County Countdown – June 30, 2025
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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.
Senate reconciliation proposal shifts costs to counties
The Senate is now considering the House-passed reconciliation bill, which includes harmful cost shifts for counties, particularly those administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and contributing to Medicaid.
- SNAP and Medicaid impacts: Counties in 10 states could be forced to cover more than $850 million annually in additional SNAP costs, while reduced Medicaid matching funds could devastate state budgets in 24 states and the District of Columbia.
- Key advocacy points: NACo is pushing to preserve tax-exempt municipal bonds, oppose a 10-year AI moratorium that limits local authority and prevent cost shifts that could force counties to cut services or raise taxes.
Local governments request DHS transparency on sanctuary designations
NACo, the International Municipal Lawyers Association and the National League of Cities sent a joint letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) urging clarity on how sanctuary jurisdictions are designated.
- Flawed rollout: DHS initially released a list of nearly 400 counties before removing it June 1, with no updates since.
- What counties want: The coalition is requesting clear criteria, an appeals process and guidance on how existing court orders are considered in federal decisions.
NACo launches tracker for federal funding freezes
NACo’s new Federal Funding Freeze Tracker documents the real-time impact of executive orders on county programs and infrastructure investments.
- Wide-ranging effects: The freeze jeopardizes USDA support for rural communities and funding for essential infrastructure, including roads and bridges.
- Supporting county planning: The tracker helps counties understand where federal revenue is at risk and how to plan for service delivery changes.
Orders to expand nuclear energy highlight county role
President Trump signed four executive orders to rapidly expand U.S. nuclear energy capacity, with counties playing a central role in future siting and permitting.
- National targets: The orders aim to grow capacity from 100 to 400 gigawatts and deploy reactors on military bases within three years.
- Local input needed: NACo supports nuclear innovation, but counties continue to advocate for clear guidance and a seat at the table to ensure local voices are included in decisions around siting, permitting and regulation of nuclear facilities.
Senate passes Secure Rural Schools; House must follow
The Senate unanimously passed the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act on June 18, providing critical funding to more than 700 forested counties with limited property tax bases.
- Essential support: SRS funds schools, roads, emergency services and forest management in communities where federal lands limit local tax revenue.
- Next step: NACo urges the House to quickly pass this bipartisan legislation to protect basic services in rural America.
County Leaders Visit Washington to Share Local Perspective on Budget Reconciliation
Elected officials from five states sound alarm about administrative and funding changes to SNAP and Medicaid.
DHS releases list identifying sanctuary jurisdictions; includes nearly 400 counties
NACo, along with the National League of Cities, and the International Municipal Lawyers Association, requested additional clarification on the methodology used to create the list, and noted concerns around the legal challenges that localities face when complying with ICE detainers. As of this time, NACo has yet to hear of a county receiving a formal notification that they were included on the list.
White House signs executive orders to advance nuclear power
On May 23, President Trump signed four executive orders focused on expanding the nuclear energy industry. The executive orders aim to position nuclear power as a key contributor to energy reliability, economic growth and national security — especially as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and military operations increase demand for stable, high-density power sources.
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Casey Foundation emphasizes support for youth
“When youth are asked what helped them the most, they might name a program, but they will absolutely name a person that believed in them,” Leslie Boissiere told the General Session audience.
Public-private partnership creates ‘one-stop shop’ to improve community wellness
The South Philadelphia Community Health and Literacy Center is a “one-stop shop” the city and the children’s hospital created to improve community wellness and make it easier for people to get their needs met.
Maryland county invests in community ‘villages’
Baltimore County, Md. created a volunteer network or “village” to help with everything from groceries to doctor’s appointment to fighting isolation.
Upcoming Events
Inside Washington: County Impacts from the White House & Congress, July 24
Join NACo’s Government Affairs team for week five 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.
Supreme Court Review for Local Governments: 2024-2025
Hosted by the Local Government Legal Center (LGLC), join legal experts in a discussion of the Supreme Court’s important decisions of the term impacting local governments.
Inside Washington: County Impacts from the White House & Congress, August 7
Join NACo’s Government Affairs team for week six 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.