County Government

America’s Massive Gap Providing Mental Health Services

Counties are pushing Congress to help fix the problem, which is especially bad in rural communities. But whether lawmakers will do so as part of upcoming budget legislation is unclear.

  • By Kery Murakami

In a Rural Corner of the West, a Local Level Push to Revive Passenger Rail

Cuts in the late 1970s ended Amtrak service across southern Montana. Now, a county-led coalition wants to bring it back.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

America’s Election Systems are More Than Just Machines

COMMENTARY | They’re people, who are overworked, underpaid and feeling pressured.

  • By Amal Ahmed

Local Election Officials Brace for Possible Violence and Threats

With worries over armed poll “monitors,” voter intimidation and risks to staff, some are coordinating with law enforcement or conducting special training ahead of Election Day.

  • By Kery Murakami

Trump Allies Have Interviewed Nearly 200 Election Officials to Probe for Weaknesses

Volunteers for “Operation Eagles Wings” are using surveys in eight states to seek support for conspiracy theories.

  • By Jen Fifield, Votebeat

Texas AG Says Counties Can Spend Covid Relief Funds on Extra Pay for Elected Officials Without Public Notice

The nonbinding legal opinion states local elected and appointed officials can receive up to $25,000 for work done during the Covid-19 pandemic on top of their regular salaries. Unlike other pay raises, these “premium pay” bonuses don’t need to be declared to the public ahead of time.

  • By Trent Brown, The Texas Tribune

One County’s Solution to Controversial Confederate Road Names: Switch to Numbers

But dissenters argue it’s all part of a plot to erase their Confederate heroes from history.

  • By Tom Shoop

A New Mexico Official Who Joined the Capitol Attacks is Barred From Politics

COMMENTARY | The little-known law behind the removal has some potential pitfalls for democracy.

  • By Aziz Huq, David Landau and Tom Ginsburg

It’s Time for Congress to Step Up Its Support for Public Lands Counties

COMMENTARY | Local governments with huge swaths of federal land make important contributions to the nation’s economy, but also face unique challenges. Lawmakers should act to shore up the programs they depend on.

  • By Todd Devlin

$1K Monthly Payments Begin Under 3-Year Guaranteed Income Program

Los Angeles County says its 1,000-participant initiative will be among the nation’s longest-running.

  • By Molly Bolan

A Library Struck by Controversy That Began Over a Book It Didn’t Own

In Boundary County, Idaho a local librarian decided to resign citing a “political atmosphere of extremism.” The situation there mirrors a trend affecting libraries around the country.

  • By Molly Bolan

Collaboration, Training Key to Local Government Cyber Defense

By taking advantage of free resources, education and partnerships, local officials can better prepare their counties and cities for inevitable attacks, experts say.

  • By Chris Teale
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What Brought Down One Texas County’s Entire Elections Department? It Was Something in the Water

Aggrieved anti-fluoride activists, low pay and understaffing eventually drove away Gillespie County’s election officials.

  • By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat

Economic Development Efforts Thriving in Repurposed Prisons

In recent years, former correctional facilities in seven states were converted into apartments, a sports complex, a movie studio and more, initiatives that are generating jobs and boosting local economies, according to a new report.

  • By Molly Bolan

More Governments Join National Fine and Fee Reform Effort

Seven additional cities and counties are set to take part in the initiative, which is seeking to rework fines and fees that often fall most heavily on low-income and minority residents.

  • By Molly Bolan

Why Cities and Towns See a Huge Economic Opportunity in the Semiconductor Bill

As the legislation cleared the Senate on Wednesday, local leaders from tiny Taylor, Texas, to metropolitan Phoenix were eying the investment and jobs it could bring to their communities.

  • By Kery Murakami

Counties to Get Free Services to Better Defend Against Cyberattacks

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a $30 million endpoint detection and response services program at no cost to 57 counties.

  • By Susan Miller

How to Regain Citizens' Trust After a Financial Scandal

Just getting rid of the people involved isn't enough. A complex task follows for local leaders to restore faith in the government.

  • By Katherine Barrett & Richard Greene

The Evolving Debate Over ARPA's State and Local Aid Program

President Biden's top advisor on the American Rescue Plan Act dismisses Republican claims that money from the law is being wasted. But he's also urging local government leaders to look for more ways to highlight their successes with the federal funding.

  • By Bill Lucia

Bus Driver Shortage Undercutting Local Transit Systems Nationwide

The lack of drivers has forced seven out of 10 agencies to cut or delay service, according to a new report.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Ratings Tool Helps Counties Assess Security Risks

Available through the National Association of Counties, SecurityScorecard collects and analyzes global threat indicators so governments can gauge their threats and the vulnerability of their supply chain.

  • By Susan Miller