HomeMy WebLinkAbout121525 - County Countdown – December 15_ 2025ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Top federal policy advocacy with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership
December 15, 2025
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Fcounty-countdown%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%3Anull%7D%7D&msdynmkt_digest=bQu2X%2FmuCIKd%2FciZyMJnrH8TAbl47YF9SYfXuVSPmMI%3D&msdynmkt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf>
Every other week, NACo's County Countdown <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBAAMAAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%22http
s%253A%252F%252Fwww.naco.org%252Fnews%252Fcounty-countdown-dec-15-2025%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%3Anull%7D%7D&msdynmkt_digest=Xksm37%2FQJcnGlITqFCEIrWzA5WG%2FBUu4X%2Bs79anhwJA%3D&msdynm
kt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf> reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership. Explore NACo resources
below and click here <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBAAQAAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%22https%253A%252F%252Fwww.
naco.org%252Fnews%252Fcounty-countdown-dec-15-2025%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%3Anull%7D%7D&msdynmkt_digest=Xksm37%2FQJcnGlITqFCEIrWzA5WG%2FBUu4X%2Bs79anhwJA%3D&msdynmkt_secretVersion=a39
55a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf> for the video countdown.
Following this edition, County Countdown will return in January.
Estimated read time: 4 min. | Video duration: 5.5 min.
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<https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBAAUAAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%22https%253A%252F%252Fwww.naco.org%252Fnews%252
Fcongress-passes-secure-rural-schools-reauthorization-act-2025-victory-counties%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%3Anull%7D%7D&msdynmkt_digest=NCuq4u3MYjU4NRdgUIvQRAVHiJsBIouVOYuCY4FG7SI%3D&msd
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Congress passes the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBAAYAAAA?msdynmkt_target=%
7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%22https%253A%252F%252Fwww.naco.org%252Fnews%252Fcongress-passes-secure-rural-schools-reauthorization-act-2025-victory-counties%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%3Anull%7D%7
D&msdynmkt_digest=NCuq4u3MYjU4NRdgUIvQRAVHiJsBIouVOYuCY4FG7SI%3D&msdynmkt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf>
In a major win for counties <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBAAcAAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%22https%253A%252F%25
2Fwww.naco.org%252Fnews%252Fcongress-passes-secure-rural-schools-reauthorization-act-2025-victory-counties%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%3Anull%7D%7D&msdynmkt_digest=NCuq4u3MYjU4NRdgUIvQRAV
HiJsBIouVOYuCY4FG7SI%3D&msdynmkt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf> , the bipartisan Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Reauthorization Act of 2025 has passed, providing payments
to counties for fiscal years (FY) 2024 and 2025 and reauthorizing the SRS program through the end of FY 2026.
* The legislation delivers critical relief <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBAAgAAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%22htt
ps%253A%252F%252Fwww.naco.org%252Fnews%252Fcongress-passes-secure-rural-schools-reauthorization-act-2025-victory-counties%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%3Anull%7D%7D&msdynmkt_digest=NCuq4u3M
YjU4NRdgUIvQRAVHiJsBIouVOYuCY4FG7SI%3D&msdynmkt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf> to timber-dependent counties that rely on these funds to maintain essential services
and transition toward long-term fiscal stability.
* Advocacy impact: NACo and county leaders played an instrumental role <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBAAkAAAA?msdynmkt_target
=%7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%22https%253A%252F%252Fwww.naco.org%252Fnews%252Fcongress-passes-secure-rural-schools-reauthorization-act-2025-victory-counties%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%3Anull%7D
%7D&msdynmkt_digest=NCuq4u3MYjU4NRdgUIvQRAVHiJsBIouVOYuCY4FG7SI%3D&msdynmkt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf> in advancing reauthorization by reaching out to members of
Congress over the past two years urging them to support reauthorization, and those persistent efforts helped build momentum for this bill's passage.
* By the numbers: In FY 2023, the SRS program provided $281 million to more than 700 counties in 41 states.
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cretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf>
HUD rescinds changes to the Continuum of Care Program <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBAAsAAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetUrl%
22%3A%22https%253A%252F%252Fwww.naco.org%252Fnews%252Fhud-temporarily-withdraws-continuum-care-nofo-amid-program-uncertainty%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%3Anull%7D%7D&msdynmkt_digest=2FGYa
bbfACdENpRhoJTbd4kyTmdTdYj3YXj4YhTzAg4%3D&msdynmkt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf>
On Dec. 8, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) withdrew a notice of funding opportunity <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3Jd
aozMylESxu4RsC3sBAAwAAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%22https%253A%252F%252Fwww.naco.org%252Fnews%252Fhud-temporarily-withdraws-continuum-care-nofo-amid-program-uncertainty%22%2C%22RedirectO
ptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%3Anull%7D%7D&msdynmkt_digest=2FGYabbfACdENpRhoJTbd4kyTmdTdYj3YXj4YhTzAg4%3D&msdynmkt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf> that would have made substantial
changes to the Continuum of Care (CoC) Program, which partners with counties to provide supportive housing and wraparound services.
