The County Landscape Project: A Primer on Our History, Definitions, Structures and Authorities
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Counties are one of America’s oldest forms of government, dating back to 1634 when the first county governments (shires) were established along the eastern shores of Virginia. Today, though the governance and organizational structures vary nationally and even within a state, all 3,069 county, parish and borough governments are on the front lines of delivering vital services to residents.
About the Primer
Counties are one of America’s oldest forms of government, dating back to 1634 when the first county governments (shires) were established along the eastern shores of Virginia. Though today, the governance and organizational structures vary nationally and even within a state, all 3,069 county, parish and borough governments are on the front lines of delivering vital services to residents.
The County Landscape Project: Maps and Stats
Counties are vital to the foundation of our communities, helping shape the places where we live, work and thrive. From maintaining critical infrastructure and delivering essential public services to fostering economic growth and ensuring public safety, county governments play a pivotal role in the daily lives of millions of Americans.
The County Landscape Project: Taxes and Revenues
Counties are vital to the foundation of our communities, helping shape the places where we live, work and thrive. From maintaining critical infrastructure and delivering essential public services to fostering economic growth and ensuring public safety, county governments play a pivotal role in the daily lives of millions of Americans.
The County Landscape Project: Service Provision and the Public Workforce
Counties are vital to the foundation of our communities, helping shape the places where we live, work and thrive. From maintaining critical infrastructure and delivering essential public services to fostering economic growth and ensuring public safety, county governments play a pivotal role in the daily lives of millions of Americans.
The County Landscape Project: An Overview of County-Level Election Administration
From voter registration to the final count, county governments are the foundation upon which free and fair elections stand. NACo's research brief examines the scope of responsibilities, variations in local election systems and canvassing procedures, and funding for election costs.
We Are Counties
From urban to rural, large to small, America’s 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs keep our communities healthy, vibrant and safe. We Are Counties highlights the essential role counties play across every part of community life.
Counties 101
Your introduction to county government. Learn how counties are on the front lines, delivering vital services for our residents.
Achievement Awards
The Achievement Awards is a non-competitive awards program recognizing innovative county government programs. Award-winning programs are featured in NACo content and celebrated at NACo's Annual Conference.
National County Government Month
Held each April, NCGM is an annual celebration of county government. NACo equips counties with template materials, social media graphics, and more resources to kick off the month of recognition.
County Explorer Data
An interactive mapping tool featuring the latest available data for all 3,069 U.S. counties across 14 categories, more than 100 datasets, over 1,000 indicators and more than 10 types of county and state profiles.
The County Landscape Project
Whether examining the organizational structures, financial frameworks, essential services or intergovernmental roles of counties, the project serves as a critical reference for understanding county government at its core.
Counties Work Game & Curriculum
NACo, together with iCivics, has created an online game and curriculum to educate students grade levels 6-12 about the important role and functions of county government.
Governing on the Ground
Governing on the Ground is an inside look at the complex challenges faced by officials as they strive to strengthen their communities. The book features 30 short chapters contributed by county leaders.
The Marvelous Adventures of Countyland
The Marvelous Adventures of Countyland is an experimental publication created with generative artificial intelligence (AI). Its objectives are to showcase the capabilities of AI, to stimulate discussions regarding AI's applications in the public sector, and to inspire young people around the role of county government.
County News
Explore articles from our award-winning County News, the official news publication of NACo.
Operation Green Light for Veterans
During the week leading up to Veterans Day, counties shine a green light to show support for veterans, raise awareness of benefits available to them and call for action on federal policies that support veterans and their families.
America’s Counties Recognize April 2026 as National County Government Month
America’s counties are joining the National Association of Counties (NACo) in recognizing April as National County Government Month (NCGM). Throughout April, counties will honor the 3.6 million strong county workforce, educate residents about local programs and services and boost civic engagement to strengthen the connections between local government and residents.
NACo Hosts County Leaders in Washington, D.C. and Launches We Are Counties National Public Affairs Advocacy Campaign
NACo is hosting nearly 2,000 county leaders from across the country for our annual Legislative Conference February 21-24.
Podcast: Panache and presentation boost highlight reels of county action
Riverside County, Calif. tapped a talented communications staffer to bring to life news from their Board of Supervisors with their program Board Brief. Pep Fernandez, along with CEO Jeff Van Wagenen, explain the program's success and NACo President J.D. Clark fleshes out his County Storytellers spotlight.
Announcing 2025 NACo Achievement Award Winners
NACo is pleased to announce the winners for the 2025 Achievement Awards. Through a non-competitive application process, noteworthy programs receive awards in 18 categories that cover a vast range of county responsibilities.
America’s Counties Recognize April 2025 as National County Government Month
America’s Counties this month are joining the National Association of Counties (NACo) in recognizing National County Government Month (NCGM). Throughout April, counties will honor the county workforce, educate residents about local programs and services and celebrate the county role in the intergovernmental partnership.
Celebrate 2025 National County Government Month
Join us in celebrating National County Government Month (NCGM) 2025! Since 1991, NACo has encouraged counties to utilize NCGM to actively promote county roles and responsibilities in serving residents.
The Marvelous Adventures of Countyland
With county government policymakers and practitioners now facing the realities of generative artificial intelligence (AI), this book was developed with three main objectives:
- Showcase the remarkable capabilities and intricate nature of contemporary AI technologies
- Stimulate collaborative policy discussions among intergovernmental partners regarding the near limitless applications within the public sector, taking into account the possible inherent biases in AI systems, and
- Inspire the young people of America to explore the exciting and meaningful roles and responsibilities of county government officials.
