This NACo toolkit for new Members of Congress highlights the county role in implementing key federal policies and programs as well as the importance of a strong intergovernmental partnership.

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Intergovernmental Affairs

Advocacy

New Law Brings Long-Sought Transparency to FEMA Disaster Reimbursements

May 4, 2026

A new federal law requires FEMA to publish a publicly accessible, interactive dashboard tracking all Public Assistance reimbursement requests, giving counties unprecedented visibility into disaster recovery funding.

NACo President J.D. Clark, First Vice President George Dunlap and Executive Director Matt Chase recently participated in a meeting of the Big Seven — the nation’s principal state and local government organizations. State and local leaders discussed the evolving intergovernmental system and considered ideas for how working together can advance shared priorities and secure better outcomes for communities nationwide.

County News

Reflections on federalism at America 250

May 4, 2026

NACo CEO Matt Chase: "Counties are where federal and state policy stops being policy and starts being real. We are not a delivery mechanism for decisions made elsewhere. We are where American governance actually lives."

Advocacy

House clears budget resolution, advancing Reconciliation 2.0 to fund DHS and CBP

April 30, 2026

On April 21, U.S. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) unveiled a budget resolution to advance a party-line reconciliation package focused on immigration enforcement and funding for agencies within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The resolution is the first step in a two-part process aimed at producing final legislation by June 1.