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A Year in Review – NARC in 2025

As the National Association of Regional Councils enters 2026, we are excitedly preparing for our 60th Annual Conference in Tulsa in June. I am proud to reflect on another year of growth and impact in 2025. From conferences and fly-ins to advocacy and grants, NARC has reinvigorated the voice of regional councils in the nation’s capital. Our work continues to highlight the contributions our member organizations make in regions across America. 

Membership Growth and Engagement

We were thrilled to welcome six new members to NARC in 2025: 

  • Arrowhead Regional Development District—Duluth, MI 
  • Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission—Wiscasset, ME  
  • West Central Texas Council of Governments—Abilene, TX 
  • West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission—Eau Claire, WI 
  • Northwest Hills Council of Governments—Litchfield, CT 
  • Madison County Council of Governments—Anderson, IN 

Their participation enriches our network and underscores the continuing relevance of regional collaboration in addressing complex issues across jurisdictional boundaries. 

We also experienced increased engagement on our online member platform, Civic Roundtable, with 483 new members, 218 posts created, 308 comments added, and 188 resources uploaded. 

Reorienting Our Policy Committees

This year, we began our work to strengthen NARC’s four policy committees which cover a wide array of federal policy issues that affect regional councils, including Energy & Environment, Economic & Community Development, Public Safety & Emergency Management, and Transportation. Led by our new Director of Policy, Leeann Sinpatanasakul, all four committees participated in listening sessions to provide input on federal policy issues affection regional councils and are now shaping policy priority documents shaped by member input. These efforts will guide our advocacy in 2026 and beyond, to ensure the voices of NARC members are heard by lawmakers and administration officials in Washington, DC as they craft federal policy. 

Legislative Advocacy: Driving Transportation Policy Forward

NARC has worked tirelessly to ensure regions have a seat at the table during surface transportation reauthorization. Through briefings, coalitions, and direct engagement with policymakers, we advocated for provisions that empower regional councils and support local transportation priorities. 

Our work with the Local Officials in Transportation (LOT) Coalition—including the National League of Cities (NLC), National Association of Counties (NACo), Association of Metropolitan Planning Organization (AMPO), U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM), and National Association of Development Organizations (NADO)—was instrumental to our success. We organized a joint fly-in with our members and AMPO to meet with key congressional offices and committees. Together as a coalition, we also met with Deputy Secretary Bradbury and FHWA Administrator McMaster to share our priorities and communicate the transportation priorities of our local communities and regions. We’ve engaged with the House and Senate committees of jurisdiction and continue to work with them as they move forward with the legislative process. 

With reauthorization on the horizon, these efforts ensure that regional councils remain central partners in shaping transportation investments that address the unique needs of communities nationwide. 

National Conferences

In 2025, we hosted three national conferences that brought together local elected officials, policymakers, and regional leaders from across the country. 

  • In February, the National Conference of Regions prepared us for the priorities of the new presidential administration. 
  • In June, the 59th Annual Conference & Exhibition, co-hosted with the Puget Sound Regional Council, saw a marked increase in attendance and featured engaging sessions and mobile workshops, including visits to Pike Place Market and Boeing’s Everett Factory. 
  • In October, the Executive Directors Conference & Board Retreat, co-hosted with the Greater Portland Council of Governments, offered an intimate learning environment that gave directors practical takeaways to strengthen leadership in their organizations. 

Grant Programs

NARC leveraged federal grant funding to expand member resources and foster regional innovation. Key initiatives in 2025 included: 

  • SolSmart Program: Partnered with the Interstate Renewable Energy Council and the International City/County Management Association to help regions adopt solar-friendly policies and accelerate clean energy deployment. 
  • Collaborative-Based Siting of Spent Nuclear Fuel: Worked with the Keystone Policy Center to engage regions in planning around the siting of spent nuclear fuel. In partnership with Keystone Policy Center, NARC awarded three COGs a total of $225,000 in grants to build internal capacity through website restructuring, the development of an AI chatbot, and improvements to their CEDS plan.
  • Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP): Collaborated with NADO to produce videos and webinars highlighting best practices in economic development planning. 

These programs, along with targeted workshops and technical assistance, have supported members in tackling challenges related to renewable energy and economic growth. Our programs helped regions streamline zoning for solar and EV adoption, expanded internal capacity through targeted grants, and educated regions on economic development district designation. 

Speaking Engagements and External Leadership

NARC staff shared their vision and expertise at national conferences, federal briefings, and regional events, demonstrating the critical role regional councils play in planning, economic development, and transportation. Highlights included panels and presentations at: 

  • State association meetings across Ohio, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Texas, and Illinois 
  • International Forum of Agglomerations in Ukraine 
  • Alaska Municipal League Annual Conference – Regional Cooperation and Solutions 
  • ThinkTennessee Policy Forum – Transportation Panel 
  • Arizona Transportation Policy Summit – Federal Reauthorization Panel 
  • National League of Cities – Rebuilding Together Panel 
  • Mid-Shore Regional Council Board Meeting – Maryland Association of Counties Winter Conference 
  • Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations Annual Conference 
  • NADO and NACo conferences 

Looking Ahead

In 2026, NARC will build on these successes. Our focus remains on empowering regional councils with the tools, networks, and policy influence they need to respond to their community’s evolving needs. By elevating the value of regional collaboration, we ensure that every region, large or small, can benefit from coordinated, forward-thinking solutions. 

Thank you to our members, partners, and staff for making 2025 a remarkable year. Together, we are stronger, more connected, and ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead. 

—Erich Zimmermann, Executive Director, NARC 

Additional Resources

It’s NARC Membership Week – Thanks for Being a NARC Member!

The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) annual Membership Week will begin November 14 through November 18.  

This week will be all about you, our members, because without your support and leadership, NARC would not be able to do the work we do: bringing regional councils across the country together and advocating for regional solutions in Washington.

We will be highlighting some of the key benefits that come along with being a part of our organization. We want to make sure you are utilizing all the advantages that come along with being a NARC member.

Please stay tuned for updates as we get closer to Membership Week. 

On behalf of the entire NARC staff, Happy Membership Week! We look forward to celebrating with you and hope to see many of your at our upcoming National Conference of Regions the week of January 22nd. 

UPDATED – 2023 Appropriations Blog Series: Week of July 25

The House of Representatives is aiming to pass all 12 appropriations bills before it begins its month long recess on August 1.  The first of two “minibuses” was passed on Wednesday, July 20, and the second is expected to be passed later this week. 

The first minibus includes funding for the Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, Energy, and Interior Departments, and the Environmental Protection Agency. 

The second minibus, scheduled to be approved this week, includes funding for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Justice, Commerce, and Homeland Security, as well as the Department of Defense. 

If adopted into law, the minibuses would provide $91 billion for the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, $86 billion for the Department of Homeland Security, $38 billion for the Department of Justice, $12 billion for the Department of Commerce, and $11 billion for the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as $762 billion in discretionary defense budget authority, and $224 billion to fund the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services and Education.

It is important to note that funding levels for each department are likely to change over the next several months once the Senate develops its own appropriation bills and both chambers reach a bipartisan and bicameral deal.  Furthermore, despite the speed with which the House has moved its appropriations bills, Senate negotiators have yet to publicly roll out any of their dozen annual spending bills where leaders are struggling to strike a larger bipartisan deal on how to fund the government.

Over the next weeks and months, NARC will update this blog as part of an effort to keep you informed about funding levels for programs of importance to cities, counties, and regions.

Funding for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development

The Transportation and Housing and Urban Development (THUD) appropriation bill would provide $91 billion in discretionary funds, an increase of $10 billion[1] or 12 percent, above fiscal year 2022. This includes an increase of $9 billion for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and $837 million for the Department of Transportation (DOT).  Moreover, the bill would provide $169  billion in total budgetary resources, an increase of $12  billion above FY 2022.

While the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program was level funded many of the programs that are receiving increases are important to cities, counties, and regions.  They deal with highways and transit, housing, rail, and aviation.  Funds have been included to upgrade airports; upgrade and maintain public, supported, and affordable housing; fund mass transit programs including Amtrak; and fund national infrastructure investments.  Underlying the House THUD appropriation is a focus on equity throughout federally-supported housing and transportation programs.

Of course, cities, counties, and regions of various sizes and responsibilities will benefit differently from these increases, should they become law, but the underlying message from the Appropriations Committee is that there remains substantial support within Congress for the full range of transportation and housing programs.

As THUD Subcommittee chair David E. Price (D-NC-04) said, “This year’s THUD bill builds on the successes of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).” Appropriations Committee chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) added that the investments being made through the THUD appropriations bill “are essential pathways to the American Dream and will help grow opportunity for the middle class through homeownership and … affordable housing.”

According to the Appropriations Committee, the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development funding bill would:

  • Create and sustain tens of thousands of new high-paying jobs.
  • Expand programs designed to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure with significant investments in airports, highways, transit, passenger rail, and port systems.
  • Expand rental assistance for families experiencing or at risk of homelessness and increase the number of senior housing units.
  • Promote safe transportation and housing by developing a skilled and growing workforce that would conduct inspections, mitigate hazards, seek solutions for improving the safety of housing.
  • Fund efforts to reduce emissions, increase resiliency, and address historical inequities in transportation and housing programs; and
  • Fund House Members’ earmarks.

Funding for DOT would specifically include:

  • $775 million for RAISE, TIGER, and BUILD programs including $30 million that would be targeted to areas of persistent poverty.
  • $18.7 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), including funding for aviation safety and airport improvements.
  • $61.3 billion for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
  • $2 billion for motor carrier and highway traffic safety programs.
  • $3.8 billion for the Federal Railroad Administration, including $2.3 billion for Amtrak; and
  • $17.5 billion for the Federal Transit Administration and $1 billion for the Maritime Administration.

Funding for HUD would include:

  • $11.8 billion for community planning and development including $3.3 billion for CDBG.
  • $31 billion for tenant-based rental assistance including $1.1 billion to expand housing assistance to 140,000 more households and $55 million for housing supports for homeless veterans.
  • $8.7 billion for public housing.
  • $600 million for housing for persons with HIV/AIDS.
  • $450 million for Choice Neighborhoods initiatives; and
  • $415 million for lead hazard control especially in Section 8 housing voucher units.

[1] Funding levels have been rounded to the nearest whole number.

Defense Department Funding

The Defense Department appropriations bill would authorize $840.2 billion in national defense spending. The sprawling Pentagon funding package would authorize funds for the Defense Department and funds for national security programs within the Department of Energy. 

While not obviously important to regions, there are many like Alamo Area Council of Governments and the North Central Texas Council of Governments, that have very strong relationships with their local military bases and those relationships will benefit from much of the House-proposed Defense Department funding. 

If adopted by the House the bill would provide:

  • $2.1 billion for family housing projects both on and off base.
  • $510 million for housing for single service members.
  • $274 million for child development centers.
  • $1 billion for construction or renovation of Guard and Reserve facilities, something that has the potential of impacting a significant number of states and regions.
  • $1.3 billion for Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan projects
  • $653 million for energy resilience programs

$575 million for ongoing Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) activities, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination cleanup.[1]

[1] Source:  Association of Defense Communities, Washington, DC 

Commerce Department Funding

The Department of Commerce appropriations bill provides funding for, among other agencies, the Census Bureau, the Economic Development Administration (EDA), Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 

According to the House Appropriations Committee, the bill would help create “good paying American jobs with investments in economic development in distressed communities and fund.”  It would also address the “climate crisis with strong funding for climate resilience and research at various agencies within the Commerce Department.”

Subcommittee chair Matt Cartwright (D-PA) said that the Commerce appropriations bill would “invest in American manufacturing, economic development and infrastructure improvements to strengthen our economy and improve the lives of our nation’s working people,” 

Of the greatest importance to regions is funding for EDA.  If the House prevails, EDA’s fiscal year 2023 funding level would be $510 million, an increase of $137 million over last year; the Census Bureau would receive $1.5 billion, an increase of $152 billion over last year; MBDA would receive $70 million, $15 million more than last year; and NOAA would receive nearly $7 billion, nearly $1 billion more than last year. 

