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.
Featured Initiative
County Governance Project
A comprehensive guide to county government structure, authority, services and finances
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.
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.
County Explorer Data
Explore your county through over 1000 indicators and nearly 100 datasets.
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.
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.
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.
Podcast: Civic Engagement Series, Part 1 – Berrien County, Mich.
Berrien County, Mich. ensures that all residents and visitors can access emergency services regardless of their primary language thanks to a translation and interpretation service.
Civic engagement strengthens community relationships
Inclusive engagement fosters stronger community relations because inclusion makes all residents feel invested in the betterment of the county.
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.
