America's nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees are on the frontlines of the nation's response to the coronavirus pandemic. As the country emerges from the pandemic and grapples with the toll it has taken on our citizens, counties are responding and rebuilding. At the same time, many counties are still confronting significant workforce shortage pressures at a time with growing, critical resident needs.

With American Rescue Plan funds, counties are strengthening America's workforce, addressing the nation's behavioral health crisis, expanding broadband access, improving housing affordability and building prosperous communities for the next generation.

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SNAP and EBT Accepted here sign
Press Release

County Leaders Visit Washington to Share Local Perspective on Budget Reconciliation

Elected officials from five states sound alarm about administrative and funding changes to SNAP and Medicaid.

Image of Capitol-closeup_2.jpg
Advocacy

Senate Agriculture Committee releases reconciliation budget text; Contains changes to SNAP

On June 24, the Senate parliamentarian approved a new version of the benefit cost share provision. Under this revision, states may use either their FY 2025 or FY 2026 payment error rate to determine their required match for FY 2028. For FY 2029 and beyond, the match is based on the payment error rate from three fiscal years prior.

NACo President James Gore of Sonoma County, Calif., speaks to fellow county officials. Sonoma County has seen several devastating wildfires in recent years.
County News

As Washington zeroes in on disasters, counties must stay at the table

"From FEMA to Congress, there’s a growing appetite for reform. That’s good news. But let’s be clear: Reform without local input isn’t reform, it’s a missed opportunity."

A diversion outlet returns floodwaters to the Red River in northern Cass County, N.D. A diversion channel carries floodwater west of Fargo and other Cass County areas. Photo courtesy of the Army Corps of Engineers
County News

Diversion project spells relief from Fargo-area flooding

After several top-10 worst floods in just a few years, Cass County, N.D. citizens voted to fund diversion plans with a sales tax.

Multnomah County, Ore. is working to ensure the Burnside Bridge is still standing after a major earthquake.
County News

Pacific Northwest counties prepare for ‘The Big One’

Counties in Oregon and Washington are preparing for the devastating earthquake and tsunami that scientists say is coming in the next 50 years.