Equitable Governance: 2022 NACo DEI County Convening, Strategies for Governing with Equity
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.
County News
County News Spotlight: DEI Strategies
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Ranking Member introduces legislation to protect ratepayers from costs of data center expansion
On August 3, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) introduced the Guarding Ratepayers from Increased Demand-costs (GRID) Savings Act of 2026. The proposed legislation would create a process for large electricity users to pay for any infrastructure costs associated with increased demand for the electric grid.
Senate Agriculture Committee holds Farm Bill markup, remains in committee
On August 6, the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee held a markup of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the Senate's version of the 2026 Farm Bill.
IIJA authorities expire September 30 – NACo urges Congress to uphold full funding levels in highway program extension
With current surface transportation authorities set to expire on September 30, 2026, NACo is urging Congress to maintain full funding levels in any extension – and is calling on county leaders to reach out to their members of Congress now to make the case.
Senate Funding Bill Delivers a Win for Counties, Delaying OMB's Uniform Guidance Proposed Rule
The Senate Appropriations Committee releases CR language to fund the government until December 11 and delay the OMB proposed rule on Uniform Guidance that governs how every federal grant can be administered, a major win for counties.
Department of the Interior seeks public comment on recreation and wilderness proposals
On June 15, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced proposed rulemaking on recreation in wilderness areas and sought public comment on changes to its wilderness area management policies. The announcement is part of DOI’s implementation of the EXPLORE Act, which required the department to issue guidance on recreational climbing in wilderness areas.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency releases new guidelines for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act
On June 25, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposed rule updating its implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act. The updated rule follows EO 14154, Unleashing American Energy, and the Seven County Infrastructure v. Eagle County, Colo. decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.