* What was in the change: The rescinded changes <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBAA0AAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%
22https%253A%252F%252Fwww.naco.org%252Fnews%252Fhud-temporarily-withdraws-continuum-care-nofo-amid-program-uncertainty%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%3Anull%7D%7D&msdynmkt_digest=2FGYabbfACd
ENpRhoJTbd4kyTmdTdYj3YXj4YhTzAg4%3D&msdynmkt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf> would have capped funding for the program and changed the 2-year funding cycle to a 1-year
funding cycle.
* NACo action: Last month, NACo sent a letter to HUD Secretary Scott Turner <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBAA4AAAA?msdynmkt_t
arget=%7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%22https%253A%252F%252Fnaco.sharefile.com%252Fshare%252Fview%252Fs9601180e6edf408fad85493fc8675eed%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%225%22%3Anull%2C%221%22%3Anull%7D%7D&msd
ynmkt_digest=ryjLmygCDzYhP2XlVbKDIoQgqmgxtFKdw8WGmHVqKJI%3D&msdynmkt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf> urging the agency to renew the current grants for an additional
year, which would support counties’ ability to respond to homelessness in our communities.
* Next steps: HUD announced that it will make revisions and issue an updated notice of funding opportunities in the coming weeks.
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SUPPORT Act reauthorization signed into law <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBABAAAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%22ht
tps%253A%252F%252Fwww.naco.org%252Fnews%252Fsupport-reauthorization-act-2025-what-it-means-counties%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%3Anull%7D%7D&msdynmkt_digest=6m9P8ENzezx8WK0vajxSAf6k%2F8G7
GOmZkJn3bvP5lCA%3D&msdynmkt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf>
On Dec. 1, the bipartisan SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 was signed into law <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3Jd
aozMylESxu4RsC3sBABEAAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%22https%253A%252F%252Fwww.naco.org%252Fnews%252Fsupport-reauthorization-act-2025-what-it-means-counties%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B
%221%22%3Anull%7D%7D&msdynmkt_digest=6m9P8ENzezx8WK0vajxSAf6k%2F8G7GOmZkJn3bvP5lCA%3D&msdynmkt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf> . This reauthorization renews vital federal
funding for programs that seek to prevent opioid overdoses and expand treatment and recovery options.
* The legislation included provisions <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBABIAAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%22https%25
3A%252F%252Fwww.naco.org%252Fnews%252Fcongress-passes-support-act-reauthorization%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%3Anull%7D%7D&msdynmkt_digest=2bZq3SzeFukSxdZJYypgq1be5zIvId40br6Fo8JZi14%3D&m
sdynmkt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf> for Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program coverage, as well as discretionary funding for services for individuals
with substance use disorders and mental health conditions.
* Key detail: Some provisions were permanent, such as the requirement for state CHIP programs to cover mental and behavioral health services, while others were temporary and required
Congressional reauthorization.
* Supporting local programs: In Sept. 2023, many policy provisions in the original package expired, and this year’s reauthorization renews and updates these programs for FY 2026 to 2030,
ensuring continued federal support for local prevention, treatment and recovery efforts <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBABMAA
AA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%22https%253A%252F%252Fwww.naco.org%252Fnews%252Fsupport-reauthorization-act-2025-what-it-means-counties%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%3Anull%7D%7D&m
sdynmkt_digest=6m9P8ENzezx8WK0vajxSAf6k%2F8G7GOmZkJn3bvP5lCA%3D&msdynmkt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf> .
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Fwhite-house-and-us-department-agriculture-announce-12-billion-aid-farmers%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%3Anull%7D%7D&msdynmkt_digest=adqNb8uqC0f0b%2FUN6PnuXTOUxdZi0QJ5h%2BNDOnKBUeY%3D&msdy
nmkt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf>
$12 billion in new aid to farmers <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBABUAAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%22https%253A%2
52F%252Fwww.naco.org%252Fnews%252Fwhite-house-and-us-department-agriculture-announce-12-billion-aid-farmers%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%3Anull%7D%7D&msdynmkt_digest=adqNb8uqC0f0b%2FUN6Pnu
XTOUxdZi0QJ5h%2BNDOnKBUeY%3D&msdynmkt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf>
President Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a $12 billion farm aid package to help farmers <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d03
84bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBABYAAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%22https%253A%252F%252Fwww.naco.org%252Fnews%252Fwhite-house-and-us-department-agriculture-announce-12-billion-aid-farmers%22%
2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%3Anull%7D%7D&msdynmkt_digest=adqNb8uqC0f0b%2FUN6PnuXTOUxdZi0QJ5h%2BNDOnKBUeY%3D&msdynmkt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf> manage
market disruptions and rising production costs. The package will provide one-time formula-based payments.
* Farmers can expect payments to begin by Feb. 28, 2026, and must ensure that acreage reports are finalized with the Farm Service Agency by Dec. 19, 2025.
* County impact: Counties are essential partners in supporting our nation’s farmers and ranchers through managing essential services, infrastructure, land-use planning and workforce
development agricultural communities rely on.
* Next steps: NACo will continue to monitor the rollout of these payments and provide necessary information.
