REGIONS LEAD
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REGIONAL COUNCILS BLOG

Solar Power in Your Community: DOE Office of Energy Efficacy and Renewable Energy Release a Guidebook for Localities to Develop Solar Energy 

In 2022 the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) and the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) released the Solar Power in Your Community guidebook, which will assist regional and local government officials and stakeholders in boosting solar deployment and overcoming common barriers in today’s market. This marks the third edition of

March 14, 2023

FCC Releases New National Broadband Map – Understanding the Data Challenge Process 

On November 18, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the first draft of its new National Broadband Map, a comprehensive, location-by-location view of high-speed Internet availability across the nation. The map is a more detailed and precise reflection of the availability of fixed and mobile broadband services across the country.  The new map can be

December 2, 2022

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

October 31, 2022
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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

July 13, 2022

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

June 27, 2022
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NARC Celebrating American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) One Year Anniversary

This week marks the one-year anniversary of the historic investment in the nation from passage of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Throughout the week the White House has been celebrating the one-year anniversary by highlighting achievements made possible by the passage of the bill relevant information, fact sheets, and toolkits for communities.

March 11, 2022

NARC Legislative Update And Analysis: U.S. House Passes Reconciliation Package

On November 19, the U.S. House passed its version of President Biden’s  Build Back Better Act (BBBA), a $1.75 trillion (H.R. 5376) reconciliation package  that includes paid family leave, universal preschool, tax incentives, climate initiatives, and a Medicare drug price negotiation program.  The legislation passed on a 220-213 party-line vot, utilizing the reconciliation process that give the House majority nearly complete control over all elements of the bill and substantially limits the minorities ability to amend

November 25, 2021

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Bill Analysis

The Senate approved historic spending in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) – a $1.2T bill that reauthorizes the nation’s surface transportation and drinking water and wastewater legislation. NARC has conducted an analysis of much of the bill which is presented in two parts: a summary analysis and a chart with all of the transportation-related sections contained in the IIJA.

October 1, 2021

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

Doug Hooker has served as Executive Director of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) since 2011. Through his career he has worked on important regional and local projects including transportation planning, aging services, workforce development, water conservation, and homeland security. Doug is an active member of NARC’s leadership and currently serves as the Chair of the NARC Executive Directors Council.

August 20, 2021

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

NARC has a conversation with the Honorable Garret Nancolas, Mayor of the City of Caldwell, Idaho, recipient of the 2021 NARC President’s Award. Mayor Garret Nancolas has served on the Board of Directors of the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS) since its inception in 2000 and has represented COMPASS and Region XII on NARC’s Board of Directors since 2016.

August 13, 2021