Regions Lead

The National Association of Regional Councils Blog

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

Kate Titowsky August 18, 2026

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

Luxe Langmade February 25, 2026

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

Erich Zimmermann January 6, 2026

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

Admin December 16, 2025

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

Admin October 17, 2025

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

NARC Staff April 12, 2024

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

NARC Staff March 11, 2024

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

NARC Staff January 18, 2024