County Leaders Advocate for Federal Disaster Reform in Visit to Washington, D.C.
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WASHINGTON – The National Association of Counties (NACo) and nearly 20 county leaders from 13 states are coming together for a leadership fly-in meeting April 28-29 in Washington, D.C. focused on disaster reform. The participants are members of NACo’s Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force, a group of elected and appointed county leaders focused on strengthening our nation’s disaster mitigation, response and recovery capabilities.
In 2025, 680 counties experienced at least one federally declared disaster, 588 counties had at least one major disaster declaration, and 345 counties had at least one emergency declaration. 23 of these disasters resulted in at least $1 billion in damages.
While in Washington, D.C., county officials will engage with federal officials, congressional policymakers and other partners to continue driving for federal disaster reform, given the continued outsize impact disasters have on counties and our residents. Sessions include:
- A panel discussion with private sector partners on how counties can navigate a shifting federal role by building new partnerships, advancing risk-reduction strategies and aligning priorities to protect asset value, tax base and operational continuity.
- A conversation with FEMA about how to collaboratively implement FEMA Review Council recommendations once issued and strengthen intergovernmental coordination.
- A discussion on how insurance companies can support counties, including tools to better assess, transfer and mitigate risk.
“When disasters strike, county emergency workers are first to respond, and long after, we take the lead to rebuild our communities,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “This robust role depends on an effective intergovernmental partnership, and the FEMA Act includes a range of county priorities that will improve our ability to serve and support our residents in their greatest time of need.”
For more information about the FEMA Act, click here. For more information about NACo’s Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force, click here.
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Jessica Hartl
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Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force
As disasters intensify across the country, county governments play a crucial role on the frontlines of emergency management and recovery. With a commitment to advancing federal policies that foster collaboration between counties, federal agencies and other intergovernmental partners, the Task Force builds on years of county-led efforts to enhance disaster policies and practices, driving improved outcomes nationwide.
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