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.

FAA Reauthorization Bill

Congressional lawmakers have unveiled a bipartisan, five-year Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill.

What’s included: The legislation seeks to enhance funding for airport improvement programs and streamline project delivery.
Counties matter: Counties support 34 percent of the nation's public airports and invest over $5 billion annually in air transportation.
Learn more: NACo examined Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments in county infrastructure.

2024 Farm Bill Proposals

The House and Senate Agriculture Committees released proposals for the 2024 Farm Bill, including important provisions for counties.

Key priorities for counties: The proposals include vital support for SNAP, rural development programs, public land management authorities, and investments in programs for new and beginning farmers and ranchers.
Next steps: NACo urges Congress to continue moving the Farm Bill swiftly through the legislative process. Check out NACo’s Farm Bill primer for more.
The current Farm Bill expires September 30.

Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced $1.2 billion for transportation safety planning and construction projects.

County eligibility: Counties are eligible to apply directly for funds, with an 80 percent federal cost share.
County impact: Given counties' oversight of 45 percent of roads and 38 percent of bridges in America, safety remains paramount.

Local Government Energy Program

The U.S. Department of Energy has allocated $18 million for the Local Government Energy Program.

Highlights for counties: The Local Government Energy Program supports renewable energy projects in disadvantaged communities and small- to medium-sized counties.
County eligibility: Eligible projects span building energy efficiency and clean transportation.
How to apply: Applications are open now through May 31. Learn more here.

EXPLORE Act and Natural Resources Legislation

The House passed the bipartisan EXPLORE Act, aiming to enrich outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands.

Bill impact: The bill supports gateway communities, modernizes technology, streamlines permitting, manages park overcrowding, enhances accessibility and promotes recreation for service members and veterans.
Also of note: The House also passed a series of key natural resource and public lands legislation, addressing a range of issues impacting public lands counties and residents.

Second Chance Reauthorization Act

The House introduced the Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2024 with bipartisan backing.

Extending funding: The legislation aims to extend funding for Second Chance Act programs over five years.
Supporting county priorities: These programs support counties by improving reentry services, reducing recidivism, and strengthening public safety.
Learn more: See NACo’s Second Chance Act advocacy.

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Featured This Week

Advocacy

House and Senate leaders release text of 2024 Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization compromise

May 1, 2024

House and Senate leaders release text of 2024 Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization compromise.

Primer for Counties: 2026 Farm Bill Reauthorization

February 20, 2026

Administered by the USDA, the U.S. Farm Bill helps counties make critical investments in infrastructure, economic development, workforce training, nutrition and conservation within some of our nation’s most underserved communities.

Advocacy

FY 25 Update: USDOT announces $982 million through Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program

April 16, 2025

On February 21, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced the availability of $1.2 billion through the Safe Streets and Roads for All competitive grant program in Fiscal Year 2024 for transportation safety planning or construction projects.

Advocacy

U.S. Department of Energy announces $18 million for Local Government Energy Program

April 24, 2024

U.S. Department of Energy announces $18 million for Local Government Energy Program

Advocacy

Congress Passes Landmark Outdoor Recreation Package

January 4, 2025

Lawmakers passed the bipartisan EXPLORE Act (H.R.6492) on December 19 to boost outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands for county residents and visitors and aid gateway communities

Advocacy

Congress advances Second Chance Act reauthorization

December 11, 2024

On December 4, the Senate passed the Second Chance Reauthorization Act (S.4477) by unanimous consent, a major milestone for supporting county reentry programs. NACo supports this legislation, which would reauthorize funding for Second Chance Act programs for five years.

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Advocacy

White House issues Executive Order addressing barriers to housing construction

March 19, 2026

White House issues Executive Order addressing barriers to housing construction

Advocacy

House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee advances legislation to tighten oversight of states’ commercial driver’s license programs

March 19, 2026

On March 18, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure advanced Dalilah’s Law (H.R. 5688). This bill would set new rules for states regarding the issuance of commercial driver’s licenses (CDL), as well as implement other changes to trucking policy. The bill would penalize states that do not comply with new requirements by withholding certain federal transportation funds, which could affect funding to counties.

Advocacy

Senators introduce bill to reauthorize the Federal Lands Access Program

March 19, 2026

On Mar. 18, Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the FLAP Reauthorization Act, which would reauthorize and extend the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP). FLAP provides essential funding for transportation projects on or adjacent to federal lands in gateway communities.