White House submitted $100 billion disaster relief request; Counties are encouraged to advocate for essential funding

Key Takeaways

On November 18, the White House submitted a $98.6 billion disaster relief funding request to Congress, outlining resources needed to address recent disasters, including Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Maui County wildfires and tornadoes in the Midwest. This funding request details what the White House is requesting, but the supplemental has only just begun the Congressional process for appropriation; final funding amounts are still uncertain. If approved, the funds would also address unmet needs from prior disasters, such as the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore City, Md.

See the White House's Request

NACo advocates for county needs 

On November 25, NACo sent a letter to Congress urging the inclusion of critical programs in the disaster supplemental funding package. These programs address the immediate needs of counties working to recover and rebuild after recent disasters. As negotiations begin in Congress, NACo emphasizes the urgency of delivering this funding to provide essential resources for impacted communities. The letter highlights the following priorities:

• Funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Relief Fund to ensure recovery efforts can continue and avoid shifting into Immediate Needs Funding
• Additional resources for the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Program, which will allow for localities to implement long-term housing solutions
• Replenish the Small Business Administration’s Disaster Assistance Loan Program to help businesses and homeowners rebuild
• Refill the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Emergency Relief highway and transit programs to assist counties in rebuilding and reopening critical roadways
• Funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Relief Program to assist farmers and ranchers with recovery efforts
• Funding for the Head Start program to support vulnerable children and families impacted by disasters

NACo remains committed to working with Congress to ensure counties have access to these vital funding streams and will continue to provide updates as we advocate for the resources necessary to support recovery and resilience post-disaster.

Read NACo’s Letter to Congress

Impact on counties

Counties are on the front lines of disaster response and recovery, bearing significant responsibility for addressing immediate community needs and planning for long-term rebuilding efforts. Access to the programs included in NACo’s disaster supplemental advocacy priorities would:

• Provide essential resources for disaster recovery: Funding for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund and HUD’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Program would enable counties to restore critical infrastructure, support displaced residents and develop sustainable housing solutions post-disaster.
• Rebuild critical transportation networks: The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Emergency Relief programs would help counties repair and reopen essential roadways, ensuring safe and efficient transportation for residents and businesses.
• Support local businesses and homeowners: The Small Business Administration’s Disaster Assistance Loan Program would assist county residents who own homes or run small businesses in rebuilding, protecting livelihoods and community stability.
• Restore agricultural operations: The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Relief Program would help farmers and ranchers recover, ensuring the continuity of food production and economic stability in rural counties.
• Fund social services and early childhood education: The Children and Families Services Programs, which includes Head Start programs, would support ongoing early childhood education and support services to children and families as well as building repairs or reconstruction.

Get involved

County voices play a critical role in advocating for the resources needed to support recovery efforts. Use the template letter to reach out to your Congressional representatives and urge them to include these essential programs in the disaster supplemental funding package. Your county’s voice can help ensure communities and residents across the country receive the federal support urgently required for disaster recovery. 

Download the Template Letter

NACo recently launched the Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force to strengthen our nation's disaster mitigation, response and recovery capabilities through intergovernmental collaboration and federal policy advancement. 

Learn more about the Task Force