The County Landscape Project

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. Notwithstanding our significance, the complexity and diversity of county governments often go unnoticed. The County Landscape Project brings the nuts and bolts of county governance to the forefront, providing a clear and comprehensive guide to how counties function, govern and serve our residents.

As NACo continues its commitment to strengthen America’s counties, we recognize the need for a unified, accessible and authoritative resource that provides a comprehensive guide to our nation’s county government system. By developing key insights, data and best practices under a single, cohesive project, we aim to enhance the way county officials, policymakers, federal and philanthropic partners and the public engage with and utilize these valuable resources. 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.

This initiative reflects NACo’s dedication to providing clarity in county governance, empowering leaders with actionable insights and fostering collaboration across all levels of government. Whether you are an elected official shaping policy, a researcher exploring county data or a resident seeking to understand the impact of local government, these resources serve as a guide to the essential functions of counties nationwide.

As we move forward, we invite you to explore, engage and utilize the resources from the Project in your work. Counties are the backbone of our nation’s governance, and together, we can ensure that our impact is recognized, strengthened and sustained for generations to come.