NSDA actively monitors a range of issues that impact special districts, ensuring that our members are informed and prepared for changes in policy, regulation, and funding opportunities. By staying ahead of developments at the federal level, NSDA advocates for the best interests of special districts and provides timely updates on evolving challenges and opportunities.

Administrative Functions

NSDA will continue to monitor and report on policies, rules, and regulations that directly impact the administrative management of special districts. In the near term, NSDA will watch Occupational Safety and Health Agency rulemaking and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) updates.

Cybersecurity

NSDA supports federal programs and policies designed to bolster cybersecurity resilience through support and not through unfunded mandates. This includes advocating for initiatives that enhance threat detection, prevention, and response capabilities; promote best practices for data protection and privacy; and facilitate access to federal resources and training programs.

Infrastructure

NSDA supports the reauthorizing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and including special districts as eligible entities to ensure that essential funding continues for a broad spectrum of critical infrastructure projects. A robust reauthorization would enable ongoing improvements to water and wastewater systems, strengthen transportation networks, expand broadband access, and enhance energy resilience. 

NSDA will broadly support and promote programs aimed at strengthening water infrastructure, conservation efforts, groundwater recharge, recycling, and storage solutions, and specifically water infrastructure for firefighting. Additionally, NSDA will advocate for sound policies and strategic investments to address challenges facing drought-impacted communities, major river basins, and vital watersheds.

Permitting Reform

NSDA will support permitting reforms that streamline regulatory processes, reduce project delays, and lower costs associated with infrastructure development and maintenance, while maintaining a balanced approach that respects environmental protections.

Disaster Resilience, Readiness, Response, and Recovery

NSDA supports strengthening the resilience of special districts and the communities they serve. This includes advocating for federal programs and initiatives that would improve disaster preparedness and response, support local emergency management needs, and provide resources for infrastructure hardening, risk assessment, and recovery efforts.

NSDA supports policies and partnerships with stakeholders to advance shared goals for all disaster-impacted and disaster-prone special districts. NSDA also endorses policies that provide federal land management agencies with enhanced tools to facilitate effective forest management, forest restoration, and post-fire and water quality mitigation efforts.

Farm Bill

NSDA supports the timely reauthorization of the Farm Bill to sustain essential programs that strengthen rural development, enhance water infrastructure, promote conservation efforts, and improve disaster resilience.