Kevin Leonard, executive director of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, and Amanda McKinney, a Yakima County, Wash. commissioner, talk about two different challenges county officials face in responding to disasters.

Tagged In:

Disasters, Emergency Management & Resiliency

County News

NACo disaster task force extends work into fall

June 23, 2025

NACo's Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force will continue its work into the fall, following key developments including the release of the FEMA Act discussion draft and heightened engagement with the FEMA Review Council.

Related News

Crews remove ladder fuels at Land Trust of Napa County’s Linda Falls Preserve in Angwin, CA. Photo by Mike Palladini – Land Trust of Napa County.

Advocacy

Federal judge temporarily halts FEMA disaster mitigation grant program termination

August 11, 2025

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.

Advocacy

FEMA releases nearly $1 billion in preparedness grants

August 4, 2025

On August 1, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced nearly $1 billion in new grant funding to help states, local governments, tribes and territories strengthen disaster preparedness.

Former FEMA Administrator Brock Long (left) and Harris County, Texas Commissioner Adrian Garcia discuss FEMA reform efforts July 13 before members of the NACo Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force. Photo by Denny Henry

County News

Former FEMA chief is bearish on reform talks

July 14, 2025

Former FEMA Administrator Brock Long has yet to hear any proposals for federal disaster reform that would make a significant improvement to the way it operates.