Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act: A County Advocacy Toolkit

Letter from the NACo Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force Co-Chairs

County leaders know better than anyone that we are on the front lines of every stage of a disaster. Long before an event occurs, counties invest in mitigation projects, strengthen local infrastructure and lead community preparedness efforts. When disaster strikes, our residents look to us first for emergency services, shelter operations, debris removal and coordination throughout response and long-term recovery. Counties are not merely stakeholders in this conversation but a core part of the federal–state–local–tribal partnership of governments that share the responsibility of protecting our nation and our residents from all types of disasters. Because of our frontline role, meaningful disaster reform has long been a NACo priority and was the driving force behind establishing the Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force in November 2024.

The Task Force was established to identify the reforms counties need to build stronger, safer and more resilient communities. From the beginning, county officials and experts from across the country came together to share their experiences with federal disaster programs, outline the gaps and inefficiencies that hinder response and recovery and prioritize actionable solutions. Through months of discussion, analysis and coordination with state and federal partners, the Task Force developed a clear set of legislative recommendations that reflect the real-world challenges counties face.

Working closely with congressional champions, Task Force members translated those recommendations into concrete policy. Many of the proposals advanced by the Task Force--including a shift toward a true grant-based model for disaster assistance, improved transparency and predictability in Public Assistance, a universal disaster application process and loan interest relief for survivors--are now included in the FEMA Act of 2025 (H.R. 4669). This legislation represents one of the most significant, county-driven disaster reform packages in recent memory. If enacted, it would be a major win for county governments and our residents nationwide.

As the Task Force moves to formally conclude our work, the momentum behind the FEMA Act continues to grow. With bipartisan interest on Capitol Hill, this is a pivotal moment for counties to speak with a unified voice. The Task Force has laid the groundwork, but advancing this legislation across the finish line will require advocacy from NACo members in every state.

We urge county officials to engage with their congressional delegations, share how these reforms would strengthen local capacity and underscore why federal disaster programs must evolve to meet the realities on the ground. Our communities depend on it, and together we can help deliver the modern, responsive and equitable disaster system counties deserve.

Hon. Cynthia Lee Sheng, Jefferson Parish, La., Task Force Co-Chair

Hon. Adrian Garcia, Harris County, Texas, Task Force Co-Chair

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) current Public Assistance (PA) program operates on a reimbursement-based model, requiring counties to incur costs upfront and seek reimbursement after projects are started. For many counties, especially those with limited tax bases that result in insufficient savings and capped borrowing capacity, this approach creates significant financial strain. Counties often delay projects, divert funds from other essential services and take on substantial debt while waiting for federal reimbursement.

The FEMA Act would fundamentally shift this paradigm by transitioning PA from a reimbursement to a grant-based model. Under this approach, counties would receive funding upfront based on FEMA-approved cost estimates. This change would allow counties to move more quickly from emergency response to long-term recovery, reduce reliance on short-term borrowing and improve overall project delivery.

Importantly, the grant-based model also builds predictability and accountability into the system. FEMA would be required to review cost estimates within defined timelines, and funds would be disbursed promptly once approved. Counties would be able to incorporate mitigation and current building codes into project costs from the outset, rather than seeking adjustments later. 

Counties frequently experience frustration and uncertainty once Public Assistance claims are submitted. Project reviews can stall, requirements can change midstream and counties often lack clear insight into why approvals are delayed or denied. This lack of transparency complicates budgeting, project management and communication with residents and elected officials.

The FEMA Act would require the creation of a Public Assistance dashboard that displays the status of disaster recovery projects. Counties would be able to see where each project stands in FEMA’s review process, understand reasons for delays or denials and track progress over time.

This transparency would strengthen accountability across all levels of government. Counties could better plan staffing and cash flow, identify systemic bottlenecks and work more effectively with state and federal partners to resolve issues. 

After disasters, residents must navigate multiple federal assistance programs, each with its own application, documentation requirements and timelines. Counties routinely step in to help residents complete applications, appeal denials and understand eligibility rules, placing additional strain on local staff during already challenging recovery periods.

The FEMA Act would establish a universal disaster application that allows survivors to apply for assistance across multiple federal agencies using a single form. Applicants would be able to track their application status in real time, reducing uncertainty and duplication.

For counties, this reform would streamline interactions with residents, reduce administrative burdens and improve access to federal assistance for underserved populations. 

Mitigation is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce disaster impacts, yet counties often struggle to access FEMA mitigation funding. Competitive grant programs, complex applications and long timelines make it difficult for many counties to participate, particularly those with limited staff capacity.

The FEMA Act would reform FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program – one of the largest federal pre-disaster mitigation programs - by shifting to a formula-based funding stream, away from the current competitive structure. States would be required to pass through a certain percentage of funds to local governments. The bill would also allow for pre- and post-disaster mitigation funds to be combined. Counties would be included earlier in planning processes, ensuring local priorities are reflected and projects are ready when funding becomes available.

These reforms would give counties more predictable access to resources, reduce administrative barriers and support long-term resilience planning. 

In addition to these four core county priorities, the FEMA Act includes several other provisions that would strengthen disaster response and recovery:

• Streamlines environmental and historic preservation reviews for disaster projects on previously disturbed land.
• Improves disaster declaration criteria for rural and economically distressed areas.
• Clarifies procurement rules to treat counties like states during disasters.
• Expands eligibility and flexibility in Individual Assistance programs, including housing and behavioral health support.

Together, these provisions modernize FEMA programs and better align federal policy with county responsibilities.

County officials play a decisive role in advancing this legislation. Specific actions counties can take include:

• Schedule meetings with your U.S. Senators and Representatives, either in Washington, D.C. or in-district.
• Send formal letters of support on county letterhead to your U.S. Senators and Representatives urging passage of the FEMA Act.
• Request that House leadership bring the bill to the floor and that Senate leaders introduce and advance a companion bill.
• Share real-world examples of how current FEMA policies delay recovery or strain county budgets.
• Coordinate with NACo to align messaging and participate in joint advocacy efforts.

Talking points can be used to help frame conversations with federal lawmakers at a high level and broaden the discussion beyond the specific provisions outlined under each policy priority. These points can be used to set the context for why reform is urgently needed, reinforce the county role in disaster response and recovery and underscore why the FEMA Act represents a critical opportunity to modernize the federal disaster system.

Counties are encouraged to use these broader messages alongside the more detailed, policy-specific talking points under each of the policy priorities outlined in this toolkit.