National Association of Counties Brings Together Officials from Multiple States to Improve Disaster Response and Mitigation Nationwide
ERIE COUNTY, NY— Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz is joining colleagues from the National Association of Counties (“NACo”) Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force this week in Washington, D.C. to participate in panels and speaker sessions aimed at improving disaster response and mitigation nationwide. The NACo Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force, comprised of eighteen elected officials and nine appointed officials who are subject matter experts in the field of emergency management and disaster response, was launched in November 2024 to strengthen our nation’s disaster mitigation, response and recovery capabilities. This bipartisan group aims to modernize federal disaster policies; strengthen intergovernmental partnerships; and enhance local disaster mitigation, response and recovery capacities. Poloncarz is the sole representative on the Task Force from New York State.
“This Task Force meeting provides an excellent opportunity to compare notes with my counterparts at the county and local level, the people who are on the ground when disasters strike and can discuss best practices in handling emergency situations,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “It’s also a welcome opportunity to meet with our Senators to keep them apprised of developments in Erie County and maintain close communication with them.”
Nearly 900 counties—representing almost one-third of all counties—experience at least one natural disaster each year, making the input of county elected and professional officials critical in shaping effective disaster policies. The Task Force is led by Hon. Adrian Garcia, Commissioner, Harris Co., Texas, and Hon. Cynthia Lee Sheng, Parish President, Jefferson Parish, La.
Goals of the Task Force include:
- Mitigation: Provide recommendations for policy reforms and best practices that improve disaster mitigation at the county level, including direct technical support, reduced administrative burdens and public accountability;
- Response: Enhance the existing framework for federal, state, tribal and local partners to collaborate in a transparent and trusted manner in disaster response efforts;
- Recovery: Streamline recovery programs and increase transparency on reimbursements to reduce administrative burdens and speed up assistance to affected counties: and,
- Technical Assistance: Strengthen the capacity and skills of county officials to plan for, respond to and recover from disasters.
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