National Association of Counties (NACo)

National Association of Counties (NACo) is a nonprofit organization that represents the nation's nearly 3,069 counties, including parishes and boroughs, and serves as a lobbying group in Washington, D.C. on behalf of county governments, working closely with organizations like the National League of Cities and the United States Conference of Mayors. The organization's members include county commissioners, county council members, board of supervisors, and other elected and appointed county officials from across the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. NACo's work is often informed by research from institutions like the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution, and it collaborates with federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

● History

The National Association of Counties was founded in 1935 by a group of county officials who sought to create a national organization to represent the interests of county governments, with early support from organizations like the National Association of Towns and Townships and the International City/County Management Association. Since its inception, NACo has worked to promote the interests of county governments and provide resources and support to its members, often partnering with groups like the National Association of County Health Officials and the National Sheriffs' Association. Over the years, NACo has played a key role in shaping federal policies that affect county governments, including the Interstate Highway Act of 1956 and the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, which was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan. NACo has also worked closely with other organizations, such as the American Public Health Association and the National Association of Social Workers, to address issues like public health and social welfare.

● Organization

The National Association of Counties is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and is governed by a board of directors composed of elected and appointed county officials from across the United States, including representatives from California, Texas, and New York. The organization is led by a president who serves a one-year term, with past presidents including Ricky Hardy and Sallie Clark, and has a staff of professionals who work on issues like health care, transportation, and public safety, often in collaboration with federal agencies like the Federal Highway Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. NACo also has a number of committees and task forces that focus on specific issues, such as the NACo Health Steering Committee and the NACo Transportation Steering Committee, which work with organizations like the American Hospital Association and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

● Policy and Advocacy

The National Association of Counties is a leading advocate for county governments in Washington, D.C., working to shape federal policies that affect county governments and the communities they serve, often in partnership with groups like the National Governors Association and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. NACo's policy priorities include issues like health care reform, infrastructure investment, and public safety funding, which are informed by research from institutions like the RAND Corporation and the Pew Research Center. The organization also works to provide resources and support to its members, including policy briefs, webinars, and conferences, which are often co-sponsored by organizations like the National Association of County Administrators and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. NACo has played a key role in shaping federal policies, including the Affordable Care Act and the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama.

● Membership and Leadership

The National Association of Counties has a diverse membership of over 3,069 counties, including parishes and boroughs, from across the United States, with members from urban and rural areas, as well as from large and small counties, including Los Angeles County, California, Cook County, Illinois, and New York County, New York. The organization's leadership includes a president, first vice president, and second vice president, who are elected by the membership, with past leaders including Gerald E. Connolly and Linda Langston. NACo also has a number of committees and task forces that focus on specific issues, such as the NACo Health Steering Committee and the NACo Transportation Steering Committee, which are led by members from county governments and work with organizations like the American Medical Association and the American Public Transportation Association.

● Programs and Services

The National Association of Counties offers a range of programs and services to its members, including policy briefs, webinars, and conferences, which are often co-sponsored by organizations like the National Association of County Health Officials and the National Association of Social Workers. The organization also provides resources and support on issues like health care reform, infrastructure investment, and public safety funding, which are informed by research from institutions like the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution. NACo's programs and services are designed to help county governments address the challenges they face and provide high-quality services to their residents, often in partnership with federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Justice.

● Conferences and Events

The National Association of Counties hosts a number of conferences and events throughout the year, including the NACo Annual Conference and the NACo Legislative Conference, which are attended by county officials from across the United States, including representatives from California, Texas, and New York. These events provide opportunities for county governments to learn about the latest issues and trends, share best practices, and network with other county officials, often in collaboration with organizations like the International City/County Management Association and the National Association of County Administrators. NACo also hosts a number of webinars and workshops on specific topics, such as health care reform and infrastructure investment, which are co-sponsored by groups like the American Hospital Association and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.