The County Countdown – October 23, 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 and explore NACo resources below on some of the top issues we're covering this week.
2024 Appropriations
NACo urges Congress to finalize fiscal year 2024 appropriations without delay, to stave off a potential government shutdown.
- Making our voice heard: NACo sent a letter to congressional leadership detailing county priorities.
- Areas of emphasis include:
- Funding for behavioral and mental health programs
- The Community Development Block Grant program, HOME Investment Partnerships, and the Affordable Connectivity program
- Election security grants via the Help America Vote Act, and
- Full support for Payments in Lieu of Taxes and the extension of Secure Rural Schools.
Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) Symposium
The LUCC Symposium, held this month in Orange County, Fla., offered a productive platform for county officials and our partners.
- County-led solutions: The symposium featured in-depth dialogues on disaster readiness and response, housing affordability, mental and behavioral health, and artificial intelligence.
- Survey: Were you there? Share your thoughts in the attendee survey!
Federal Grants
NACo supports the bipartisan Streamlining Federal Grants Act, introduced last month. The bill would facilitate more straightforward grant application processes for counties.
- Key takeaway: The legislation tasks the Office of Management and Budget with guiding federal agencies towards streamlined grant application processes.
- Support for counties: The legislation includes a special focus on aiding counties, particularly rural counties, in accessing grant opportunities.
Black Maternal and Infant Mortality
On October 16, NACo hosted an event on disproportionate Black maternal and infant mortality rates.
- A collaborative effort: County leaders, federal officials and thought partners identified actionable policy solutions to address this public health crisis.
- Catch up: Watch the recording here.
2024 NACo Legislative Conference
The 2024 NACo Legislative Conference is scheduled for February 10-13 in Washington, D.C.
- Join your peers: The conference convenes nearly 2,000 county officials to tackle federal policy matters impacting counties and citizens.
- Highlights: This year’s conference will include policy sessions, opportunities to engage with members of Congress, and robust interactions with federal agency representatives.
- Register today to secure early bird rates and hotel availability.
NACo sends letter to congressional leadership urging prioritization of county activities in FY 2024 appropriations
NACo has sent a letter to congressional leaders urging them to prioritize federal investments in crucial local government activities through the FY 2024 appropriations process.
2023 Large Urban County Caucus Symposium
The 2023 NACo Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) Symposium will gather county executives, governing board members and other senior elected officials alongside national thought leaders and partners in Orange County, Florida to identify urban challenges and elevate solutions through peer-to-peer information exchanges and national policy discussions.
Improving access to federal grants through the Streamlining Federal Grants Act
The Streamlining Federal Grants Act simplifies the grant application process for local governments to improve access to federal grant funding.
Breaking Down Silos to Address Maternal and Infant Mortality: Lessons from the Local Level
Join NACo for a briefing focused on innovative county solutions to address disproportionate Black maternal and infant mortality rates
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.
White House Releases Budget Request for FY 2027: Top Highlights for Counties
On April 3, the White House released the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget request, outlining the administration's proposals for budgetary spending for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026. The President’s budget requests cutting non-defense discretionary funding by 10 percent, or $73 billion. This budget proposal reflects the administration’s priorities but is unlikely to be passed in its current form and will need to be approved by Congress to be implemented.
State-led property tax reform threatens county services
Counties are facing undulating battles in several states against efforts to reduce or eliminate property taxes, which represent the largest source of county funding.
New proposed changes to federal SAM registration may impact county access to federal funding
New proposed changes to federal SAM registration may impact county access to federal funding
Policy Insider – March 30, 2026
NACo's Policy Insider is your weekly update on federal policies, funding decisions and legislative activity impacting counties nationwide.
NACo Policy Insider Webinar Series: Understanding the Federal Landscape for Counties, April 9
Join NACo for a bi-weekly webinar offering an overview of the full federal policy landscape impacting counties.
National Stormwater Policy Forum Webinar
Learn about current policy issues driving the stormwater sector today.
NACo Policy Insider Webinar Series: Understanding the Federal Landscape for Counties, April 23
Join NACo for a bi-weekly webinar offering an overview of the full federal policy landscape impacting counties.
NACo Policy Insider Webinar Series: Understanding the Federal Landscape for Counties, May 7
Join NACo for a bi-weekly webinar offering an overview of the full federal policy landscape impacting counties.
NACo Policy Insider Webinar Series: Understanding the Federal Landscape for Counties, May 21
Join NACo for a bi-weekly webinar offering an overview of the full federal policy landscape impacting counties.
NACo Policy Insider Webinar Series: Understanding the Federal Landscape for Counties, June 4
Join NACo for a bi-weekly webinar offering an overview of the full federal policy landscape impacting counties.
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.
