NACo Outlines Federal Priorities and Plans to Strengthen County Advocacy
Federal funding pressures, expanding reporting requirements and restrictions on local authority are shaping the national policy agenda for counties. During an October 22 briefing attended by ISACo staff, National Association of Counties (NACo) representatives outlined their legislative priorities and plans to strengthen grassroots advocacy in partnership with state associations and county officials.
A central theme of the discussion was the need to help federal policymakers understand how decisions in Washington affect county budgets, staffing and public services. NACo is coordinating its policy, research and communications efforts to pair legislative recommendations with data and examples from individual counties.
For Illinois counties, the discussion underscored the importance of documenting local impacts and communicating those experiences to members of Congress.
Federal Grant Requirements and Local Authority
NACo representatives identified proposed changes to federal grant administration under the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance as a significant concern. Their advocacy focuses on the potential consequences for grant recipients, including additional reporting obligations and uncertainty surrounding federal funding.
Representatives also raised concerns about federal census policy and state and federal actions that restrict local decision-making. Across these issues, NACo emphasized that policymakers need a clearer understanding of how new requirements affect county operations and resources.
Transportation and Disaster Assistance
Surface transportation reauthorization remains a major priority. NACo representatives described plans to continue pursuing legislation that addresses county infrastructure needs and improves access to federal transportation funding.
For counties responsible for roads and bridges, the debate will help determine the availability of resources to maintain infrastructure, address safety concerns and complete needed improvements.
Disaster assistance reform is another focus. NACo is working with congressional offices on proposals intended to improve the federal disaster response and recovery process. Representatives indicated that transportation and disaster reform efforts are expected to extend into the next Congress.
NACo also highlighted continued advocacy for Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, which support eligible counties and communities affected by federal land ownership.
SNAP and Medicaid Implementation
Implementation of federal reconciliation legislation, H.R. 1, is a substantial part of NACo’s agenda, particularly changes affecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid.
NACo representatives discussed concerns about shifting SNAP costs to states and, in some states, counties. They emphasized that a delay in implementation should provide meaningful fiscal relief without increasing future financial obligations.
On Medicaid, NACo is communicating with federal officials about implementation costs, staffing demands and the time needed to administer new requirements.
The direct responsibilities of counties vary by state. Nevertheless, changes to these programs can affect local service demand, health care providers and residents who depend on assistance. NACo is developing webinars, county case studies and implementation resources to help officials understand and prepare for the changes.
Elections and Permitting
NACo is examining the administrative and fiscal implications of proposed federal voter registration changes and postal policies affecting mail ballots. Its approach includes developing state-specific information about implementation costs and the number of voters potentially affected.
Representatives emphasized the practical responsibilities of election administrators and the importance of giving Congress reliable information about local implementation.
The briefing also addressed federal permitting reform. NACo highlighted efforts to strengthen counties’ participation in federal environmental reviews and streamline reviews for infrastructure projects. The discussion focused on ensuring that county governments have a meaningful role when federal decisions affect their communities.
Bringing the County Story to Congress
NACo outlined plans for expanded grassroots advocacy in 2027, including coordination with state associations on congressional district meetings and visits to county projects. These visits would allow federal officials and staff to see local needs firsthand and hear directly from county leaders.
An updated NACo advocacy hub brings together action alerts, issue background, template letters and other resources to support county participation.
Participants also discussed the potential value of training to help counties navigate congressional funding requests. Any future assistance would focus on understanding the process and administrative responsibilities.
The message throughout the briefing was clear: effective federal advocacy depends on concrete local evidence. County officials can strengthen that effort by documenting costs, identifying service impacts and explaining how federal proposals would affect the residents and communities they serve.