County Countdown – July 31, 2024
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Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.
Watch the video – a special edition featuring interviews from this year’s NACo Annual Conference – and explore NACo resources below.
At this year's Annual Conference, NACo's membership approved over 140 resolutions and platform changes. The American County Platform will drive our advocacy throughout the next 12 months.
Secure Rural Schools
National forest counties rely on Secure Rural Schools (SRS) payments to provide critical services, including infrastructure, conservation, search and rescue, and fire prevention.
- We spoke with Stevens County, Wash. Commissioner Wes McCart, who introduced a resolution related to county road funding for forest health. Watch the video here.
- Learn more: Review background on this issue and learn how to take action here.
- Explore SRS data: NACo’s County Explorer tool allows you to browse county SRS profiles and other data.
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program expands access to high-speed internet.
- We spoke to Lake County, Ill. Board Member Jennifer Clark, who chairs Lake County's Special Committee on Broadband. Watch the video here.
- Policy advocacy update: The Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 would provide $7 billion to keep the program operational – learn more here.
Farm Bill
NACo remains engaged in evolving conversations about the 2024 Farm Bill Reauthorization.
- We spoke to Oswego County, N.Y. Clerk Terry Wilbur, vice chair of NACo's Agriculture and Rural Affairs Policy Steering Committee. Watch the video here.
- Get up to speed: Study up with this Farm Bill primer and discover key issues for counties.
Election Administration
Especially in presidential election years, counties have a unique opportunity to advocate for resources to support election administration.
- We spoke to Santa Fe County, N.M. Clerk Katharine Clark, who sponsored a platform change and seven policy resolutions focused on federal support for county election administration. Watch the video here.
- Explaining the county role: Review and share this resource on federal election funding.
2024–2025 American County Platform and Resolutions
The American County Platform is NACo’s permanent policy document, reflecting the philosophy and broad objectives of NACo’s membership.
Connecting Residents through the Affordable Connectivity Program
High-speed internet connectivity serves as a crucial component for households to participate in everyday life. Hear from senior leadership at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on how the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is helping to connect millions of households and learn how you can expand the program's reach in your county.
Primer for Counties: 2024 Farm Bill Reauthorization
Administered by the USDA, the U.S. Farm Bill helps counties make critical investments in infrastructure, economic development, workforce training, nutrition and conservation within some of our nation’s most underserved communities.
How to Champion Your Coal Community’s Natural Resources
Join the BRECC National Network this November to learn how coal communities are balancing resource conservation and economic development. This session will highlight how coal-impacted communities can leverage public lands, natural resources and federal partnerships in order to successfully champion the needs of their community. This BRECC National Network Session will feature the Conservation Fund’s “Activation Program” and community leaders embracing a multi-point approach to natural resource economies.
County Crossroads Symposium: A Mobile Journey Exploring the County Landscape
NACo’s fall symposium, jointly hosted by the Board of Directors, Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) and Rural Action Caucus (RAC), will feature mobile workshops and engaging opportunities for all counties.
2025 Outlook - A Year of Greater Clarity, a NACo EDGE Webinar
Monday, October 28, 2024 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET
Join NACo EDGE for an enlightening webinar, "2025 Outlook - A Year of Greater Clarity," presented by Joe Rulison, CEO of three+one.
Joe Rulison will share insights on 2025's most anticipated economic developments.
This webinar is brought to you by NACo EDGE, establishing people, purchasing, and performance cost-saving solutions that can be applied to counties nationwide. EDGE is owned by NACo, advised by county leaders and 100% focused on solutions for U.S. Counties. Learn more about NACo EDGE here.
For more information check out the event page!
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Conference
2024 NACo Annual Conference & Exposition Staging Page
The NACo Annual Conference & Expo is the largest meeting of county elected and appointed officials from across the country.
