President Trump has announced a “freeze” on a very wide range of federal grant and loan funding.

This has potentially major effects on the operation of county-level facilities and services nationwide. Specifics are not yet clear. However, the National Association of Counties (NACo) will take up this topic and other federal-relations matters on tomorrow’s “First 100 Days” Zoom Webinar.

The President’s order, nominally effective at close-of-business today (January 28), has cast a stunning pause on a wide range of government and nonprofit service providers, who rely on federal support for infrastructure projects, health and human services, and other front-line resident support. The decision comes from the acting head of the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which has requested detailed input from federal agencies on an overwhelming array of funding programs.

From Reuters coverage:

The OMB memo said Tuesday’s freeze included any money intended “for foreign aid” and for “nongovernmental organizations,” among other categories.

The White House said the pause would not impact Social Security or Medicare payments or “assistance provided directly to individuals.” That would presumably spare disability payments and the SNAP food program for the poor, though it was not clear whether health care programs for veterans and low-income people would be affected.

Additionally, the short memorandum from OMB includes the following broad statements, partially suggesting that certain essential funding may (based on the agency filings in the days ahead) find a short-term exception during the forthcoming period of review and analysis:

The National Association of Counties has confirmed that this “funding freeze” will be covered in its scheduled webinar. This will occur in the second week of its “First 100 Days” series:

Join NACo for week two of a new membership series to provide timely updates and analysis on key developments during the first 100 days of the Trump Administration. These calls will focus on policies and actions that directly impact counties, including federal funding, regulations and intergovernmental partnerships. Join us to stay informed on how these changes may shape county priorities and operations.

Register here for the NACo webinar, tomorrow at 2:30pm ET.