Advocacy Hub
Through NACo, advocate for county priorities in federal policy making
Get Involved
Get involved and make a difference. Learn how you can join a NACo committee or caucus and drive our federal policy agenda.
Take Action to Support County Priorities
Counties play an instrumental role in the overall public administration and governance of federal, state and local policies, programs and services.
NACo supports federal policies and programs that equip county governments with the resources and flexibility needed to effectively serve our residents. NACo works to preserve local decision making and protect counties from unfunded mandates and preemption of local authority. Since counties implement many federal programs at the local level and must enforce many federal regulations, NACo encourages meaningful intergovernmental consultation with counties throughout all federal policy, program and regulatory development processes.
NACo Federal Policy Priorities
2024–2025 American County Platform and Resolutions
The American County Platform is NACo’s permanent policy document, reflecting the philosophy and broad objectives of NACo’s membership.
2024 Federal Policy Priorities
NACo supports federal policies and programs that equip county governments with the resources and flexibility needed to serve our residents effectively.
Policy Briefs
Explore the updated legislative policy briefs for NACo's ten policy steering committees.
County Countdown
October 7, 2024
Every other week, NACo’s County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.
Congress enacts a Continuing Resolution to avert government shutdown through December 20, 2024
The U.S. Congress voted to enact a Continuing Resolution (CR) to avert a government shutdown through December 20, 2024 just days before the end of Fiscal Year 2024 on September 30.
Senate Committee advances Disaster Survivors Fairness Act
On Wednesday, September 25, the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held a markup to consider 16 bills. Among them was the Disaster Survivors Fairness Act (S. 5067), legislation designed to reform federal disaster assistance programs to better support survivors, which passed out of committee with strong bipartisan backing.
Latest NACo advocacy on the size and weight of heavy trucks
View the latest NACo advocacy on the size and weight of heavy trucks.
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advances key bills with NACo’s support
On September 18, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a full committee markup session, voting to advance 29 measures for House floor consideration.
What counties should know about the Congressional Observer Program ahead of the November 2024 election
The Election Observer Program seeks to increase election integrity and transparency by deploying congressional staff to monitor election procedures.
2025 Appropriations Tracker
The NACo 2025 Appropriations Tracker provides counties with a comprehensive overview of the federal appropriations process, tracking the progress of key spending bills and offering insights on how these will impact county funding and services.
Outreach Toolkit for Counties: The FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program
The NACo Outreach Toolkit aids counties in promoting the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program by providing resources to increase awareness and maintain broadband access beyond the program's funding.
Implementing Infrastructure Investments at the County Level: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58)
On November 15, 2021, President Biden enacted the five-year, $973 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, formally known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
County Policy Priorities for Transforming the Child Welfare System
Regardless of population size, geography and available resources, counties are deeply invested in our residents’ health and well-being. Every day, we provide services that help vulnerable individuals and families thrive, functioning as an integral part of the federal, state and local partnership in human service delivery.
Legislative Analysis: Impact of PFAS Regulations on Counties
NACo's analysis provides an in-depth examination of current and proposed regulations on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their implications for county governments.
Farm Bill Reauthorization
Explore NACo resources, stay up-to-date on the state of play and advocate for key county priorities in the 2024 Farm Bill.
NACo Federal Funding Matrix
NACo is your voice in Washington. Our experts review federal funding opportunities for counties daily. Explore our interactive funding matrix to find support for your local priorities.
Latest Policy Analysis
The County Human Services and Education Landscape
This resource provides a breakdown of the county, state and federal partnership key human services and education programs.
Policy Steering Committees
Caucuses
Ad Hoc & Task Force Committees
Artificial Intelligence Exploratory Committee
The AI Exploratory Committee covers emerging policies, practices and potential applications and consequences of AI through the lens of county governance, operations, constituent services, innovation, public trust, privacy, security, and workforce productivity.
NACo Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing
Counties increasingly handle direct mental health services, acting as the safety net for vulnerable residents and operating crisis lines, hospitals and detention centers. NACo’s Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing unites county leaders to address the mental health crisis through four key policy priorities.
Legislative Analysis
Legislative Analysis for Counties: Farm, Food, and National Security Act
After months of negotiations, lawmakers on the House Committee on Agriculture advanced their version of the 2024 Farm Bill, dubbed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, after a committee markup on May 23. The bipartisan legislative package passed 31-22 with full support from committee Republicans and four Democratic votes.
NACo Analysis: U.S. Department of Justice Final Rule on Web Accessibility for State and Local Governments
NACo Overview of the U.S. Department of Justice Final Rule on Web Accessibility for State and Local Governments
Legislative Analysis: Impact of PFAS Regulations on Counties
NACo's analysis provides an in-depth examination of current and proposed regulations on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their implications for county governments.
The Conforming Rule: The Waters of the United States
The definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) directly impacts county governments as owners and operators of local infrastructure.
Legislative Analysis for Counties: The Inflation Reduction Act
The IRA will strengthen county resiliency and better prepare us to address risks in a manner that can minimize the impact on local residents and businesses, while helping counties save money.
2025 Appropriations Tracker
The NACo 2025 Appropriations Tracker provides counties with a comprehensive overview of the federal appropriations process, tracking the progress of key spending bills and offering insights on how these will impact county funding and services.