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Fhhs-releases-rule-repealing-federal-nursing-home-staffing-mandate-supporting-county-long-term%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%3Anull%7D%7D&msdynmkt_digest=%2FYKvkhAHwYFozR9pVBd3XQ%2BFVhqFDbh
1gTFukVjf7fs%3D&msdynmkt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf>
HHS interim rule repeals federal nursing home staffing mandate <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBABgAAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22T
argetUrl%22%3A%22https%253A%252F%252Fwww.naco.org%252Fnews%252Fhhs-releases-rule-repealing-federal-nursing-home-staffing-mandate-supporting-county-long-term%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%3A
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Published on Dec. 2, the interim final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would repeal of the federal nursing home staffing mandate <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/
api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBABkAAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%22https%253A%252F%252Fwww.naco.org%252Fnews%252Fhhs-releases-rule-repealing-federal-n
ursing-home-staffing-mandate-supporting-county-long-term%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%3Anull%7D%7D&msdynmkt_digest=%2FYKvkhAHwYFozR9pVBd3XQ%2BFVhqFDbh1gTFukVjf7fs%3D&msdynmkt_secretVersion
=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf> . If enacted, this mandate would have disproportionately harm county-operated and rural long-term care facilities already facing acute workforce shortages.
* NACo strongly opposed the mandate, submitting formal comments and detailed analysis showing that the rigid staffing ratios—without any new federal funding—would reduce bed availability,
increase operational costs and accelerate closures in vulnerable communities.
* County flexibility: The repeal preserves counties’ flexibility <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBABoAAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%2
2TargetUrl%22%3A%22https%253A%252F%252Fwww.naco.org%252Fnews%252Fhhs-releases-rule-repealing-federal-nursing-home-staffing-mandate-supporting-county-long-term%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%
3Anull%7D%7D&msdynmkt_digest=%2FYKvkhAHwYFozR9pVBd3XQ%2BFVhqFDbh1gTFukVjf7fs%3D&msdynmkt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf> to manage staffing based on local conditions
while continuing to prioritize quality care for residents.
* Continued advocacy: NACo will remain engaged with federal partners to advance sustainable workforce investments and policies that support county-run nursing homes and protect access
to care, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
<https://assets-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/digitalassets/images/7a42c9dd-1695-ef11-8a6a-6045bd011e94?ts=638657079022204914>
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1gTFukVjf7fs%3D&msdynmkt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf>
New executive order examines state and local AI policies <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBABwAAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetU
rl%22%3A%22https%253A%252F%252Fwww.naco.org%252Fnews%252Fhhs-releases-rule-repealing-federal-nursing-home-staffing-mandate-supporting-county-long-term%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%3Anull%7
D%7D&msdynmkt_digest=%2FYKvkhAHwYFozR9pVBd3XQ%2BFVhqFDbh1gTFukVjf7fs%3D&msdynmkt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf>
On Dec. 11, President Trump signed an executive order <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBAB0AAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetUrl%
22%3A%22https%253A%252F%252Fwww.naco.org%252Fnews%252Fwhite-house-signs-executive-order-state-ai-lawmaking%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%221%22%3Anull%7D%7D&msdynmkt_digest=VddEKqIn3S0UZJnK%2FXbDi
Re2IJLCSn1ZjcWXuowkis8%3D&msdynmkt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf> aimed at mobilizing federal agencies to challenge existing state laws on artificial intelligence (AI),
clarify legal scope for AI model regulation at the state level and condition federal funding on the non-enforcement of select state AI laws.
* Federal policy framework: The order also calls on presidential advisors to prepare a legislative recommendation to Congress on a uniform federal policy framework for AI that preempts
certain state AI laws.
* Implications for counties: Counties urge against federal overreach of state and local AI lawmaking, while welcoming opportunities for counties to actively contribute to intergovernmental
conversations on establishing a national policy framework on AI.
* Read NACo's analysis here <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBAB4AAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%22https%253A%252F%25
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msdynmkt_secretVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf> .
Upcoming Webinars and Events
Jan. 13 | 2 p.m. EST
Modern Networks, Smarter Budgets: A County Leader's Perspective
REGISTER <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBACAAAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%22https%253A%252F%252Fwww.naco.org%252F
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retVersion=a3955a744d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf>
Jan. 29 | 3 p.m. EST
What to Know Before You Go to NACo’s Legislative Conference
REGISTER <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBACIAAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%22https%253A%252F%252Fwww.naco.org%252F
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Feb. 21-24 | Washington, D.C.
2026 NACo Legislative Conference
REGISTER <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBACQAAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%22https%253A%252F%252Fwww.naco.org%252F
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View all of NACo's upcoming events here <https://public-usa.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/227b4c5a-99e5-4698-be04-ef85d0384bf3/r/3JdaozMylESxu4RsC3sBACUAAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%22https%
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4d9049f88dd8bdc1907bf2bf> .
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660 North Capitol St, NW, Washington, DC 20001
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dd8bdc1907bf2bf","url/anchorText":"played an instrumental role","url/urlTextSpan":{"beginIndex":33884,"length":27},"@EntityId":"779daacc-8540-49b2-bf6b-8b03ffde2254","@extractionTimeUtc":"2025-12-15T
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