Listen to NARC Executive Director Erich Zimmermann on RuralStrong Podcast
NARC ED Erich Zimmermann Discusses Regional Issues, Future Challenges with SWTDD’s Joe Barker Southwest Tennessee Development District (SWTDD) recently featured National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) executive director Erich Zimmermann on its RuralStrong podcast for a discussion on strengthening regional collaboration across the country. Hosted by SWTDD executive director Joe Barker, the conversation highlighted NARC’s
A Regional Look at Federal Housing Legislation in Congress
The Senate’s Road to Housing Act and House of Representatives’ Housing for the 21st Century Act Aim to Increase Housing Supply Communities across the country continue to face significant challenges in providing safe, attainable, and stable housing options for residents. Rapidly rising home prices, increasing rental costs, limited supply, and sustained demand have placed significant pressure on housing markets
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
Lessons from the Field: Economic Development District Designation
So You Want To Be an EDD? An Economic Development District (EDD) designation can be a great way to access federal funding opportunities and align your region’s economic development efforts. However, becoming an EDD presents unique challenges that require time, strong relationships, and the right organizational structure to overcome. NARC staff interviewed economic development planners across the country to understand the pros
How Regional Councils Are Advancing Zoning Reform
Welcome Back! Hello everyone and welcome back to the Regions Lead Blog – the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) blog for all things regional planning and policy. We took a hiatus, but we are back and better than ever! You can expect monthly entries from this blog with policy updates, legislative analysis, and summaries
The Environmental Protection Agency Sets First-Ever Drinking Water Standard for Forever Chemicals
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) National Primary Drinking Water Regulation, setting limits for five so-called ‘forever chemicals’ found in drinking water. These manufactured chemicals are used and found in various products including nonstick cookware, waterproof products, food packaging, and stain-resistant clothing and carpets. The substances are nicknamed “forever
The Future of the Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), is a benefit program through the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) that helps households afford access to broadband, which is now a necessity for work, school, healthcare, and more. Benefits within the program include a discount of up to $30 per month
Regional Councils Leading Public Rollout of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration manages and administers the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program (CFI Program), a competitive grant program created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The CFI Program aims to strategically deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in the places people live and
Looking Ahead: A Half Century of CDBG
Next year, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program will celebrate 50 years of supporting local community building programs such as infrastructure, economic development, housing, and disaster recovery. Since its establishment, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has helped communities across the nation address the most pressing challenges facing residents. While HUD’s
Now is the Right time for Solar!
The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) supports local solar energy leadership and is a proud partner of SolSmart. SolSmart is a solar energy designation and technical assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that helps prepare communities for the solar energy transition at the local level. SolSmart offers no-cost technical assistance
NARC Presents the 2023 Regional Leadership and Achievement Awards
The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) presented its 2023 Leadership and Achievement Awards on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 during an awards ceremony held at the NARC 57th Annual Conference & Exhibition. “As President, I am thrilled and overjoyed to congratulate the exceptional award winners,” said NARC President Jennifer Robinson, Council Member of Cary, NC
They Made a Deal
Late Saturday, President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced that they had agreed to a deal that would raise the debt limit. What emerged appears to be a true meet-you-halfway compromise, with neither side getting all that it wanted. The President had wanted a clean bill, and the Speaker had wanted significant cuts