County Countdown – May 20, 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.
ARPA Flexibility
Last week the Senate passed a resolution that might roll back flexibilities critical to local governments under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund.
- Impact of the Senate resolution: The resolution proposes to retract the Treasury’s Obligation Interim Final Rule from November 2023, potentially affecting county investments.
- NACo’s stance: Alongside the National League of Cities and the Government Finance Officers Association, NACo has expressed strong opposition to this resolution, emphasizing the need to maintain robust intergovernmental cooperation.
- Next steps: As the resolution moves to the House for a vote, NACo continues to advocate for the flexibility counties need to effectively deploy ARPA resources. Follow the latest on NACo's ARPA hub.
Infrastructure Week
Last week during Infrastructure Week 2024, NACo Transportation Chair Eileen Higgins represented NACo at events where she highlighted local successes and challenges and uplifted the ongoing infrastructure needs of counties nationwide.
- County role: Counties play a pivotal role in transportation, managing significant portions of America’s roads, bridges and public transit systems.
- Future funding: With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) ending in two years, Commissioner Higgins underscored the need for ongoing federal support to maintain and enhance county infrastructure.
- Stay up-to-date: Explore NACo’s BIL implementation guide for the latest analysis and open notices of funding.
FAA Reauthorization
The recent reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration brings several wins for counties, ensuring continued support for airport development and safety enhancements.
- Legislative success: The new FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 provides $105.5 billion over five years, addressing key county concerns such as funding increases and streamlined project approvals.
- County impact: This reauthorization is crucial for counties involved in airport operations, affecting local economies and connecting communities across the country.
Affordable Connectivity Program
With the Affordable Connectivity Program set to face funding shortages, new legislative efforts aim to secure its future.
- Legislative proposal: Senator Ben Ray Luján’s (D-N.M.) new bill seeks to extend funding for the program and align it more closely with existing frameworks like the FCC’s Lifeline program.
- NACo’s support: NACo advocates for a sustainable funding solution that continues to address the connectivity needs of residents.
Farm Bill Reauthorization
As congressional committees work on the 2024 Farm Bill, NACo’s advocacy has influenced several provisions beneficial to counties in both current frameworks from the Senate and House Agriculture Committees.
- Key inclusions: Enhanced rural development funding and extended authorization for the Secure Rural Schools program are among the wins for counties.
- Ongoing negotiations: Despite progress, differing views on nutrition and climate initiatives present challenges in reaching a final agreement.
Farm Bill primer for counties: Explore NACo’s full overview of the 2024 Farm Bill reauthorization here.
Local Government Leaders Urge Congress to Protect Recovery Fund Flexibility
The National Association of Counties, the National League of Cities and the Government Finance Officers Association issued a statement urging Congress to oppose a Congressional Review Act joint resolution.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Examining Investments in County Infrastructure
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides nearly $1 trillion in funding over five years, including $550 billion in new investments divided between transportation and other core infrastructure sectors like water, broadband, energy and environmental remediation.
UPDATED: FAA authorization signed into law
President Biden signs 2024 FAA reauthorization into law on May 16, 2024.
U.S. Senate eyes funding the Affordable Connectivity Program through broader telecommunications package
The ACP is under a short timeline to receive additional funding. After May 31, all 23 million enrolled households will cease to receive any benefit from the program. Several Senate proposals could lead to expedited passage of funding to save the program.
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.
Related News
Senate Agriculture Committee introduces 2026 Farm Bill, following House passage
On June 23, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) introduced the Senate version of the 2026 Farm Bill, the Agricultural Act of 2026.
FCC considers preemption of local authorities in broadband permitting process
Counties are partners in broadband deployment efforts – not barriers – and pursuing one-size-fits-all regulations will further burden progress towards closing the digital divide
U.S. Department of Agriculture announces reorganization
On July 24, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a major reorganization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that will relocate thousands of federal employees, restructure regional offices and consolidate administrative services and operations. The changes are expected to reduce USDA’s footprint in Washington, D.C. and shift more personnel to regional hubs across the country.
Upcoming Events
Island-Strong Finances: How Kauai County Built Resilience from the Inside Out
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
Hawaii's counties carry a unique weight: the responsibility of serving tight-knit communities while managing the financial pressures that come with island life. For Kauai County, the Garden Island, that responsibility has meant building a financial foundation strong enough to weather uncertainty from the inside out. With a $550 million budget and a community navigating rising housing costs, shifting economic drivers, and the ongoing demands of core public services, every dollar counts.
In this session, Kauai County Treasurer Nancee Robles shares how her office partnered with three+one to generate over $20 million for county programs. Join NACo and three+one's Vice President of Client Servicing, Mike Ablowich, alongside Treasurer Robles for a conversation about what it means to protect taxpayer dollars, serve your community with integrity, and what counties across the country can learn from Kauai's approach.
This webinar is brought to you by NACo EDGE, establishing people, purchasing, and performance cost-saving solutions that can be applied to counties nationwide. EDGE is owned by NACo, advised by county leaders and 100% focused on solutions for U.S. Counties. Learn more about NACo EDGE here.
For more information, visit the event page!
2026 NACo Energy Symposium
Join county leaders from across the country in the Texas Panhandle to engage with the most pressing energy issues shaping rural America today. Hear from experts, exchange ideas with peers and gain practical insights into the policies, projects and partnerships driving rural energy development.