National Association of Counties (NACo)

Stories

A judge just froze HUD’s homelessness funding rewrite—and put “housing first” back on life support

Warned about disruption risks; pushed HUD to prevent funding gaps

HUD tried to rewrite the rules of America's biggest homelessness grant program in the middle of the funding cycle. On December 19, after states and cities sued, Judge Mary McElroy told HUD: stop—effective immediately.

Updated May 15

Congress moves to revive secure rural schools after 2023 funding cliff

Rule Changes

Leading county lobbying campaign for SRS renewal

President Donald Trump signed the Secure Rural Schools reauthorization into law on December 18, 2025, ending a two-year funding cliff that had devastated more than 700 forested counties. The bill directs the USDA Forest Service to deliver retroactive payments for FY2024 and FY2025 within 45 days of enactment—by early February 2026—and extends the program through FY2026. Counties that had cut sheriffs' patrols, closed schools, and delayed road repairs are now budgeting for an influx of roughly $280 million per year.

Updated May 10