Next Week: More analysis and an overview of funding for the Environmental Protection Agency and the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security. 

NARC Presents the 2022 Regional Leadership and Achievement Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Columbus, OH (June 14, 2022) – The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) presented its 2022 Achievement and Leadership Awards today during an awards ceremony held at the NARC 56th Annual Conference & Exhibition.  

“I am so pleased and so proud as President of NARC to be able to celebrate these achievements in regional cooperation, excellence, and leadership,” said NARC President Bob Cannon, Supervisor of Clinton Township, Michigan and former chair of Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. “What greater honor is there than to be able to recognize the valuable contributions of my colleagues.”  

Eleven projects received 2022 Achievement Awards and four regional leaders received 2022 Leadership Awards. More information about this year’s recipients can be found below.  

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Eastgate Regional Council of Governments | Eastgate Regional Broadband Feasibility Study 

In June of 2021, the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments (Eastgate) accepted the completed Regional Broadband Feasibility Study that would serve as the roadmap towards addressing the issues that plague high-speed connectivity in the region while also promoting the modernization of broadband infrastructure to ensure competitiveness in a fast-changing and ever-evolving global landscape. 

East Texas Council of Governments | Rural, Set, Go! Workforce Strategy Public Forum Series 

Rural, Set, Go! is an intentional strategy to engage community leaders, business leaders, and community members in candid conversations about the factors that influence their local workforce and economic development needs, particularly in-demand skills as identified by the community employers.   

Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission | In Recognition of the Miami Valley Disaster Recovery Leadership 

Following a series of disastrous storms in 2019 the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) MVRPC was asked and agreed to become the designated leader of the Long-Term Community Disaster Recovery Network, helping the impacted counties, cities, townships and villages across the region create a plan for recovery and resiliency.  

Region 1 Planning Council | R1 Land Bank 

The R1 Land Bank exists to effectively aggregate parcels of land for future sale or development, while fostering municipal collaboration and supporting community goals. Hundreds of legally abandoned sit at length, often years, vacant and deteriorating. Through the land bank, vacant properties may be acquired and returned to market at a higher value putting an end to the vicious cycle of declining equalized assessed valuations and abandoned properties in communities.      

Lehigh Valley Planning Commission with Lehigh County, Pennsylvania | Lehigh Valley Jobs & Housing Support Initiative 

Immediately following closures from the COVID-19 Pandemic Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) alongside Lehigh County, went to work to quantify the vulnerabilities as a first step in beginning to address what quickly became a jobs and housing crisis. Within weeks on the shutdowns, the mayors of the region’s three cities, Bethlehem, Allentown and Easton joined the roundtable with Lehigh County and LVPC to start needed problem-solving.  

Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization | Miami-Dade TPO SMART STEP Program 

The Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Urban Mobility Task Force & Non-Urban Core Task Force were created to focus on addressing bicycle and pedestrian mobility challenges in Miami-Dade County. As a result, the SMART STEP (Street Transportation Enhancements Program) was created to facilitate interagency coordination, innovation, and accelerated implementation of pedestrian and bicycle improvement projects that increase connectivity and enhance safety.    

Puget Sound Regional Council | PSRC’s Equity Program 

PSRC’s goal is to advance racial equity to ensure that the region’s vision for a prosperous and healthy future is possible for all people in the region. Recognizing that this is not available to everyone, PSRC set out to change this with its new Equity Program. PSRC’s Equity Program offers several innovations as they are taking an entirely new approach to equity in their work. 

Southeast Michigan Council of Governments | Southeast Michigan Electric Vehicle (EV) Resource Kit and Planning Hub    

 The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) developed the Southeast Michigan EV Resource Kit and Planning Hub as a one-stop destination which provides local communities and stakeholders with quick access to key data and background information on EVs and EV infrastructure; the current status of infrastructure and deployment; community zoning and planning ordinances; funding opportunities; and local case studies and best practices. The primary goal of this resource is to assist stakeholders and communities across the region and state to most effectively prepare for and support the adoption of EVs as well as in the deployment of EV charging infrastructure.   

