2023 Federal Policy Priorities

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AdvocacyCounties play an instrumental role in the overall public administration and governance of federal, state and local policies, programs and services.2023 Federal Policy PrioritiesFebruary 2, 2023February 2, 2023, 12:15 pm
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2023 Federal Policy Priorities
Counties play an instrumental role in the overall public administration and governance of federal, state and local policies, programs and services.
America’s 3,069 county governments provide essential building blocks for healthy, safe and vibrant communities. Counties invest over $600 billion each year in taxpayer resources through the leadership of nearly 40,000 county elected officials and almost 3.6 million county employees. Counties support and maintain key public and community infrastructure, help nurture and sustain a skilled workforce to support dynamic local economies, and promote public health and safety to protect our citizens.
NACo supports federal policies and programs that equip county governments with the resources and flexibility needed to effectively serve our residents. NACo works to preserve local decision making and protect counties from unfunded mandates and preemption of local authority. Since counties implement many federal programs at the local level and must enforce many federal regulations, NACo encourages meaningful intergovernmental consultation with counties throughout all federal policy, program and regulatory development processes.
NACo policy positions are introduced, debated and voted on by 10 policy steering committees with over 1,400 county officials, as well as NACo Board of Directors and full membership.
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Counties play an instrumental role in the overall public administration and governance of federal, state and local policies, programs and services.2023-02-02Advocacy2023-02-03
Counties play an instrumental role in the overall public administration and governance of federal, state and local policies, programs and services.
America’s 3,069 county governments provide essential building blocks for healthy, safe and vibrant communities. Counties invest over $600 billion each year in taxpayer resources through the leadership of nearly 40,000 county elected officials and almost 3.6 million county employees. Counties support and maintain key public and community infrastructure, help nurture and sustain a skilled workforce to support dynamic local economies, and promote public health and safety to protect our citizens.
NACo supports federal policies and programs that equip county governments with the resources and flexibility needed to effectively serve our residents. NACo works to preserve local decision making and protect counties from unfunded mandates and preemption of local authority. Since counties implement many federal programs at the local level and must enforce many federal regulations, NACo encourages meaningful intergovernmental consultation with counties throughout all federal policy, program and regulatory development processes.
NACo policy positions are introduced, debated and voted on by 10 policy steering committees with over 1,400 county officials, as well as NACo Board of Directors and full membership.
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Blog
The County Countdown – September 13, 2023
Every other week, NACo’s County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership. Watch the video and explore NACo resources below on some of the top issues we are covering this week. -
Webinar
Earmarks: What Rural Counties Need to Know to Get Started
Sep. 12, 2023 , 1:00 pm – 2:00 pmCongress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending (often referred to as earmarks) in early 2021. Since then, hundreds of county governments have secured billions of dollars in funding during the last three funding cycles. -
Blog
NACo sends letter to congressional leadership urging prioritization of county activities in FY 2024 appropriations
NACo has sent a letter to congressional leaders urging them to prioritize federal investments in crucial local government activities through the FY 2024 appropriations process. -
Webinar
Update on the Amended Waters of the U.S. Rule
Sep. 11, 2023 , 3:00 pm – 4:00 pmOn August 29, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) issued a final rule amending the 2023 definition of “Waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) to conform with the U.S. Supreme Court’s (SCOTUS) decision in Sackett v. EPA. -
County News
White House Advisor Tom Perez to county officials: ‘Let’s keep the momentum going’
Formerly a Montgomery County, Md. Council member, Tom Perez is now the White House director of intergovernmental affairs -
County News
Build relationships with state legislators, media to avoid local government preemption laws
Building relationships with state representatives and the press is the way to ensure counties still have a seat at the table amid the national rise in state preemption bills, according to county state association directors.
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Webinar
Supreme Court Preview for Local Governments: 2023-2024 Term
October 31, 2023 , 1:00 pm – 2:00 pmHosted by the Local Government Legal Center (LGLC), join legal experts in a discussion of the new Supreme Court term and what decisions local governments should watch. The Supreme Court will rule on several major cases this term, including on issues related to:10311:00 pm<p>Hosted by the Local Government Legal Center (LGLC), join legal experts in a discussion of the new Supreme Court term and what decisions local governments should watch. The Supreme Court will rule on several major cases thi
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Reports & Toolkits
American Rescue Plan Resource Hub
In March of 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 authorized the $350 billion State and Local Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund (Recovery Fund), which provided $65.1 billion in direct, flexible aid to every county in America.Reports & Toolkitsdocument03092:00 pmReports & Toolkits<p>In March of 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 authorized the $350 billion State and Local Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund (Recovery Fund), which provided $65.1 billion in direct, flexible aid to
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Finance, Pensions & Intergovernmental Affairs Steering Committee
All matters pertaining to the financial resources of counties, fiscal management, federal assistance, municipal borrowing, county revenues, federal budget, federal tax reform, elections and Native American issues. Policy Platform & Resolutions 2023-2024 2023 NACo Legislative Prioritiespagepagepage<p>All matters pertaining to the financial resources of counties, fiscal management, federal assistance, municipal borrowing, county revenues, federal budget, federal tax reform, elections and Native American issues.</p>
Related News
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BlogThe County Countdown – September 13, 2023Sep. 13, 2023
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BlogNACo sends letter to congressional leadership urging prioritization of county activities in FY 2024 appropriationsSep. 12, 2023
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County NewsBuild relationships with state legislators, media to avoid local government preemption lawsSep. 6, 2023
Related Resources
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Reports & ToolkitsIntergovernmental Roles and Responsibilities in Disaster ResilienceAug. 29, 2023
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Press ReleaseCounties Encouraged by White House Action on Mental Health ParityJul. 26, 2023
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Press ReleaseCounties Support Bipartisan Legislation Reforming the National Flood Insurance ProgramJul. 13, 2023
Related Events
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31Oct2023Webinar
Supreme Court Preview for Local Governments: 2023-2024 Term
Oct. 31, 2023 , 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Upcoming Events
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25Sep2023
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26Sep2023
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27Sep2023Webinar
NACo Information Series on Treasury’s ARPA Flexibility Guidance: Relief from Natural Disasters
Sep. 27, 2023 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm