The National Association for County Community and Economic Development (NACCED) was created as an affiliate of the National Association of Counties (NACO) in 1978. Its purpose is to develop the technical capacity of county government practitioners to professionally administer federally-funded affordable housing, community development, and economic development programs that benefit their low- and moderate-income households. Today, NACCED serves nearly 120 member counties, most of which are entitlement urban counties under the federal Community Development Block Grant program. NACCED also serves smaller counties and Associate members who are cities, consultants, non-profit organizations, and technology providers. NACCED is a persistent and persuasive voice in Washington on budgetary, programmatic, and regulatory issues pertaining to community development, economic development, and affordable housing.