Alamo Area Council of Governments | Camp Bullis Sentinel Landscape 

The Camp Bullis Sentinel Landscape (CBSL) was designated as the first Sentinel Landscape in Texas, and one of only 10 in the nation. Sentinel Landscapes are areas in which natural and working lands are well suited to protect defense facilities from land use that is incompatible with the military’s mission.  The purpose of the program is to focus and leverage federal resources on a landscape-scale natural resource conservation effort through a regional consortium of state and local governments, nonprofit conservation organizations, military installations, and regional Federal technical assistance offices. 

Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) | SCAG Housing Policy Leadership Academy 

The SCAG Housing Policy Leadership Academy (HPLA) offers a 10-session online training for emerging and established community leaders who want to better understand how to advance policy solutions to increase the supply and availability of affordable housing. The program is open to elected officials, advocates, and community stakeholders in moving forward a pro-housing development agenda and empower leaders to make informed decisions. SCAG had an overwhelming response to the program. 

Houston-Galveston Area Council | H-GAC Small Business Financial Assistance – Pandemic & Beyond   

In 2020, as businesses struggled to remain afloat due to mandated closures, H-GAC worked to find solutions. Endeavoring to create new, nimble and responsive loan programs to meet small business needs, H-GAC leveraged its resources, connections, special ability to tap into various funding sources, and its existing framework. The pandemic spurred immediate action from the third largest county in the nation, Harris County, which would help pave the way for the creation of various loan programs in the region. 

LEADERSHIP AWARDS 

2022 WALTER SCHEIBER LEADERSHIP AWARD  

Barry Seymour, Executive Director of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission 

Barry Seymour has served since 2006 as Executive Director of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), one of the nation’s largest and most respected Metropolitan Planning Organizations.  In his time at DVRPC, Mr. Seymour instituted the first municipal grant program for revitalization of urban neighborhoods and older suburban communities, created a growth management planning program for suburban communities, spearheaded the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Smart Transportation initiative, oversaw a regional food system plan, and is now directing efforts to improve energy efficiency and address climate change in the region. He is a recipient of the 2008 Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence.   

2022 TOM BRADLEY LEADERSHIP AWARD 

The Honorable Tom Johnson, Mayor of Village of Somerset, Ohio 

Tom Johnson, Mayor of the Village of Somerset, is one of Appalachian Ohio’s leading public servants and a champion of community-led economic development. Mayor Johnson understands the region’s assets—its natural environment, its unique historic downtowns, and its entrepreneurial spirit. He also understands the importance of both working top-down and bottom-up and the power of working collaboratively to address the challenges and disparities faced by small communities like those in Appalachian Ohio.   

The Honorable Rap Hankins, Council member, City of Trotwood 

Mr. Rap Hankins is a well-known, well-respected leader at the local, regional, state and national levels.  Mr. Hankins served as an elected Councilmember for the City of Trotwood, a Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) member community, for more than 16 years. Mr. Rap Hankins is a champion for regionalism in his role as a leader for multi-county racial equity, disaster recovery and environmental efforts. These are three separate efforts that are combined because of who Rap is –a leader, community activist, and a drum major for change in the Miami Valley.  In total, he has dedicated more than 20 years toward leadership of regional initiatives led by or affiliated with MVRPC.  There is no end in sight because Rap feels reenergized and feels he is accomplishing far more now as an unelected official toward the regional and state ideals that he has long championed.  

2022 PRESIDENT’S AWARD  

Lyle Wray, Executive Director of the Capitol Region Council of Governments

For over 40 years, he has been the model of an innovative public servant.  As Executive Director of the Capitol Region Council of Governments, his leadership made an indelible and positive impact on the local, regional, state and bi-state regional levels that will reverberate for many years.  Lyle’s work in Connecticut has been transformational for the region. With Lyle’s leadership, collaboration, and knowledge, we’ve seen positive changes in the “land of steady habits”. The region and the state are better for his contributions. 

More information about NARC awards, conferences, and leadership contact Melissa Lowe, Melissa.Lowe@narc.org, or check out our website at www.NARC.org. 

