improve the nation’s health system.
NACo Membership Series: First 100 Days, Week 1
NACo is launching a new membership series to provide timely updates and analysis on key developments during the first 100 days of the Trump administration. These calls will focus on policies and actions that directly impact counties, including federal funding, regulations and intergovernmental partnerships. Join us to stay informed on how these changes may shape county priorities and operations.
Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force
As disasters intensify across the country, county governments play a crucial role on the frontlines of emergency management and recovery. With a commitment to advancing federal policies that foster collaboration between counties, federal agencies and other intergovernmental partners, the Task Force builds on years of county-led efforts to enhance disaster policies and practices, driving improved outcomes nationwide.
NACo releases new SALT deduction resource
Counties urge Congress and the Administration to restore the full SALT deduction to restore fairness in taxation and preserve essential local services
Related News
CMS releases new guidance on Medicaid provider tax provisions in OBBBA
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released new guidance outlining how it will implement significant Medicaid financing changes enacted in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). These provisions restrict states’ ability to use health care-related taxes, commonly known as provider taxes, to help finance the non-federal share of Medicaid.
House Natural Resources Committee advances Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act
On November 20, the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources advanced the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act (H.R. 4776), which would make important changes to streamline federal permitting and strengthen county involvement in decision-making by amending the National Environmental Policy Act. Counties support commonsense permitting reforms, and NACo secured provisions in the SPEED Act that would guarantee counties a seat at the table during federal environmental reviews.
Federal district court issues ruling preventing the federal government from imposing immigration compliance mandates on grant recipients
On November 4, a federal judge in Rhode Island ruled that the U.S. Department of Transportation cannot condition federal grant funding on a recipient’s cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Upcoming Events
What to Expect from the Current Supreme Court Term: Cases Impacting Local Government
Hosted by the Local Government Legal Center (LGLC), join legal experts in a discussion of the new Supreme Court term and what decisions local governments should watch.
Investing in Tomorrow: Jones County's Blueprint for Financial Innovation
Friday, December 5, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET
Counties today face increasing pressure to make every public dollar count. Success depends not only on smart financial strategy, but also on strong communication across departments, with the community, and with the board of commissioners. Join Jones County Manager, Kyle Smith, Finance Director, Blake Batchelor, and three+one's Mike Abbott for a 30-minute conversation on how proactive, data-driven liquidity management is helping them plan more confidently, respond faster, and build trust throughout their community.
Attendees will hear how Jones County, N.C.:
- Adopted a forward-looking approach to liquidity and cash-flow forecasting through adopting cashVest by three+one
- Strengthened collaboration across departments and with county leadership • Modernized policies and systems to support future planning
- Communicated strategy and results to commissioners and residents
- Used real-time financial insight to pursue grants, capital projects, and long-term priorities
This session will provide practical guidance that county leaders can apply immediately, whether they are reviewing their investment policy, preparing for capital needs, or working to strengthen transparency with their governing board and community.
Register today to learn how a modern, collaborative approach to liquidity strategy can create value for your organization and the people you serve.
For more information, visit the event page!
Modern Networks, Smarter Budgets: A County Leader's Perspective
Join us for a fireside chat with Orleans County, NY, as they share how their team successfully transitioned from a traditional capital expense (CapEx) model to an operational expense (OpEx) model for network services.
When faced with rising maintenance costs and an expiring carrier contract, the county seized the opportunity to modernize its network and lock in predictable monthly costs. By bundling connectivity services with unified communications, they achieved immediate savings of over $124,000, eliminated recurring charges such as long-distance fees and third-party integration costs, and gained access to operational upgrades like call analytics and auto-attendants.
This shift not only strengthened financial planning through fixed monthly expenses but also freed up IT staff to focus on strategic initiatives.
Key takeaway: Rethinking your budget model can be just as impactful as upgrading your technology — delivering fiscal stability and enhanced services for your community.