If you follow local government issues in Maryland, you’re probably familiar with the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) – the statewide organization representing Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City.

But did you know that nearly every state in the United States has its own association of counties/local government?

Out of the 50 states, 47 states have at least one state association. There is a total of 53 state associations with some states having more than one association representing local governments. Three states are exceptions. Connecticut and Rhode Island no longer have functioning county governments, meaning there is no statewide county association representing them. Vermont maintains county boundaries primarily for judicial purposes, but its counties have such limited governmental roles that no statewide association exists.

These entities function in either the same or similar capacity as MACo – advocating for local government priorities on the state level. While the names might vary, some are called county associations, county commissions associations, or county officials association – they all share a similar mission: to serve counties through advocacy, education, and collaboration.

See the full list

The organizations work closely with the National Association of Counties (NACo), which represents county governments at the federal level and helps coordinate policy discussions across states.

From the NACo website: 

Counties are the cornerstone of local governance, delivering essential services that impact residents’ daily lives, from public safety and infrastructure to health care and economic development. As the level of government closest to the people, counties play a critical role in addressing community needs, fostering innovation, and collaborating with state and federal partners to create vibrant, sustainable communities. With their diverse structures and responsibilities, counties are uniquely positioned to drive progress and serve as a vital link in the intergovernmental system.

While every state’s organization looks a little different, they all serve a similar purpose: helping counties work together to tackle challenges that no single jurisdiction could solve alone.

So the next time you hear about a county association conference or policy initiative, remember: Maryland isn’t alone. There’s a nationwide network of county organizations doing similar work every day.