County Economic Mobility Action Tracker
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Reports & ToolkitsThis resource is designed to provide county leaders with options for safeguarding residents’ financial security and economic mobility during COVID-19. It provides possible actions by counties, a summary of that option, and examples of other counties executing the program or proposals for the policy.County Economic Mobility Action Tracker
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County Economic Mobility Action Tracker
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County Options for Protecting Households Through COVID-19
Resource Overview
Counties are on the front lines of protecting communities in the U.S. from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the health consequences, stay-at-home orders and business closures have deepened the economic harms of COVID-19, county leaders across the nation are taking important and innovative steps to protect citizens from the worst economic consequences of the current crisis.
This resource, compiled by the National Association of Counties and the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program, is designed to provide county leaders with options for safeguarding residents’ financial security and economic mobility during COVID-19. It provides possible actions by counties, a summary of that option, and examples of other counties executing the program or proposals for the policy.
Resident Guidance on COVID 19 Relief Programs
Provide CARES Act Guidance
Online resources or application support can help residents better understand, apply for and access resources provided by the federal government through the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act and other information.
Examples and Guidance
- Montgomery County Md. COVID Information Webpage
- Hennepin County, Minn. Worker and Small Business Resource Guide
- Lee County, Fla. Business and Resident Resources
- National Consumer Law Center CARES Act Mortgage Provisions Guidance
Click Here for More Information on CARES Act Funding
Provide Unemployment Insurance (UI) Guidance
Local leaders have developed and shared guidance that can assist workers as they file for UI benefits, particularly independent, gig, and self-employed workers newly eligible for UI.
Examples and Guidance
- Lee County, Fla. Resident Guidance with UI Application Resources
- New York State Gig Worker UI Guidance
Worker Wage Supplements and Other Support
Supplement Frontline Worker Wages
County leaders are providing additional wage support to workers particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of COVID-19.
Examples and Guidance
- Henry County, Ga. Front Line Employee Hazard Pay
Provide Emergency Relief Funds for Vulnerable Workers
County leaders can provide grants or other financial assistance for workers vulnerable to the financial impacts of COVID-19 and who may not be eligible for federal aid.
Examples and Guidance
- Santa Clara, Calif. Financial Assistance Program for Low-Income Residents
- San Francisco, Calif. Arts and Artists Relief Fund
Expand Access to Paid Leave for COVID-19 Impacts
Guaranteeing workers job protection and financial compensation in the event they experience COVID-19 impacts can protect the financial security of workers. County leaders are working to supplement federal action on paid leave.
- Los Angeles County, Calif. Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Ordinance
- Bernalillo County, N.M. Paid Leave Ordinance
Housing
Provide Cash Supports to Residents for Rental Payments
County leaders are working to provide rental assistance programs that can alleviate pressure on renters who have experienced interruptions in their employment and income.
Examples and Guidance:
- Los Angeles County, Calif. COVID-19 Rent Relief Programs
- Volusia County, Fla. COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program
Institute or Extend Eviction Moratoria
Eviction moratoria protect the housing security of those facing interruptions in their income that render them unable to make their rent payments. Counties across the nation are working to mitigate the housing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic through eviction moratoria.
Examples and Guidance
- Santa Clara County, Calif. Eviction Moratorium
- Multnomah County, Ore. COVID-19 Eviction Moratorium
- Mecklenburg County, N.C. Eviction Enforcement Suspension
Click Here for More Examples of County Housing Action
Household Expenses and Services
Institute or Extend a Utility Bill Moratorium
Payment assistance in the form of a moratorium on utility bill collection can support those who have faced interruptions in their employment and/or income. A suspension of service disconnections and late payment fees could help residents both afford essential utility services and maintain utilities vital to public health.
Examples and Guidance
- Montgomery County, Md. Call for Public Utility Default Moratorium
- State Action Tracker on Utility Responses to COVID-19
Protect Garnishment of Wages, Rebate Checks or Other Income
Local governments can call on financial institutions to institute a moratorium on consumer defaults to protect the financial security of those most vulnerable.
Examples and Guidance
- Montgomery County, Md. Call for Financial Institution Default Moratorium
Household Debt, Fines and Fees
Discharge Existing Fines, Fees, and Court Debt
In light of this ongoing national emergency, state and local governments and courts can make immediate changes to their criminal, traffic and municipal ordinance fines and fees policies to (1) increase public safety and health, (2) ensure that fines and fees are not a barrier to people’s basic needs throughout this emergency and (3) promote the resiliency of communities.
Examples and Guidance
- Maricopa County, Ariz. Deferrals for Court Fees
- Lake County, Calif. Traffic Fine Payment Extension
- Hillsborough County, Fla. Court Financial Due Data Extension
- Fines and Fees Justice Center Policy Recommendations
Prevent Garnishment of Wages, Other Income, or Federal Assistance
Ensuring that income is protected from garnishment will reduce the financial burdens of those experiencing interruptions in their income that make it difficult to keep debt payments current.
