The National Association of Counties hosted a full-day diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) county convening before NACo’s 2022 Annual Conference to discuss the importance of equity in governance and how to strategically align efforts at the county level. The convening brought together over 50 participants from over 20 counties who sent a team comprised of a DEI practitioner, county administrator and elected official. Throughout the convening, attendees discussed the unique challenges and opportunities they see in their distinct roles and explored how to advance the principles of DEI by considering community data differently. Equitable Governance: 2022 NACo DEI County Convening, Key County Roles, Opportunities and Strategies for Governing with Equity lays out key takeaways from the convening.

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NACo President J.D. Clark, First Vice President George Dunlap and Exec-utive 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.
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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."

Sevier County, Tenn. Mayor Larry Waters has served 12 terms, with his first starting when he was 25 years old. Photo by Charlie Ban
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Salute to county leaders: Larry Waters

Larry Waters has served 12 terms as mayor of Sevier County, Tenn., starting when he was a 25-year-old school principal. 

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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.

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Advocacy

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

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.

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House passes the 2026 Farm Bill with key county priorities

On April 30, the House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567) by a vote of 224–200. 

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Advocacy

EPA announces new PFAS education initiative for water systems

On April 14, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the PFAS OUT initiative to help water systems proactively tackle per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination in drinking water. PFAS OUT is an outreach initiative that will connect water system managers with resources to better understand and tackle PFAS pollution ahead of upcoming regulatory deadlines.