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About the National Association of Regional Councils  

NARC serves as a national voice for regions by advocating for regional cooperation as the most effective way to address a variety of community planning and development opportunities and issues. NARC’s member organizations are composed of multiple local governments that work together to serve American communities – large and small, urban and rural. 

2021 Project Achievement and Leadership Award Blog Series: Houston-Galveston Area Council: The Regional Conservation Framework

Houston-Galveston Area Council: The Regional Conservation Framework

I’d like to let you in on a little secret. The Houston-Galveston region is an ecological wonderland! I know that might not be the image that first comes to mind, but our region sits at the junction of southern pine forests, prairies, and coastal wetlands. We have 16,000 miles of bayous, rivers and coastline. These vibrant ecosystems provide habitat for diverse fish and wildlife species and boast some of the best birding sites in the world. 

Yet we face serious challenges in preserving these crucial resources in the face of anticipated population growth. We’re forecasting the region will add more than four million people and 120 square miles of new development over the next 25 years. There are many outstanding conservation programs underway in the region, largely led by non-profit organizations and supported by state and federal agencies, but there are opportunities for our local governments to play an even larger role. That’s why the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) developed the Regional Conservation Framework with high-level strategies to help the region’s local governments coordinate and magnify their conservation efforts.  

This first-of-its-kind project was based on extensive listening sessions with local elected officials conducted throughout H-GAC’s 13-county region. The resulting framework lays out a high-level vision for meaningful conservation in the region, impactful strategies and attainable action steps. As part of the project, H-GAC established extensive on-line resources including a useful grants library, searchable by funding sources, eligible uses, and land types, proven best practices and case studies, and a helpful conservation mapping tool. 

The framework was funded by a grant from a local foundation who recently awarded H-GAC a generous follow-up grant to begin the Regional Conservation Initiative-an effort to kick-start implementation of the framework. Key elements to a successful project will be to work directly with local governments, in partnership with non-governmental and private organizations, to develop multi-jurisdictional partnerships and secure funding for local and regional conservation projects. Another key element of the initiative will be the development of public awareness tools and information resources for local governments to help build public support for conservation efforts in their communities. H-GAC will also provide data on the quantifiable value of conserved forests, wetlands, and other open spaces for residents of the region. 

The Regional Conservation Framework and related resources are available at h-gac.com/regional-conservation. For questions about this project, please email conservation@h-gac.com.  

Blog written and submitted by: 

Jeff Taebel, FAICP  
Director, Community and Environmental Planning 
Houston-Galveston Area Council 
 

2021 Project Achievement and Leadership Award Blog Series: NARC Recognizes the Leadership of Douglas R. Hooker

Douglas R. Hooker, known better by his colleagues as Doug, has been an exemplary leader in the Atlanta region for over two decades. Serving today as the executive director at the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), Doug has spearheaded countless projects benefiting people within the Atlanta community, and he’s worked to share his successes with regional leaders throughout the country in the process. These successes along with the extraordinary leadership abilities that Doug possesses, NARC is pleased to recognize Doug as a recipient of the 2021 NARC President’s Award.  

During his time at ARC, Doug has been both a strong leader in his own community and an active voice for regional councils throughout the country. Perhaps the best example of these qualities is the “Regional Councils for the 21st Century” effort, which worked to help regional councils evolve to meet the challenges of the future. In practice, this initiative facilitated discussions with regional council colleagues and elected officials while also bringing in expert assistance and thought-provoking exercises and readings to help regional leaders understand their roles in the community. This effort helped to ensure that Doug’s exemplary qualities will live on in future generations of regional leaders.  

Doug has also been a strong advocate for racial equity in regional planning. While at ARC, he pioneered a joint project with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) aiming to promote racial equity through a six-part conversation series for regional council directors. Each conversation focused on a different aspect of racial equity and allowed participants to learn, share best practices, and support one another both regionally and nationally. Further, it led to the creation of a resource guide for regional agencies aimed at fostering racial reconciliation and conversations between board members, community leaders, and staff. Though this project, Doug demonstrated the power of regional cooperation in confronting even the most prescient issues in our society today.  