Examples and Guidance:
- National Consumer Law Center Recommendations to Protect Stimulus Checks
- Fulton County, Ga. Temporary Suspension of Garnishment, Other Services
- Jackson County, Mo. Temporary Suspension of Garnishment
Monitor and Regulate High Interest Lending
During financial crises, low- and moderate- income households will be more likely to use high interest credit products to make ends meet. Monitoring and creating local ordinances regarding such lending can reduce the cost for families.
Examples and Guidance
- National Consumer Law Center Resource Center
Enact or Extend Towing of Car Repossession Moratorium
Vehicles are essential for residents to access jobs and transport themselves in a safe manner during the current pandemic. Towing or car repossession moratoria, event temporary, could ameliorate the negative effects of increased debt burdens.
Examples and Guidance
- State of Maryland Repossession Moratorium
- Sacramento City Council Letter Requesting Towing Moratorium
Employer Supports
Expand Emergency Relief Programs to Small Businesses and Other Employers
Counties can help small businesses and nonprofit organizations remain in business through the COVID-19 emergency and address gaps that may exist among complementary programs.
Examples and Guidance
- Fairfax County, Va. Small Business and Nonprofit Grant Fund
- Essex County, Mass. COVID-19 Response Fund for Nonprofits
- Umatilla County Ore. Small Business Emergency Grant Fund
- Onondaga County, N.Y. Small Business Bridge Loans
- Hamilton County, Ind. Small Business Stabilization Fund
Click Here for More Examples of County Small Business Support Action
Institute or Extend Suspensions of Commercial Evictions and Rent Increases
Suspension of commercial evictions and rent increases can provide employers with temporary relief, helping them afford to stay in business.
Examples and Guidance
- Contra Costa County, Calif. Eviction Moratorium and Rent Increase Suspension
- Santa Clara County, Calif. Eviction Moratorium
Live Action Tracker
NACo is collecting examples of how member counties are using their resources and tools to help better equip residents to weather the financial impacts of COVID-19 and provide them economic opportunity in recovery as a resource for counties across the county. An updated list of the latest county solutions can be found below. Please share with us any of your county’s solutions here and they will be posted below after review by NACo staff.
This resource is designed to provide county leaders with options for safeguarding residents’ financial security and economic mobility during COVID-19. It provides possible actions by counties, a summary of that option, and examples of other counties executing the program or proposals for the policy.2020-07-01Reports & Toolkits2023-04-11
County Options for Protecting Households Through COVID-19
Resource Overview
Counties are on the front lines of protecting communities in the U.S. from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the health consequences, stay-at-home orders and business closures have deepened the economic harms of COVID-19, county leaders across the nation are taking important and innovative steps to protect citizens from the worst economic consequences of the current crisis.
This resource, compiled by the National Association of Counties and the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program, is designed to provide county leaders with options for safeguarding residents’ financial security and economic mobility during COVID-19. It provides possible actions by counties, a summary of that option, and examples of other counties executing the program or proposals for the policy.
Resident Guidance on COVID 19 Relief Programs |
Provide CARES Act Guidance Online resources or application support can help residents better understand, apply for and access resources provided by the federal government through the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act and other information. Examples and Guidance
Click Here for More Information on CARES Act Funding Provide Unemployment Insurance (UI) Guidance Local leaders have developed and shared guidance that can assist workers as they file for UI benefits, particularly independent, gig, and self-employed workers newly eligible for UI. Examples and Guidance
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Worker Wage Supplements and Other Support |
Supplement Frontline Worker Wages County leaders are providing additional wage support to workers particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of COVID-19. Examples and Guidance
Provide Emergency Relief Funds for Vulnerable Workers County leaders can provide grants or other financial assistance for workers vulnerable to the financial impacts of COVID-19 and who may not be eligible for federal aid. Examples and Guidance
Expand Access to Paid Leave for COVID-19 Impacts Guaranteeing workers job protection and financial compensation in the event they experience COVID-19 impacts can protect the financial security of workers. County leaders are working to supplement federal action on paid leave.
