The National Special Districts Association (NSDA) champions the recognition, support, and funding of special districts nationwide. NSDA’s priorities include advocating for federal recognition, expanding public finance options, securing fair representation in government data, and ensuring grant access for special districts. Through partnerships with federal agencies and Congress, NSDA works to empower special districts to better serve their communities

Defining Special Districts in Federal Law

NSDA will work with the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to support implementation of an Act defining special districts, which may establish a first-ever, formal definition of “special district” in federal law. The Act may also require OMB to issue guidance to federal agencies requiring special districts to be recognized as local governments for the purpose of federal financial assistance determinations.

Public Finance

NSDA supports reinstating or expanding public financing tools that help special districts secure essential project funding. This includes reauthorizing Build America Bonds, expanding private activity bonds, restoring advance refunding bonds, and protecting the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds; it also includes active participation in the Public Finance Network on issues such as limiting costly mandates associated with the Federal Debt Transparency Act. 

U.S. Census Bureau

NSDA will work with Congress to direct sufficient resources to the U.S. Census Bureau to ensure that special districts are accurately counted in local government data sets, which are often critical to access federal funding opportunities.

Federal Funding Opportunities

NSDA will work to ensure that special districts are eligible for relevant discretionary and formula-based grant opportunities. Additionally, NSDA will advocate for dedicated technical assistance funding to help special districts navigate complex application processes and deliver projects more efficiently.

Congressional Caucus on Special Districts

NSDA will advocate for creating a Congressional Caucus on Special Districts. The caucus would serve as a dedicated platform to educate lawmakers and federal agencies about the unique challenges and essential functions of special districts and the communities they serve across the nation.