Within the Atlanta region, Doug has worked in countless roles that made the community better off. To name a few, he’s served on the boards of Leadership Atlanta, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the Civic League, the Regional Business Coalition Board, Georgians for Passenger Rail, and many, many more. He also serves on the NARC Executive Directors’ Council and helped virtually host the 2021 annual conference on behalf of ARC.  

Doug is recognized in regional organizations throughout the country as a brilliant leader and champion for regionalism. He embodies much of NARC’s mission and is thus a perfect fit for this award.   

 

2021 Project Achievement and Leadership Award Blog Series: San Joaquin Council of Governments: EZHub, Fare-Payments-as-a-Service for the Vamos Mobility App

San Joaquin Council of Governments: EZHub, Fare Payments-as-a-Service for the Vamos Mobility App

In late 2018, the San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG) and the region’s 7 transit operators sought to integrate fares under the guise of easing the transit experience for riders by developing a program that would provide both trip planning and fare payments to citizens all in one online location. SJCOG hit the drawing board for new ideas and ways to improve the transit riders daily experience. Based on extensive research, planning meetings, and comments from presented concepts SJCOG decided to further invest in a system they already had in place. The Vamos Mobility application helps citizens plan their trips, all SJCOG had to do was find a way to build in a payment structure.  The Vamos Mobility app had launched in Spring 2019 through a partnership with transit operators from both San Joaquin and Stanislaus County, Stanislaus Council of Governments (StanCOG), UC Davis, and the California Air Resources Board.

In the Winter of 2019, SJCOG sought a mobile ticketing developer that would merge a fare payment system with the Vamos Mobility App. SJCOG partnered with Masabi LLC and their fare-payments-as-a-service product and in November 2020, EZHub was officially launched onto the Vamos Mobility Platform. This “one stop shop” provides users with seamless trip planning and ticket purchasing all on the same page. In addition to this, the program provides a contactless payment option and allows opportunities such as fare capping, ticket promotions, and carsharing reservations.

The platform ensures greater communication and coordination between transit agencies allowing them to work together as one region. This ultimately enhances the community’s experience by giving transit users the opportunity to purchase tickets from the seven participating transit systems. The partnership between SJCOG and Masabi is scalable in order met the needs of varied transit agencies providing more equitable access to the platform. The investment into Vamos made collaboration possible and will now make way for additional investments and expansions to the platform.

The development of EZ-Hub is a rare case in which competitors have joined together to enhance an existing taxpayer-funded program. It is a prime example of what can be accomplished through regional collaboration, coordination, and partnerships. The app, available from the App Store and Google Play, has connected residents of California’s Central Valley with affordable, clean, and safe transit.

EZHub How to Video

 

 

2021 Project Achievement and Leadership Award Blog Series: A Conversation with the Honorable Garret Nancolas

Garret Nancolas — who has spent over 20 years as mayor of Caldwell, Idaho, and over 30 years as a public servant in the region — stands as a prime example of the good that can come from people who understand and care for the place they call home, and we are pleased to recognize him as a recipient of the 2021 NARC President’s Award. Although he has decided not to seek reelection this year, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication and success in his region that will remain for decades to come.  

Mayor Nancolas began his career in public service as a member of the Caldwell Planning and Zoning Commission in 1987, before moving on to the Caldwell City Council in 1989 and finally being elected mayor in 1997, where he has served ever since. He is the only mayor in the city’s history to serve more than one term, and looking at his track record of success, it’s easy to understand why. Under his watch, the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS) expanded from a small planning association in Ada County into an effective and successful Metropolitan Planning Organization serving the entire Nampa Urbanized Area.  

Mayor Nancolas has also invested significantly in the next generation of leaders in his region and throughout the country. He previously served as the Vice Chair of the Youth, Education, and Families Council for the National League of Cities, and also established an award-winning Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council in his own city.  

These efforts exemplify how Mayor Nancolas’ leadership will benefit not just the current residents of Caldwell, Idaho, but residents for years to come. To gain insight on his successes as a regional leader, we asked Mayor Nancolas about his own leadership style, as well as the future of regional planning in his hometown and beyond. 