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Housing |
Provide Cash Supports to Residents for Rental Payments County leaders are working to provide rental assistance programs that can alleviate pressure on renters who have experienced interruptions in their employment and income. Examples and Guidance:
Institute or Extend Eviction Moratoria Eviction moratoria protect the housing security of those facing interruptions in their income that render them unable to make their rent payments. Counties across the nation are working to mitigate the housing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic through eviction moratoria. Examples and Guidance
|
Household Expenses and Services |
Institute or Extend a Utility Bill Moratorium Payment assistance in the form of a moratorium on utility bill collection can support those who have faced interruptions in their employment and/or income. A suspension of service disconnections and late payment fees could help residents both afford essential utility services and maintain utilities vital to public health. Examples and Guidance
Protect Garnishment of Wages, Rebate Checks or Other Income Local governments can call on financial institutions to institute a moratorium on consumer defaults to protect the financial security of those most vulnerable. Examples and Guidance
|
Household Debt, Fines and Fees |
Discharge Existing Fines, Fees, and Court Debt In light of this ongoing national emergency, state and local governments and courts can make immediate changes to their criminal, traffic and municipal ordinance fines and fees policies to (1) increase public safety and health, (2) ensure that fines and fees are not a barrier to people’s basic needs throughout this emergency and (3) promote the resiliency of communities. Examples and Guidance
Prevent Garnishment of Wages, Other Income, or Federal Assistance Ensuring that income is protected from garnishment will reduce the financial burdens of those experiencing interruptions in their income that make it difficult to keep debt payments current. Examples and Guidance:
Monitor and Regulate High Interest Lending During financial crises, low- and moderate- income households will be more likely to use high interest credit products to make ends meet. Monitoring and creating local ordinances regarding such lending can reduce the cost for families. Examples and Guidance Enact or Extend Towing of Car Repossession Moratorium Vehicles are essential for residents to access jobs and transport themselves in a safe manner during the current pandemic. Towing or car repossession moratoria, event temporary, could ameliorate the negative effects of increased debt burdens. Examples and Guidance
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Employer Supports |
Expand Emergency Relief Programs to Small Businesses and Other Employers Counties can help small businesses and nonprofit organizations remain in business through the COVID-19 emergency and address gaps that may exist among complementary programs. Examples and Guidance
Click Here for More Examples of County Small Business Support Action Institute or Extend Suspensions of Commercial Evictions and Rent Increases Suspension of commercial evictions and rent increases can provide employers with temporary relief, helping them afford to stay in business. Examples and Guidance
|
Live Action Tracker
NACo is collecting examples of how member counties are using their resources and tools to help better equip residents to weather the financial impacts of COVID-19 and provide them economic opportunity in recovery as a resource for counties across the county. An updated list of the latest county solutions can be found below. Please share with us any of your county’s solutions here and they will be posted below after review by NACo staff.
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County News
Economic mobility is ‘more than just a paycheck,’ Allan Golston says
Counties play a critical role in economic mobility and opportunity, according to Allan Golston, president of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s U.S. Program, who spoke to county officials July 23 at the NACo Annual Conference’s second General Session. -
Blog
DOL issues final rule on updating the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Regulations
On August 8, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule to raise the prevailing wage standard for approximately 1.2 million construction workers under the Davis-Bacon and Davis-Bacon Related Acts (DRBA). -
Blog
DOL issues final rule on updating the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Regulations
On August 8, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule to raise the prevailing wage standard for approximately 1.2 million construction workers under the Davis-Bacon and Davis-Bacon Related Acts (DRBA). -
County News
County officials urged to ‘get creative’ to meet housing affordability challenge
When it comes to housing affordability, no matter what size your county, it’s likely a problem with no easy answers. Creativity is vital to the solution. Curbing the Crisis: County Recommendations to Advance Housing Affordability July 22, 2023 NACo Annual Conference - Travis County, Texas -
Webinar
Curbing the Crisis: County Recommendations to Advance Housing Affordability
Jul. 22, 2023 , 9:30 am – 10:45 amLIVE from the NACo Annual Conference: Navigate the complex landscape of county authority and housing affordability. Hear from NACo Housing Task Force members on specific policy recommendations and best practices that can be tailored and implemented in your community. -
Blog
Equitable climate resilience (ECR) for local governments: Using data to drive decision making
NACo Partner Resource This blog post is sponsored by NACo partner IBTS.
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Webinar
BRECC National Network Learning Series: The Nuts and Bolts of Community Benefits Plans
September 28, 2023 , 3:00 pm – 4:30 pmIs your coal community navigating clean energy investments? Join BRECC’s National Network Session and learn how Community Benefits Plans can help ensure new energy projects contribute to local and equitable prosperity.09283:00 pm<p>Is your coal community navigating clean energy investments? Join BRECC’s National Network Session and learn how Community Benefits Plans can help ensure new energy projects contribute to local and equitable prosperity.
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Basic page
Community, Economic & Workforce Development Steering Committee
Responsible for all matters pertaining to housing, community and economic development, public works, and workforce development including the creation of affordable housing and housing options for different populations, residential, commercial, and industrial development, and building and housing codes. Policy Platform & Resolutions 2022-2023 2022 NACo Legislative Prioritiespagepagepage<p>Responsible for all matters pertaining to housing, community and economic development, public works, and workforce development including the creation of affordable housing and housing options for different populations, residential,
Contact
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Associate Director of Policy, Aspen Institute Financial Security Program
Related News
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County NewsEconomic mobility is ‘more than just a paycheck,’ Allan Golston saysAug. 21, 2023
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BlogDOL issues final rule on updating the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts RegulationsAug. 14, 2023
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BlogDOL issues final rule on updating the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts RegulationsAug. 14, 2023
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