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.

Sen. Dirk Kempthorne (front row, fifth from left) joins a march to the U.S. Capitol during the 1994 NACo Legislation Conference. Photo by David Hathcox
County News

In Memoriam: Unfunded mandate reform bill sponsor Dirk Kempthorne

As a freshman senator, Dirk Kempthorne passed a law making it more difficult for Congress to impose the costs of mandates on state and local governments. 

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Advocacy

New Law Brings Long-Sought Transparency to FEMA Disaster Reimbursements

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

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."