California Supervisor tells Congress disaster reforms need to be implemented now

Image of 47859594192_2ddb83f3f8_o.jpg

Key Takeaways

On Wednesday, May 22nd, Sonoma County, Calif. Supervisor James Gore testified on behalf of NACo before the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management at a hearing titled “Disaster Preparedness: DRRA Implementation and FEMA Readiness.”

Supervisor Gore’s testimony highlighted the role of America’s counties in disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Supervisor Gore reminded Congress that counties manage most crises alone or in partnership with mutual aid partners. However, federally designated disasters can completely overwhelm local and regional capacity, and it is in these instances that counties lean on FEMA and other federal and state partners for help.

Counties are currently tackling one of the largest cumulative recovery efforts our nation has ever experienced. Rapid and efficient implementation of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) is needed now so they can be put to into practice to strengthen present recovery efforts and help build more resilient infrastructure. Supervisor Gore advocated for increased transparency and communication between counties and FEMA to ensure specific policy changes are clarified and implemented in the field during on-going disaster recovery efforts nationwide. 

Supervisor Gore emphasized that DRRA was passed to improve the resiliency of our nation, which NACo strongly supported, and counties need these reforms to be implemented now to help our communities, residents and economies recover.

DRRA was passed in October 2018, NACo is continuing to work with FEMA as they implement over 50 program reforms. To watch the hearing, click here.

Image of 47859594192_2ddb83f3f8_o.jpg

Attachments

Related News

Texas National Guard troops use boats to search for survivors in Kerr County following floods that began in the region on July 4, 2025. More than 230 Guard personnel are working in three counties to clear debris and conduct search and rescue operations. Photo courtesy of the Texas National Guard
County News

Texas Hill Country floods kill more than 100 across six counties

Nineteen different local and state agencies are involved with the search and rescue efforts over six counties following flash flooding in Texas' Guadalupe River. 

THE_County Countdown_working_image-4.png
Advocacy

County Countdown – June 30, 2025

Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership. This week features the Senate reconciliation debate, transparency on sanctuary designations and more.

Image of White-House.jpg
Advocacy

DHS releases list identifying sanctuary jurisdictions; includes nearly 400 counties

NACo, along with the National League of Cities, and the International Municipal Lawyers Association, requested additional clarification on the methodology used to create the list, and noted concerns around the legal challenges that localities face when complying with ICE detainers. As of this time, NACo has yet to hear of a county receiving a formal notification that they were included on the list.