County Countdown – March 19, 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.
Watch the video above and explore NACo resources below.
1. Government Funding Success
Congress passed a fiscal year 2024 minibus appropriations package, including key county priorities.
- PILT program funding: A victory for counties, ensuring $515 million for the PILT Program.
- Mental health and broadband: Gains for mental health and rural broadband with provisions for IMD waiver expansion and the ReConnect Program.
- Upcoming deadlines: The pressure is on with a March 22 deadline to finalize the rest of 2024's federal spending.
2. FCC's Intergovernmental Advisory Update
FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel appoints county-recommended leaders to the Intergovernmental Advisory Committee.
- New appointments: Four county leaders begin a two-year term advising on broadband services and deployment.
- Get all of the details here.
3. BIL Funding Analysis for Counties
NACo recently released a new report examining the investments made at the county level from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also known as BIL.
- Report findings: As of November 2023, more than $127 billion in transportation funding has been awarded, including $50 billion in discretionary awards; however, only a fraction of these funds are direct investments in counties.
- Call for equity: A more equitable distribution of infrastructure funding, such as direct and flexible allocations to all counties, parishes and boroughs, is crucial for ensuring the continued performance of our national transportation network.
4. Child Care Funding Rule
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a final rule affecting the Child Care and Development Fund, raising concerns for county-run programs.
- Funding implications: Counties managing CCDF in eight states could face funding challenges under the new rule.
- Area of concern: NACo remains concerned that absent additional federal funding, implementation of the CCDF final rule will require difficult tradeoffs that could impact access to the program.
5. National County Government Month
April celebrates the essential services and achievements of county governments.
- Civic engagement: Utilize NACo's suite of community engagement tools to help tell the county story.
- Get involved: Share your county's success stories and advocate for local priorities.
Resource
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Examining Investments in County Infrastructure
Related News
U.S. Forest Service announces recission of Roadless Rule in National Forests
On August 29, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will repeal the 2001 Roadless Rule, which prohibited road construction, reconstruction and logging on almost 45 million acres of U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land.
House releases clean Continuing Resolution to fund the government through November 21
On September 16, the U.S. House released the text of the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026 to extend government funding at current levels through November 21.
Upcoming Events
Inside Washington: County Impacts from the White House & Congress, September 18
Join NACo’s Government Affairs team for week eight 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.
Enhancing Child Welfare: Best Practices for Measuring and Improving Outcomes
Join us for an insightful webinar focusing on child welfare specifically designed for county governments, with lessons that can be applied to other behavioral health programs. We will delve into evidence-based practices, informed funding decisions, cost efficiencies, and effective program management. Key areas of discussion will include out-of-home placements, prevention services, and reunification services.
Inside Washington: County Impacts from the White House & Congress, October 2
Join NACo’s Government Affairs team for week nine 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.