County Countdown – Nov. 20, 2023
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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 on some of the top issues we're covering this week.
1. Mental Health
NACo continues to champion mental health policies in Congress to support counties and residents.
- Continuity of care: A recent letter to leaders on Capitol Hill reiterated county priorities in mental health, including urging passage of the Due Process Continuity of Care Act, advocating for Medicaid benefits for pre-trial detainees.
- Workforce development: The letter also pushed for increased funding for programs to recruit and retain behavioral health workers.
- What’s next: NACo’s Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing is working with Congress to reform mental health policies that exclude vulnerable populations.
2. Operation Green Light
Thank you to the hundreds of counties, plus our intergovernmental partners, businesses and individuals, who participated in Operation Green Light for Veterans.
- Bipartisan support: Congressional resolutions in both the House and Senate recognized Operation Greenlight and the vital role of County Veterans Services Officers (CVSOs).
- CVSO Act: In 29 states, county-funded CVSOs help veterans access over $50B annually in VA benefits. NACo urges the passage of the CVSO Act to secure federal resources to support this work.
- Explore highlights: Check out the Operation Green Light showcase for pictures submitted by counties – and submit yours!
3. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
As we mark the two-year anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), NACo is ensuring that counties have a voice in its implementation.
- County guidance: Explore NACo’s BIL tools and best practices.
- Funding opportunities: Check out this tool for identifying current BIL funding opportunities.
4. Support for Rural America
U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) introduced the Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act.
- Addressing community needs: The bill would create a grant program to address needs like affordable child care, housing and job training, as well as providing guidance to help rural communities navigate existing funding opportunities.
- NACo's endorsement: NACo urges swift passage of this legislation, which will enable rural counties to optimize federal resources.
5. American Rescue Plan
The U.S. Treasury Department introduced a new rule clarifying counties' use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, further extending the reach of these resources.
Key points for counties: Counties can now allocate funds for administrative costs tied to ARPA reporting and compliance.
Clarifying responsibilities: Details on managing sub-recipient obligations offer counties more flexibility for effective resource utilization.
Dive deeper on ARPA: Explore all of NACo’s ARPA resources here.
NACo Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing
(2023-2024) Counties increasingly handle direct mental health service. NACo’s Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing developed reports and united county leaders to address the mental health crisis through key policy priorities.
Highlights from 2023 Operation Green Light for Veterans
Counties across the country joined 2023 Operation Green Light for Veterans to shine a light on the issues veterans face and highlight the resources available to veterans at the county, state and federal levels.
Implementing Infrastructure Investments at the County Level: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58)
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a major victory for counties, who worked closely with our partners in Congress throughout the legislative process to ensure county priorities were included. NACo's implementation tracker highlights the latest information critical for counties.
Senators introduce bipartisan legislation to level playing field for rural communities
Senators introduced the Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act, bipartisan legislation intended to advance economic development in rural counties and overcome barriers to obtaining federal funding and resources.
County Countdown – May 6, 2025
Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership. This week features
NACo endorsed advanced refunding bills reintroduced in the 119th Congress
NACo endorsed these bills and supports counties’ ability to issue tax-exempt advance refunding bonds, which can save taxpayers millions of dollars.
Congressional leaders introduce bipartisan bill to strengthen technical assistance for rural broadband
The Rural Broadband Assistance Act strengthens local access to federal broadband programs by codifying USDA’s Broadband Technical Assistance Program and ensuring continued support for broadband deployment in rural communities.
2025 Rural Innovation Summit brings together rural development leaders at NACo headquarters
On April 10, NACo hosted the 2025 Rural Innovation Summit at its Washington, D.C. headquarters, convening more than 60 rural development leaders, practitioners, policymakers and advocates for a day of in-depth policy dialogue, partnership building and federal advocacy.
Congressional leaders reintroduce bipartisan bill to protect rural housing
On April 7, Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) reintroduced the Rural Housing Service Reform Act, bipartisan legislation that would help preserve affordable housing and stabilize rental assistance for rural county residents across the country.
USFS begins disbursement of revenue sharing payments amid lapse in SRS funding
On April 11, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service began distributing funds to support public schools and roads in counties containing national forest lands.
Federal Reforms to Medicaid Financing: What Counties Should Know (Part 2)
This two-part webinar series will examine the vital role Medicaid plays in supporting county-administered behavioral health and primary care services.
Safeguarding Taxpayer Assets: Inside Suffolk County’s Bank Account Collateralization Program
In today’s evolving regulatory and banking landscape, public entities must have clear visibility into their deposits, collateralization, and verification processes. Yet, many municipalities lack a comprehensive solution to streamline this complex responsibility.
Join Stephen Acquario (Executive Director, NYSAC), John M. Kennedy Jr. (Suffolk County Comptroller), and Alex DeRosa (Associate Vice President, three+one) as they host an inside look at how Suffolk County has implemented a cutting-edge bank account collateralization program. This session will explore:
How having a single point of reference for bank collateral enhances audit functions and strengthens financial oversight
Common misconceptions about collateralization programs—why more counties aren’t adopting them and whether implementation is as complex as it seems
The impact of a well-structured collateralization program on credit ratings and financial stability
Protecting taxpayer assets requires more than just compliance—it requires certainty. Discover how to bring transparency and security to your entity’s financial management.
New BRECC Toolkit: Coal Communities’ Pathways for Economic Diversification
Join the BRECC National Network to learn how coal counties are diversifying their economies through increasing housing supply, providing innovative workforce development opportunities and revitalizing downtowns.
Conference
2024 NACo Legislative Conference
The NACo Legislative Conference brings together nearly 2,000 elected and appointed county officials to focus on federal policy issues that impact counties and our residents.
