The Washington-based National Association of Counties, in response to the high number of proposals it received during its recent legislative conference for legislative policies aimed at easing problems caused for local governments by some federal laws, has begun an initiative to repair the federal/local partnership. Top issues addressed by the initiative include federal budget cuts in rural development, public safety and work force development, along with locals’ need for federal aid for infrastructure and social services.

NACo has published a series of policies on specific federal legislation and programs as part of the initiative. For example, NACo opposes the cuts President Bush has proposed for the Rural Development Program, will call on Congress to help mitigate economic problems caused by the rise in foreclosures, and supports full funding for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program.