NACo and Federal Issues Archives

US House Advances FirstNet Reauthorization for Public Safety Network

The US House of Representatives passed H.R. 7386, the First Responder Network Reauthorization Act of 2026, on April 20 by voice vote with no opposition. The bill previously advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in March on a unanimous, bipartisan vote and now heads to the US Senate. The legislation reauthorizes the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), the nationwide public safety broadband network dedicated to first responders. Why it matters FirstNet was…

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April 29, 2026

County News / Emergency Management / NACo and Federal Issues

NACo Brings Counties to Washington To Push for Federal Disaster Reform

County leaders are in Washington this week pushing for changes to federal disaster policy as storms, flooding, and extreme weather keep hitting local governments first and hardest. The National Association of Counties (NACo) brought county officials together for a leadership fly-in on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, through Wednesday, April 29, 2026. The group serves on NACo’s Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force, which focuses on fixing how federal, State, and local governments prepare for and respond…

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April 28, 2026

County News / Elections / Feature / NACo and Federal Issues

Federal Election Actions Draw Attention, But Maryland Law Remains Clear

Maryland election officials are drawing a clear line as federal proposals and directives test the boundaries of election authority. Recent federal developments tied to voter verification and mail ballots have raised new questions about election administration and what those changes could mean for Maryland. Proposals tied to the SAVE Act, a pending Supreme Court case on mail ballot deadlines, and a recent executive order have all drawn attention. For Maryland, however, the framework for administering…

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April 8, 2026

Education / Higher Education / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use

Celebrating Maryland’s 2025 NACo Leadership Academy Graduates – Join the Next Cohort!

MACo is pleased to congratulate the National Association of Counties (NACo) Leadership Development Academy 2025 cohort of Maryland graduates. They join over 15,000 graduates and current participants from across the country benefitting from the 10-week online program enabling existing and emerging county leaders to achieve their highest potential. Congratulations, again, to the following Maryland graduates: Agnes Adjei, Engineer II, Charles County Aminah Bushrod, Deputy Director of Technical Services, Prince George's County Amy Crooks, Community Health Nurse…

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March 5, 2026

Cyber / Finance and Procurement / Information Technology / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use

NACo EDGE Webinar: Cyber Resilience in County Finance

On Friday, March 6, 2026, from 2:00–3:00 p.m. EST, NACo EDGE will host a timely webinar focused on strengthening cyber resilience in county finance operations. County finance offices sit at the center of local government operations, managing payroll, vendor payments, tax revenues, and sensitive financial data. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, public sector finance teams are increasingly being targeted. The webinar titled, "Cyber Resilience in County Finance: Protecting What Matters Most," will address these…

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February 26, 2026

NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use

Have You Heard About NACo’s Cohorts and Initiatives? Join One Today!

NACo partners with thought leaders, industry partners, and philanthropic organizations to identify and elevate best practices in key areas of county responsibility. NACo programming enhances public understanding of county government and supports the learning and development of America’s county leaders. Program activities may include: Original research on and for counties Topical resource hubs that elevate best and innovative county practices In-person peer exchange events in exemplar counties National networks of county leaders who share similar…

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February 12, 2026

Education / Higher Education / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use

Scholarship Opportunity Supports the Next Generation of County Leaders

The National Association of Counties (NACo), in partnership with Nationwide, is investing in the futures of county families through its annual Deferred Compensation Program scholarship opportunity. Now in its 26th consecutive year, the NACo Deferred Compensation Program will award four $2,500 college scholarships to high school seniors who are the children or grandchildren of county employees participating in the program. The initiative reflects NACo and Nationwide’s ongoing commitment to supporting county employees not only in…

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February 10, 2026

County News / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use

Registration Open: 2026 NACo Legislative Conference

The 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference on February 21-24, 2026, will bring together nearly 2,000 elected and appointed county officials from across the country for a focused discussion on federal policy issues that directly affect local governments. Held annually in Washington, D.C., the NACo Legislative Conference provides counties with a critical opportunity to engage with federal decision-makers at a pivotal moment in the congressional calendar. Over the course of the conference, attendees…

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February 5, 2026

County Budgets / County News / Health and Human Services / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use

NACo Public Promise Insurance Supports County Workforce Benefits

NACo Public Promise Insurance provides a platform of voluntary employee benefits solutions, along with a Pharmacy Benefits Management (PBM) Coalition, built exclusively for public sector employees and their families. These benefits help counties recruit and retain top talent, while managing skyrocketing costs of prescription drug benefits. More than 30% of county employee health plan expenses are related to pharmacy benefits. NACo’s PBM Coalition, partnered with CVS Caremark—One of the largest PBMs in the nation—is the only plan specifically built for counties & county…

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January 29, 2026

NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use

Winter-Ready: Procurement Tools to Support County Operations

As winter weather approaches, local governments must be ready to respond quickly to protect public safety, maintain operations, and keep essential services running. NACo’s Public Promise Procurement helps counties prepare by offering immediate access to competitively awarded contracts for critical equipment, supplies, and services—without the delays of a traditional procurement process. Through Public Promise Procurement, counties can leverage nationally vetted contracts designed to support emergency response, infrastructure maintenance, and workforce safety during severe weather events.…

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January 22, 2026