Publications 

This survey conducted by NACo provides information about the the current conditions of county roads and bridges and how the recent economic slowdown has affected construction and maintenance funding.
March 2012

The housing market crash and concomitant recession have left counties across the country struggling to solve fiscal crises. Many people believe that these events mark a turning point in terms of how counties can and should conduct business, creating a “new normal.” This report describes how a select group of counties attempted or are in the process of making structural changes in order to better face current and future challenges.
March 2012

The 2012 Operations Survey looks at county government operations in the areas of county administration, health and human services, economic development, environment, and justice and public safety.
March 2012

The opportunity for increased efficiency or economic development drives local leaders to consider city-county consolidation as an option for local government reform. This issue brief examines the key components of forming a consolidated government and provides case studies of five localities that attempted consolidation.
February 2012

This update of NACo's Volunteer Toolbox provides information about establishing a county volunteer program, volunteer liability/legal issues, managing a volunteer program and volunteer roles as well as provides resources to counties.
February 2012

This report provides a state by state look at the requirements for counties to redistrict.
January 2012

This publication showcases some of the positive practices being conducted at the county level for children and youth.
December 2011

With the current economic slowdown, declining housing values and revenue shortfalls facing many local governments, bankruptcy is once again a looming issue for many local governments. This issue brief examines the issues that contributed to past local struggles with bankruptcy and the state and local roles in managing such a crisis.
November 2011

This publication showcases some of the positive practices being conducted at the county level during the current tough economic times.
October 2011

Issue Brief on Green Infrastructure strategies for counties
October 2011

In early October 2011 the National Association of Counties conducted an economic status survey of counties of all population groups. This is the sixth survey in a series of twice yearly efforts by NACo to try to capture information about counties as they struggle with the current fiscal situation.
October 2011

This publication discusses the negative impacts of foreclosures on counties across the country and the approaches county leaders and housing professionals are implementing to help alleviate those impacts.
July 2011

Summary Report for Elected and Appointed County Officials
June 2011

This best practices book describes the programs that were recognized with the Best of Category designation for the 2011 Achievement Awards.
June 2011

The recent National Survey of County Elected Officials—conducted by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Center for the Study of Counties (NCSC) at the University of Georgia – provides the opinions of local elected officials.
June 2011

The National Association of Counties has prepared this pocket guide that shows the steps and rules according to Robert’s Rules of Order.
June 2011

In early February 2011, the National Association of Counties conducted an economic status survey. The survey was conducted by National Research, LLC and responses were received from 500 county governments in 44 states. This survey is a follow up to five previous economic status surveys that have tracked how counties are fairing during the current economic slowdown.
March 2011

This publication represents a compilation of state laws governing county authority. The broad topic addresses the services counties provide to their residents, their responsibilities, and their duties as outlined by the state.
January 2011

This research brief identifies key finance terms that every county commissioner should be familiar with.
January 2011

When the economy gets tough, people put down their credit cards and pick up their library cards. This issue brief examines the impact that the recent economic downturn has had on county libraries across the nation. People are increasingly reliant on county libraries, yet in many places funding is being cut dramatically.
January 2011