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
Congress reintroduces bipartisan disaster mitigation bill to support homeowners
On March 5, Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act (H.R. 1849) was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives. This introduction follows the late-January introduction of the same bipartisan legislation in the Senate (S. 336). NACo previously supported this legislation and continues to advocate for its passage to support county resilience efforts.
U.S. Senate introduces bipartisan Disaster Assistance Simplification Act
On March 5, the bipartisan Disaster Assistance Simplification Act (S. 861) was introduced in the U.S. Senate to streamline the federal disaster aid process for survivors. NACo endorsed this legislation, which would make it easier for county residents to access critical assistance after disasters.
Padilla calls for common sense bipartisanship to tackle disasters, mental health crisis
Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) started learning about wildfire damage firsthand as a Senate staffer in the 1990s, which gave him experience and perspective seeing how counties responded after disasters.
County Countdown – February 11, 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 first 100 days update, testimony on rural road safety and more.
County Countdown – January 28, 2025
The first 100 days, Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force fly-in, SALT deduction profiles released, reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools, and Medicaid and counties.
Gulf States Counties and Parishes Caucus Symposium
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
Danny Tomares
Sponsors
