NACo News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — America’s counties are joining the National Association of Counties (NACo) in recognizing April as National County Government Month (NCGM).

Throughout April, counties will honor the 3.6 million strong county workforce, educate residents about local programs and services and boost civic engagement to strengthen the connections between local government and residents.

“National County Government Month is an opportunity to celebrate all of America’s 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs,” NACo President J.D. Clark said. “With one in 50 American workers working for a county, counties play an outsized role in our everyday lives. This month helps us tell our story so residents better understand the essential services we provide.”

Since 1991, NCGM has helped to shine a light on how counties serve the needs of residents. During the month, counties engage in a number of ways, from hosting events such as open houses and facility tours, to honoring county staff and residents, issuing proclamations and resolutions, speaking with media, leading informative social media campaigns, visiting classrooms and more.

Counties will also share key data about county roles and responsibilities, including:

• Keeping America moving by owning and maintaining 44 percent of all public road miles and 38 percent of bridges nationwide.
• Delivering critical medical, behavioral and long-term care by managing more than 1,900 public health departments and employing 532,000 healthcare workers.
• Fostering safe and vibrant communities by employing 483,000 first responders and serving as vital emergency managers.
• Providing critical services on federal public lands in 62% of counties.
• Delivering extensive services to residents, ranging from building and maintaining parks, to administering federal programs and elections and investing in housing and community development.

“We encourage everyone to learn more about your own county, parish or borough, to strengthen your connection to your local government,” Clark said. “Together we can build stronger counties for a stronger America.”

For more information about National County Government Month and a toolkit for counties, click here. For more information on NACO’s national public affairs advocacy campaign We Are Counties, click here.