NACo testifies on the critical role of counties in disasters
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NACo Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force Co-Chair and Harris County, Texas Commissioner Adrian Garcia testifies before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, highlighting counties' critical roles during disasters and outlining key task force recommendations aimed at efficient and effective FEMA assistance.
Featured Initiative
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.
House draft bill text proposes FEMA reform package with major wins for counties
This week, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management Subcommittee released draft bill text for a sweeping Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reform package aimed at improving disaster response, streamlining aid and increasing local flexibility—reflecting many long-standing county priorities.
County Countdown – April 21, 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 ARPA reporting deadline, a budget reconciliation update and more
FEMA halts disaster mitigation grant program
On April 4, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced it will not allocate $750 million this year for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program. According to the press release, FEMA will also stop funding BRIC projects that were previously approved and are still underway.
County Countdown – March 25, 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 budget reconciliation, FY 2025 funding and more.
White House signs executive order examining state and local preparedness
On March 18, President Trump signed an Executive Order aimed at aligning federal preparedness and response doctrines, while examining state and local preparedness capabilities. The order does not shift any responsibilities or costs to state and local governments, rather producing a set of recommendations for better collaboration across all levels of government.
Faster, Smarter Disaster Relief: How LA County Used AI & Geospatial Mapping to Deliver $20M in Aid
Key Takeaways:
- Strategies for incorporating geospatial technology in disaster planning and response.
- Techniques for using identity verification tools to balance security and accessibility.
- Best practices for building public-private partnerships in times of crisis.