Public Safety

Public safety and emergency management services have become increasingly important at the regional level as the number and severity of man-made and natural disasters — including mass shootings and extreme weather events — are requiring local government and regions to rethink the ways in which they protect the public, deliver crisis management assistance, and allocate funds for these activities.

To ensure the public safety in all their communities, regional councils are increasing their investments in training and education for first responders and citizens, alike; communications between and among first responders, elected, and appointed officials, and the general public; programs designed to address post-traumatic stress disorder among first responders and citizens; resilient communities that are able to withstand extreme weather events, including fires, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and sea-level rise; improved planning to protect residents and communities during significant man-made and natural disasters; and smart growth that reduces the overall strain local environments. 

NARC believes strongly in the ongoing and continued need for investments at the local level, especially those that help promote safe and sustainable communities for the 21st century. NARC also recognizes the need for a unified national response – one that requires substantial investments and assistance from the federal government.