County Countdown – June 17, 2024
Upcoming Events
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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.
NACo 2024 Annual Conference
The 2024 NACo Annual Conference will include a focus on direct investments in counties through the annual appropriations process, now underway for 2025. Programming will highlight key areas like infrastructure, healthcare and economic development.
- State of play: Congress is currently in negotiations around funding for Fiscal Year 2025, so now is a great time for conference attendees to explore how federal funding can be effectively leveraged to address local needs and drive sustainable growth.
- Conference schedule: View the conference schedule for full details.
Farm Bill Reauthorization
On NACo’s last County Countdown, we discussed efforts around reauthorizing the Farm Bill. Since then, there has been further movement, including positive signs for county priorities.
- Senate framework: Senate Agriculture Committee Republicans last week unveiled their framework for the 2024 Farm Bill.
- The county perspective: NACo reviewed major county priorities and secured key wins like increased funding for rural development and support for new farmers.
Health Services for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
In April, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) issued a draft policy for public comment on Community Health Centers (CHCs) and pre-release care.
- Why it matters: Providing health services 90 days before release benefits counties by improving care continuity and resource management.
- Sharing our voice: NACo submitted comments supporting enhanced access and continuity of care, urging inclusion of pre-trial detainees.
Electric Vehicle Charging Grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the second round of funding for the Fueling Infrastructure grant program. Grants can be used to deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure on local roads, within publicly accessible community locations and along the National Highway System.
- How it works: Counties can apply for a share of the $1.3 billion grant for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. $520 million is reserved for applicants who were unsuccessful in the first round of funding, with a deadline of July 1. The final deadline for new applicants for the remaining $800 million is August 28.
- Learn more: View NACo’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding matrix for more information.
Water Resources Development Act
The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works passed the Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA) of 2024 with a unanimous bipartisan vote. The WRDA authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to pursue studies, projects and waterway improvements.
- Details from the bill: The 2024 bill focuses on implementing ongoing projects and authorizes $3 billion for feasibility studies and construction.
- Impact on counties: Provisions include improved project permit information, increased federal cost shares and enhanced support for non-federal sponsors.
2024 NACo Annual Conference & Exposition
The Annual Conference is the premier gathering of leaders from the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs.
House, Senate Agriculture Committees release frameworks for 2024 Farm Bill Reauthorization
After months of negotiations and gridlock, lawmakers on the House and Senate Agriculture Committees have released competing frameworks for the 2024 Farm Bill. Explore NACo's full analysis.
HRSA Releases Final Reentry Care Guidelines Following NACo Input
On November 29, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released their final Policy Information Notice (PIN) with policy guidance for health centers who support transitions in care for justice-involved individuals reentering their communities.
Counties directly eligible for $1.3 billion in USDOT electric vehicle charging grants
On May 30, the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration released a Notice of Funding Opportunity for Round Two of the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program.
UPDATED: U.S. Senate EPW Committee and House T&I Committee pass WRDA 2024, legislation awaits further action
U.S. Senate EPW Committee and House T&I Committee pass WRDA 2024, legislation awaits further action
Related News
House reintroduces 988 Implementation Act to strengthen local mental health crisis response
On Sept. 3, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) introduced the 988 Implementation Act (H.R. 10280)[EH2.1] This bipartisan legislation strengthens the nationwide 988 system by providing long-term federal funding to counties, which often serve as frontline administrators of local mental health crisis services.
Senate Agriculture Committee passes Farm Bill
On September 16, the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee held a markup of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the Senate's version of the 2026 Farm Bill.
Post-Disaster Protection Act advances through the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
On Sept. 15, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee passed the Post-Disaster Protection Act (H.R. 8409), favorably reporting it to the full legislative body for consideration.
Upcoming Events
2026 Fall Board of Directors Meeting and Building Better Futures: A County Leaders' Symposium on Youth Outcomes
Hosted by NACo President George Dunlap as part of his presidential spotlight, in partnership with NACo’s Board of Directors and Large Urban County Caucus, the event will focus on practical strategies and collaborative approaches that counties can advance at the local level—from proven prevention and early intervention models to cross-sector partnerships that align resources and expand opportunity.