Equitable Governance: 2022 NACo DEI County Convening, Strategies for Governing with Equity
The National Association of Counties hosted a full-day diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) county convening before NACo’s 2022 Annual Conference to discuss the importance of equity in governance and how to strategically align efforts at the county level. The convening brought together over 50 participants from over 20 counties who sent a team comprised of a DEI practitioner, county administrator and elected official. Throughout the convening, attendees discussed the unique challenges and opportunities they see in their distinct roles and explored how to advance the principles of DEI by considering community data differently. Equitable Governance: 2022 NACo DEI County Convening, Key County Roles, Opportunities and Strategies for Governing with Equity lays out key takeaways from the convening.
County News
County News Spotlight: DEI Strategies
House Agriculture Committee introduces 2026 Farm Bill
On February 13, House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.-15) introduced the House version of the 2026 Farm Bill, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.
Congress increases oversight of Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund
On February 3, Congress passed new funding and authority for an audit and expanded oversight of the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund, which houses federal funds for recovery from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster. The provision was included in the Financial Services-General Government appropriations bill (FSGG), which was one of five included in a minibus package passed by Congress (P.L. 119-75).
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announces repeal of 2009 Endangerment Finding for greenhouse gases
On February 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it was repealing the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which is basis for EPA regulation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the Clean Air Act.
DHS funding set to lapse, putting key county partners at risk of a partial shutdown
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is headed toward a funding lapse at 12:01 a.m. ET on Feb. 14 after the Senate failed this week to advance legislation to fund DHS for the remainder of Fiscal year (FY) 2026.
MEGA Act moves in House; NACo raises county concerns
On Feb. 10, the U.S. House Committee on Administration held a hearing to consider the Make Elections Great Again (MEGA) Act (H.R. 7300), which was introduced by Committee Chairman Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wis).
NACo sends letter urging reauthorization of Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Clean Water and the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) programs to provide a predictable, long-term financing option for local drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects.