Hurricanes, wildfires, economic collapse and other disasters can be natural or man-made, acute or long-term, foreseeable or unpredictable. Preparation for and recovery from such events requires both long-term planning and immediate action.

NACo works to strengthen county resiliency by building leadership capacity to identify and manage risk, and allow counties to become more flexible and responsive. Through the use of sustainable practices and infrastructure, counties will be better prepared to address these issues in a manner that can minimize the impact on local residents and businesses, while helping counties save money.

Through the initiative, NACo:

  • Develops strategies to foster economic growth and competitiveness;
  • Educates counties on techniques for implementing resiliency and sustainability strategies;
  • Provides tools for counties to educate their communities on resiliency initiatives;
  • Identifies ways to leverage changing conditions and take advantage of new technologies and innovation; and
  • Facilitates an open exchange with the private sector.

Related News

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Advocacy

FEMA releases nearly $1 billion in preparedness grants

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

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.

Texas National Guard troops use boats to search for survivors in Kerr County following floods that began in the region on July 4, 2025. More than 230 Guard personnel are working in three counties to clear debris and conduct search and rescue operations. Photo courtesy of the Texas National Guard
County News

Texas Hill Country floods kill more than 100 across six counties

Nineteen different local and state agencies are involved with the search and rescue efforts over six counties following flash flooding in Texas' Guadalupe River. 

A diversion outlet returns floodwaters to the Red River in northern Cass County, N.D. A diversion channel carries floodwater west of Fargo and other Cass County areas. Photo courtesy of the Army Corps of Engineers
County News

Diversion project spells relief from Fargo-area flooding

After suffering several top-10 worst floods in just a few years, Cass County, N.D. citizens voted for a sales tax that funds a massive diversion project that should protect the growing region from the Red River’s swells.

Multnomah County, Ore. is working to ensure the Burnside Bridge is still standing after a major earthquake.
County News

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.

Managing Disasters at the Local Level

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Program

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.

Stay Up-To-Date on the Resilient Counties Initiative

Program Contact

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Jennifer Kuiper

Program Director, Economic & Workforce Development

Sponsors

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American Gas Association
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Edison Electric Institute
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Hagerty Consulting
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Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS)
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National Association of Home Builders
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NextEra Energy
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Tidal Basin