Resilient Counties Initiative
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.
Resource
Emergency Management in County Government: A National Survey
Resource
Intergovernmental Roles and Responsibilities in Disaster Resilience
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.
Federal judge temporarily halts FEMA disaster mitigation grant program termination
August 6, 2025 Update: A federal court has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from reallocating funds from FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program after 20 states sued to halt the move, arguing it would endanger communities by undermining disaster preparedness efforts.
Podcast: County experience can improve disaster response
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.
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 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.
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
Jennifer Kuiper
Sponsors
