ARPA Impact Report: An Analysis of How Counties are Addressing National Issues With Local Investments
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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NACo Analysis of the American Rescue Plan Act
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County Investments of American Rescue Plan Recovery Funds
U.S. Representatives introduce bipartisan CERTAIN Act to uphold county participation and streamline federal permitting
On April 15, congressional leaders introduced the bipartisan Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act. Led by Reps. Scott Peters (D-Calif.), Gabe Evans (R-Colo.), Andrew Gabarino (R-N.Y.), Adam Gray (D-Calif.), Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) and Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), the CERTAIN Act would strengthen county consultation and set actionable deadlines for federal environmental permitting processes.
Former MLB pitcher steps up to the plate for Oklahoma counties
Before he pitched for the Washington Nationals, Chris Schroder worked for a semester for the Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma, and the organization later welcomed him back as executive director.
U.S. Forest Services announces distribution of FY 2025 Secure Rural Schools funding
On Apr. 14, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) announced the distribution of $230.6 million to counties through the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program for fiscal year (FY) 2025. The funding will support essential local government services in more than 700 counties nationwide. The FY 2025 payments announced by USFS were authorized by the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 (P.L. 119-58).
U.S. Forest Service announces details of major reorganization
On March 31, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) announced details of a major reorganization of the agency’s offices and management structure. The agency’s new structure comes amid a larger reorganization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which houses the Forest Service.
Bipartisan House bills aim to modernize the Chafee Program for foster youth
The House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare introduced five bipartisan bills aimed at modernizing the Chafee Foster Care Program.
House WIOA reauthorization revives old concerns over local flexibility
House reintroduces WIOA reauthorization bill, raising concerns over local flexibility.