National Association of Counties

About NACo

The National Association of Counties (NACo) unites America’s 3,069 county governments.  Founded in 1935, NACo brings county officials together to advocate with a collective voice on national policy, exchange ideas and build new leadership skills, pursue transformational county solutions, enrich the public’s understanding of county government, and exercise exemplary leadership in public service.

Mission

Strengthen America’s counties.

Vision

Healthy, safe and vibrant counties across America.

About NACo

The National Association of Counties (NACo) strengthens America’s counties, serving nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees.  Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to:

  • Advocate county priorities in federal policymaking
  • Promote exemplary county policies and practices
  • Nurture leadership skills and expand knowledge networks
  • Optimize county and taxpayer resources and cost savings, and
  • Enrich the public’s understanding of county government.

Values

We are passionate about advancing excellence in public service to help people and places thrive across America.  We value our diversity of thought, heritage and experience.  We sustain our ingenuity and impact by harnessing our collective knowledge and by valuing teamwork and lifelong skills development.  We are steadfast in our pursuit to enrich our membership value exponentially, guided by the belief that stronger counties result in a stronger America.

Performance Priorities

Member Engagement: Inspire exemplary county leadership
  • Intensify member participation and experiences
  • Present world-class forums for peer networking and knowledge exchange
  • Cultivate leadership skills development and lifelong learning
  • Optimize alliances with state associations, affiliates and strategic partners

Policy Advancement: Achieve county priorities in national policymaking
  • Elevate the importance of counties in setting America’s public policy
  • Attain county policy priorities at the federal level
  • Drive favorable national and state policy initiatives and models
  • Produce definitive, actionable county research and data analytics

Thought Leadership: Amplify county solutions in public service excellence
  • Empower county leaders with evidence-based policies and practices
  • Forge multi-sector partnerships for county innovation and impact
  • Showcase and recognize county excellence
  • Enrich the public’s understanding of county government through civic and youth education

Financial Health: Optimize county and association resources and cost savings
  • Secure and sustain the association’s financial position
  • Be impeccable stewards of the association’s assets
  • Evolve existing enterprise programs for sustained member value
  • Advance new value-added, cost-effective solutions for counties and the public

Talent and Wellbeing: Perform as a preeminent association
  • Embody NACo’s Values and Code of Practice
  • Thrive as a premier employer of choice
  • Expand the skills, horizons and engagement of the NACo staff
  • Assist counties in workforce attraction, retention and wellness
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    Executive Committee

    NACo Officers are responsible for the property, funds and business affairs of the association in the absence of the board, and exercise all powers granted by the board.
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    Board of Directors

    The NACo Board of Directors sets the strategic goals, policies and priorities of the association, as well as oversees the association’s policies, business and property.
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    Membership

    NACo membership is an investment in your county's future because the association works to ensure that counties have the resources, skills and support needed to successfully lead their communities into the future.
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    NACo Staff

    View a listing of NACo staff by department.
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    Governance

    NACo has established a consolidated family of affiliated subsidiaries to pursue and fulfill our vision of healthy, safe and vibrant counties across the United States.
  • About NACo
    Reports & Toolkits

    2018-2019 Annual Report

    When counties are united at the national level, we are an immense force for the public good. Throughout the past year, NACo multiplied that force alongside our members.
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    NCCAE

    The National Council of County Association Executives (NCCAE) provides a vehicle through which its membership improves the administration of the various associations of counties and associations of county officials.
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    Employment Opportunities

    To apply for a position with NACo, e-mail or mail your cover letter to us, identifying the position for which you are applying. Only resumes submitted for listed positions will be reviewed.

What We Do