To further highlight the tremendous work done throughout the Caldwell region, we asked Garret Nancolas about his leadership style and the role he sees for regionalism in government — both today and in the future.  

1.) What role has regional cooperation played in your successes as mayor?  

The most important factor in success regionally is friendship, trust, partnerships, and relationships. Little is ever accomplished in a vacuum. As we know, regional cooperation is imperative to the success of any city, county and region. Working together has brought many regionally significant transportation projects to our valley, which in turn has helped bring many new major companies to Caldwell and the Region. Our household income has risen dramatically because of the new jobs created through this process. Our transportation systems are improved, jobs are created, families’ lives have improved, and we are enjoying a better quality of life as a region! 

2.) What lessons have you learned about encouraging people to cooperate on important projects? 

By encouraging others to cooperate, trust is built, friendships are established, partnerships are created, and the better for the whole is achieved. There have been numerous times over the years that the trust created has allowed us to make decisions that benefit the region over individual desires. In the long run, however, we have benefited individually as well. There is no question that the Theory of Rising Tides is true. When we succeed as a region, we have all been impacted positively by that success.

3.) In over two decades as mayor, you’ve obviously spent a lot of time getting to know the people in your community. How instrumental has that familiarity been in addressing community issues?  

It has been my privilege to serve the City of Caldwell for nearly 34 years. Two years on planning and zoning, 8 years on city council, and nearly 24 years as mayor. This has been the privilege of a lifetime, and I am so thankful for this opportunity! The best part is the wonderful friendships, working relationships, and partnerships that have been created. This is especially important in forming workgroups, committees, and commissions that are essential to the ongoing success of any City. When we need input on projects, events, policy changes, etc., it is so important to have citizens who are engaged and willing to participate! Our downtown is the epitome of this type of collaboration! With a new plaza, ice skating ribbon, more than 250 event days a year, a new college campus, and new businesses in downtown, which together draw more than 400,000 visitors a year. This could not have happened without the input and support from a wonderful community. 

4.) What is something you know now that you wish you knew when you first began your career? 

I truly wish I had known that I cannot make everyone happy. There will always be opposition in all things. My job is to work hard, be dedicated, be honest and serve with integrity, always working for the best for our families and businesses, the rest is up to them.   

5.) How has the shape and scope of regional cooperation changed throughout your career?  

When I first took office, regional cooperation was literally nonexistent! Cities in the Valley did not communicate well, the cities and counties did not cooperate. Ada County was referred to as the Great State of Ada. Boise was considered an 800-pound gorilla that always got its way. Canyon County did not like the cities and vice versa. Needless to say, things have improved dramatically since then. I believe that everyone realized that we, in fact, needed each other if we were truly going to maintain the wonderful way of life that Idaho and the Treasure Valley provides. The level of cooperation is amazing, and the results show how well it now works!

6.) What traits — in both yourself and others — do you think are most important to being an effective community leader? 

 I believe the most important traits for success in any arena are the same. Honesty, selfless service, truly being a good listener, integrity, teamwork, and placing your faith and prayers in a loving Heavenly Father. This formula will always work! 

7.) What future role do you see for regionalism in government?  

Regional cooperation is absolutely essential for future success in this and any region. With rising costs, difficult rules and regulations, rising populations, demands on all resources, etc. If we do not work together, it will be difficult, at best, to deal with these, and all issues we will face in the future. 

8.) How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the way you view your work?  

The COVID-19 Pandemic was unexpected and difficult. It made me realize how much kindness, patience, and understanding matter in the world we live in. With so many impacted in so many ways, it made me realize, again, how important families are, and how important friendships and relationships are. Yes, we deal with roads, and crime, and parks, and economic development and public services. But if we forget that lives and people matter the most, then we have truly failed in our obligations. 

9.) What impact has coordination with like-minded colleagues had on your own leadership abilities?  

The most rewarding part of my many years of being an elected official is the wonderful, kind, thoughtful, intelligent, dedicated, compassionate people I have had the privilege of learning from and working with! The lessons they have taught me are the treasures of being an elected official. I will be forever grateful for every moment of mentoring and teaching from these incredible people!!