America's nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees are on the frontlines of the nation's response to the coronavirus pandemic. As the country emerges from the pandemic and grapples with the toll it has taken on our citizens, counties are responding and rebuilding. At the same time, many counties are still confronting significant workforce shortage pressures at a time with growing, critical resident needs.

With American Rescue Plan funds, counties are strengthening America's workforce, addressing the nation's behavioral health crisis, expanding broadband access, improving housing affordability and building prosperous communities for the next generation.

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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."

(From left:) San Joaquin County, Calif. Health Care Services Director Genevieve Valentine and Supervisor Steven Ding and David Wetmore of Capri & Clay meet during the 2026 NACo Legislative Conference with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Congressional Liaison Officer Geoffrey Smith, an unidentified staffer, former U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Robert Marbut and Deputy Assistant HUD Bryan Horn. Photo by Nichole Goehring
County News

Counties eye potential Medicaid reimbursement remedies

Increasing the number of beds in mental health treatment facilities eligible for Medicaid reimbursement would empower counties to do more to help their residents.

The Wood family, Supervisor Kathryn Barger and nonprofit representatives pose with a model and rendering of the Woods’ home design.  Photo by David Franco for Los Angeles County
County News

After 2025 fires, Los Angeles County and local partners join forces to rebuild

Volunteer efforts have proven crucial to Los Angeles County's receovery from 2025 wildfires.

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Press Release

Counties Recognize Mental Health Awareness Month

The National Association of Counties (NACo) again this year will mark Mental Health Awareness Month throughout the month of May with counties advocating for solutions that support the wellbeing of residents and address the nation’s mental health crisis.