Developed in partnership with Americans for the Arts and with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Creative Counties Placemaking Initiative equips county leaders with tools and resources to identify and strengthen ways to integrate the arts into solutions to local challenges.

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Competitors launch into the AuSable River Canoe Marathon, which has attracted crowds to Crawford County, Mich. since 1947. Photo by John Garrod
County News

Extreme sports attract crowds, help boost county tourism

Athletic events draw participants and spectators to counties featuring unique geographies that inspire feats of strength, endurance and creativity.

Capitol Building
Advocacy

U.S. House passes rescissions package

On June 12,  the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Rescissions Act of 2025 (H.R. 4) in a narrow 214-212 vote. The legislation would cancel $9.4 billion in previously approved federal funding, marking the Trump Administration’s first formal attempt to codify funding cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). 

Business along San Carlos Boulevard that were damaged during Hurricane Ian
Advocacy

New disaster recovery grants now open to support county economic development

The U.S. Economic Development Administration has launched the Fiscal Year 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program, making $1.45 billion available to help communities recover from natural disasters and build long-term economic resilience. Counties affected by major disaster declarations in 2023 or 2024 are eligible to apply for funding to rebuild infrastructure, strengthen local economies and prepare for future disruptions. This program goes beyond immediate recovery, aiming to transform local economies and foster sustainable, long-term economic growth. 

Gabrielle, Todd and Jacob Kuchta pause for a photo on the front porch of Jacob's new home, made possible by Napa County's Affordable ADU forgivable loan program. Photo by Villa/Nicholas Miller
County News

California county helps homeowners build ADUs

Napa County, Calif. created a forgivable loan for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units to aid rental housing affordability.

HowardCounty
County News

County analyzes data, seeks community input for comprehensive growth plan

As Howard County, Md. grew and became more diverse, HoCo By Design analyzed data and engaged the community to draw more input to help plan the county’s future.

County Clerk Terry Wilbur Testifying
Advocacy

NACo testifies before Congress on brownfields revitalization

On May 7, Oswego County, N.Y. Clerk Terry Wilbur testifiedon behalf of NACo before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment at a hearing titled “Cleaning Up the Past, Building the Future: The Brownfields Program”.

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Americans for the Arts
Americans for the Arts
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National Association of Counties
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National Endowment for the Arts

Program Contact

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Patrick Spence

Program Manager, Economic Mobility