Author

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Owen Hart

Legislative Director, Agriculture & Rural Affairs | Rural Action Caucus
Zeke Lee

Zeke Lee

Legislative Director, Public Lands | Western Interstate Region
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Joe Jackson

Legislative Associate

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Advocacy

County Countdown – May 19, 2025

As the governing authority over the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Farm Bill is critical for counties who are responsible for delivering and administering vital services to many of our nation’s vulnerable families. The $1.5 trillion legislative package authorizes a suite of programs that help counties make critical investments in infrastructure, economic development, workforce training, nutrition and conservation within some of our nation's most underserved communities.

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 (H.R. 8467), after a committee markup on May 23. The bipartisan legislative package passed 31-22 with full support from committee Republicans and four Democratic votes.

Thanks to NACo's advocacy efforts, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act includes key wins for county governments, including increased funding for rural development programs, certain improvements to federal nutrition programs, more robust support for new and beginning farmers, the expansion of key land management authorities to county governments and a three-year reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program.

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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.

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Advocacy

County Countdown – May 19, 2025

Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership. This week features reconciliation bill advancement, a FEMA reform proposal and more.