County Countdown – September 22, 2025

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

​Congress continues negotiations ahead of government funding deadline

Contrasting government funding proposals have been ​introduced​ with House Republicans pushing for a "clean" seven-week stopgap ​funding bill​, while Senate Democrats have introduced an alternative measure that would extend funding for four weeks with additional policy riders.

• Next steps: President Trump has indicated he will meet with House and Senate minority leaders to discuss a path forward.
• Why it matters: Counties rely on predictable federal funding to deliver services, and NACo continues to advocate for full-year, bipartisan ​appropriations​ agreements.

​CMS launches $50B Rural Health Transformation Program​

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has ​announced​ application details for the new ​Rural Health Transformation Program​, created under H.R. 1.

• Massive investment: The program provides $10 billion annually starting fiscal 2026 through 2030 to strengthen local health care systems in rural areas.
• State-led plans: Only states can ​apply​, but counties are urged to work with state leaders to shape proposals and define rural priorities.
  Upcoming deadline: State applications are due Nov. 5, and awards are expected by Dec. 31.

​NACo testifies before Congress on key county priorities​

In three separate House hearings, NACo leaders emphasized counties’ roles in administering federal programs and managing federal lands.

• SNAP administration: Joy Bivens, deputy county administrator of Franklin County, Ohio, testified on the importance of ​improving local-state coordination​ for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program delivery.
• Public lands and energy: Commissioner Jerry Taylor of Garfield County, Utah, highlighted county ​involvement in balancing​ energy development and conservation.
• Rural development: Commissioner Paul Heimel of Potter County, Pa., ​remarked​ on USDA Rural Development's important role in empowering rural counties and recommended equitable county access to tools and funding.

​USDA proposes repeal of longstanding Roadless Rule​

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the intention to ​rescind​ the 2001 Roadless Rule, which restricts development on nearly 45 million acres of Forest Service land.

• Greater flexibility: Repeal would allow road construction and timber activity in previously restricted areas.
• Local input critical: NACo highlighted the importance of the county voice in shaping final rules to advance wildfire mitigation and strengthen rural economies.
• What’s next: With the comment period now closed, NACo continues engagement with USDA on implementation.

​​Federal agencies create new U.S. Wildland Fire Service​

The Departments of the Interior and Agriculture have ​announced​ a new U.S. Wildland Fire Service to streamline wildfire response.

• Unified command: The initiative consolidates firefighting functions and standardizes hiring, pay and operations across agencies.
• New intelligence hub: A Fire Intelligence Center will be established to coordinate wildfire mitigation, response and recovery efforts.
• County engagement: Both departments have committed to including counties in the rollout of these structural changes.