Which association, with over 2,000 counties as members, provides critical data to various governmental levels?

The National Association of Counties plays a vital role in representing the interests of county governments across the United States. With membership comprising over 2,000 counties, it has established itself as a significant source of data, resources, and advocacy for local governance. This organization collaborates with various governmental levels—federal, state, and local—to address issues pertinent to county operations and policies. Through research, data collection, and dissemination, it empowers counties to enhance their service delivery, respond to community needs, and engage in effective governance.

In contrast to the other options, which may have narrower scopes or different focuses, the National Association of Counties is specifically designed to cater to the unique challenges faced by county governments, making it the most relevant choice for providing critical data across numerous jurisdictions. Other associations listed may represent broader groups or encompass different facets of local governance.