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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Press Release

Counties Applaud Passage of Critical Disaster Relief Funding

NACo today applauded Congress on county-specific provisions of the American Relief Act, 2025. In addition to ensuring the federal government remains open through March of 2025, the package includes $110 billion in disaster assistance for relief efforts across the U.S.

In the weeks following Hurricane Helene, when Devil’s Foot Distillery in Buncombe County, N.C. was closed to rebuild, the business created a distribution hub to support the community, which helped distribute 16,000 gallons of water and dozens of pallets of food, diapers, clothing and hygiene items to local residents.
County News

After floods, N.C. county looks to repair its tourism economy

Three months after Hurricane Helene devastated Buncombe County, N.C., the power is back, the water is potable and the county is now working to salvage the local economy by helping keep small businesses afloat and participating in the Western North Carolina tourism initiative: “Our Best Way to Get Back Is for You to Come Back.”

Lori Stegman, Robin and Kenton Ward, David Stout, Jason Bellows and Luis Sanchez hear from Scott Westrope, Santa Rosa, Calif.’s fire chief. Photo by Lana Farfan
County News

Sonoma County shares lessons learned from 2017 Tubbs Fire

Seven years after a devastating fire that killed 40 people and saw thousands evacuated from their homes, Sonoma County, Calif. Emergency Management offi­cials shared solutions they have carved out from that disaster.

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Advocacy

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advances, House passes key bill with NACo’s support

On September 18, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a full committee markup session, voting to advance 29 measures for House floor consideration.

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Advocacy

County Countdown – December 2, 2024

Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.

White House
Advocacy

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

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.

Upcoming Events

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Conference

Gulf States Counties and Parishes Caucus Symposium

Lafourche Parish, La.

Join us at NACo’s Gulf States Counties and Parishes Caucus Symposium, where county and parish leaders will engage in dynamic mobile workshops and collaborative sessions.

Stay Up-To-Date on the Resilient Counties Initiative

Program Contact

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Danny Tomares

Program Associate

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