Intergovernmental Collaboration on Disaster Resilience Case Studies Series
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NACo’s “Intergovernmental Collaboration in Disaster Resilience” case study series highlights intergovernmental partnerships that empower local communities to take charge of preparedness, response and recovery, underscoring the critical role of the federal government in strengthening security and resilience nationwide.
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Every year, about one-third of the nation’s counties experience and must recover from natural disasters, often more than once. These events pose major risks to the health and safety of the American people, damage critical infrastructure and result in major economic losses. Counties play an important role in the federal-state-local-tribal partnership; but to fulfill our responsibilities, we must often rely on the strategic and financial support of higher levels of government and other entities. NACo’s “Intergovernmental Collaboration in Disaster Resilience” case study series highlights intergovernmental partnerships that empower local communities to take charge of preparedness, response and recovery, underscoring the critical role of the federal government in strengthening security and resilience nationwide.
The National Association of Counties would like to thank The Pew Charitable Trusts for its partnership on the Intergovernmental Roundtable series.
This content is intended for educational purposes only. The National Association of Counties (NACo) supports policies and programs that equip county governments with the resources and flexibility needed to serve our residents. NACo does not endorse any particular strategy or approach shared in this resource over another. For official NACo positions, please refer to the American County Platform.
Case Studies
Public funds, allocated through federal grants, empower states and counties to implement critical projects that cannot be resourced through local revenue streams.
Jefferson Parish, La
Parishes maximize local, state and federal public funding to invest efficiently and strategically in disaster mitigation efforts that support electrical grid modernization and infrastructure hardening at critical sites that put our security and the physical and economic wellbeing of residents first.
Lake County, Calif.
Counties maximize local and federal public funding to invest efficiently and strategically in disaster mitigation efforts that build local planning capacity, harden national security-critical infrastructure and advance a culture of disaster preparedness and personal responsibility among residents.
Rogers County, Okla.
Counties understand local hazards best and are working within our authorities to implement local policy and practice solutions that will minimize loss in the event of natural disaster.
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.
FEMA delays $11 billion in state disaster reimbursements
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently withheld roughly $11 billion in planned disaster reimbursements to 45 states, shifting the payments to fiscal year 2026 and marking a major change in how the federal government is managing disaster relief funding.
County Countdown – September 22, 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 a short-term funding bill introduced to avert shutdown, new Rural Health Transformation Program and more.
County Countdown – September 9, 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 FEMA reform bill advancement, a major reorganization of the USDA and more.
Counties Advocate for Passage of FEMA Act Alongside National Preparedness Month
NACo recognizes September as National Preparedness Month, an opportunity to highlight the essential role of counties in preparing for and responding to disasters. Counties will advocate throughout the month for passage of the FEMA Act (H.R. 4669), which was approved last Tuesday by the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by a vote of 57-3.
FEMA reform bill advances to House floor
The Fixing Emergency Management for Americans Act would overhaul Public and Individual Assistance and accelerate mitigation programs and make the Federal Emergency Management Agency an independent, cabinet-level agency.
Pacific Northwest counties prepare for ‘The Big One’
Counties in Oregon and Washington are preparing for the devastating earthquake and tsunami that scientists say is coming in the next 50 years.
GoFundMe’s Crisis Response Playbook: Trusted Solutions for Counties
This webinar will showcase how GoFundMe serves as a trusted partner for counties and communities in times of crisis.