County Countdown – May 5, 2025

Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.

Budget reconciliation begins in the House

Congress has entered a new phase in the reconciliation process, with House committees releasing legislative proposals that will shape major fiscal policy decisions affecting counties.

• County priorities: NACo is advocating for protecting tax-exempt municipal bonds, restoring the full state and local tax (SALT) deduction, strengthening the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and educating lawmakers about the federal-state-local partnership for Medicaid and human services.
• Local impact: Counties manage 44% of U.S. roads, run 1,900 public health departments and invest $743 billion annually. Given this robust and far-reaching role, federal budget decisions directly affect service delivery.
• Balanced approach: Counties seek fair federal funding decisions to avoid shifting burdens onto local governments with limited taxing authority.

Reauthorize Secure Rural Schools in reconciliation

NACo is also urging Congress to include reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program in the reconciliation bill to prevent major funding shortfalls for rural counties.

• Funding lapse: SRS expired in 2024, leading to an 80% drop in U.S. Forest Service payments this year. This reduction in revenue threatens education, roads and emergency services.
• Urgent fix needed: Reauthorization is critical to avoiding deeper strain on already under-resourced rural communities.

2025 Rural Innovation Summit

More than 60 rural development leaders gathered at NACo HQ for the 2025 Rural Innovation Summit to collaborate on federal advocacy and strengthen rural policy.

• Key voices: Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Angie Craig highlighted rural-local-federal collaboration in their keynote remarks.
• Top issues: Summit participants discussed broadband, housing, health care, economic growth and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development programs.
• Coalition building: NACo and 59 partners delivered a letter urging robust rural development funding in the 2026 budget.

Bipartisan push for rural housing reform

U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds and Tina Smith have reintroduced the Rural Housing Service Reform Act to modernize and strengthen USDA rural housing programs.

• Key reforms: The bill includes permanent authorization of preservation programs, expanded eligibility, tech investments and improved transparency.
• County role: Local governments are essential in housing support and welcome federal reforms to tackle rural housing challenges.
• Broad support: Counties back this bipartisan bill as a critical tool to preserve affordable rural housing.

First 100 Days series continues as policy webinar series

Thanks to all who joined NACo’s First 100 Days series. Due to high interest and fast-moving federal activity, we have decided to continue offering deep dives into the mechanics of what’s happening in Washington.

• What’s next: A new biweekly policy webinar series will offer in-depth updates on federal executive orders, legislation and regulatory changes.
• County focus: Each session will center on how federal actions impact county operations and priorities.
• Stay informed: Registration information for this new series is coming soon. Meanwhile, recordings of previous 100 days episodes and additional resources are available at NACo.org.

Full schedule now available for 2025 NACo Annual Conference

Join us July 11–14 in the City and County of Philadelphia, Pa. for NACo’s 90th Annual Conference, featuring policy steering committee meetings, innovation sessions and invaluable networking opportunities.

• What to expect: Workshops, steering committee sessions and the latest NACo tools and resources.
• Who’s coming: Thousands of county leaders from across the U.S. will attend the nation's largest gathering of county government officials.
• Register now: Explore the full schedule and secure your spot today.