On alternating weeks, NACo's Resource Roundup highlights opportunities, reports, upcoming events and other tools, and the County Countdown provides a review of key policy items for county leaders.
This May, the National Association of Counties once again invites all counties to participate in Mental Health Awareness Month. By showcasing how county governments provide vital behavioral health services and resources and by advocating for key mental health reforms, we can effect significant change.
Highlight county innovation: In the first half of the month, join us in highlighting local innovations that are reshaping access to mental health services.
Advocate for key policy priorities: In the second half of May, we will shift focus to policy advocacy that drives systemic change, including strengthening federal partnerships and improving access to community-based care.
Access the toolkit: NACo’s participation toolkit includes template letters, talking points and sample social media posts to support engagement.
Through the Public Promise Insurance program, NACo partners with the social impact company SAVI to help counties provide student loan assistance, empowering employees to navigate the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and achieve financial wellness.
Proven success: Oakland County, Mich., has embraced the program and expanded access to all county residents, and five Minnesota counties have saved employees more than $40 million.
Strong endorsements: This partnership is supported by county associations in Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska and Washington.
In the latest episode of the County News Podcast, Commissioner Melody Villard and Economic Recovery Corps Fellow Sasha Nelson discuss the transition Moffat County, Colo. planned to diversify its economy after the closure of coal mines and a power plant decimated its property tax revenue.
Dig deeper: Rural counties are working with their youth to create economic diversification plans and build a community that young people want to stay in.
Subscribe today: The County News Podcast features stories behind the stories from our newspaper and is available wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to learn more and subscribe.
NACo partner Results for America is hosting a five-week technical assistance sprint to help counties integrate evidence-based practices into their budgeting processes.
Hands-on support: Develop steps to prioritize evidence and create sustainable, data-driven budgeting practices.
Expert network: Connect with peers and national experts focused on results-oriented governance.
Key dates: Sessions run weekly from May 28–June 25, 1–2:30 p.m. ET. Apply by May 5.
Conference highlights: Join nearly 3,000 of your peers for discussions of federal policies, workshops, engaging general sessions, mobile tours and more.
NACo at 90: Don't miss our special programming as we celebrate 90 years of NACo and 250 years of America.
Register to attend the inaugural National Economic Mobility and Opportunity Conference. Hosted by ICMA, NACo will be a presenting partner for the free, three-day conference, which will bring together local leaders to address housing, financial empowerment, workforce development and more.
Wide-ranging topics: Access over 20 hours of programming on key community revitalization issues.
Networking: Connect with 12+ national organizations and hear real-world success stories from local leaders.
Event details: The conference will take place May 21–23 at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Md.
