National Association of Regional Councils

03/17/2026

🎉 Congratulations to the NARC members recognized as Government Champions! 🏛️

In honor of the United States 250th Anniversary Local Gov 250 and the National Academy of Public Administration have named a group of Government Champions—public servants from across the country who exemplify “democracy at the doorstep” through dedication, innovation, and a deep commitment to their communities.

We’re proud to see several leaders from the NARC network recognized among this distinguished group:

Chuck Wemple, Executive Director, Houston-Galveston Area Council

David Warm, Executive Director, Mid-America Regional Council

Marlene Nagel, Director of the Office of Resource Development, Mid-America Regional Council

Jennifer Robinson, Former Elected Official, Town of Cary, Central Pines Regional Council

Lee Worsley, Executive Director, Central Pines Regional Council

Dawn R. Ramsey, Mayor of South Jordan, South Jordan City, Wasatch Front Regional Council

Tom Stanuikynas, DVRPC Board Chair and Burlington County, NJ, Supervising Planner, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

Join us in congratulating these outstanding public servants and thanking them for their leadership and service. 👏

03/03/2026

⏰ Just 10 Days Left to Submit Your Annual Conference Session Proposals!

With the session proposal and award nomination portals closing soon, NARC is hosting a webinar on Friday, May 6 from 3:00–3:30 PM ET to walk you through the process.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2HeSwCzlTRqDfYifaTebvA

During this 30-minute session, we’ll cover:

Submission criteria for conference sessions

What reviewers are looking for

Tips to strengthen your proposal or nomination

Q&A to answer your questions

This is your opportunity to showcase innovative regional work and nominate standout leaders and projects as we prepare to celebrate our 60th Anniversary Conference in Tulsa, cohosted with the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG).

📌 Deadlines:

Session Proposals: https://forms.office.com/r/vKvJNEvRNi

March 13, 2026 | 8:00 PM ET

Award Nominations: https://forms.office.com/r/hVYkWE1Z4Z

March 20, 2026 | 8:00 PM ET

Don’t miss your chance to highlight the people and programs strengthening regions nationwide. We look forward to celebrating with you in Tulsa!

02/27/2026

🚨 New Opportunities on the NARC Job Board: https://narc.org/resources/job-posts/

As the weather warms up, regional councils across America are looking for talented staff. The NARC Job Board is your one stop shop for careers in regional organizations, whether you’re looking for a planning, service delivery, or administrative role.

This month’s listings include:

💼 Executive Director, Mid-America Regional Council, Kansas City, MO

🚲 Mobility Manager, Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, Wichita, KS

🛣️ Transportation Researcher & Modeler, San Diego Association of Governments, San Diego, CA

🚗 Program Director: Travel Forecasting and Emissions Analysis, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, Washington, DC

👥 Public Affairs Manager, Alamo Area Council of Governments, San Antonio, TX

View all openings on the NARC Job Board and check back often—new positions are added regularly: https://narc.org/resources/job-posts/

Job Board Community & Economic Development DirectorPosted 1/27/26Pioneer Valley Planning CommissionSpringfield, MA Senior Transportation PlannerPosted 1/27/26Lehigh Valley Planning CommissionAllentown, PA Land Bank ManagerPosted 1/27/26Michiana Area Council of GovernmentsSouth Bend, IN Senior Accoun...

02/27/2026

Have an idea, project, or leader worth spotlighting? Now is the time. 🚨

NARC is hosting a short webinar to walk you through session proposals and award nominations for the 60th Annual Conference, June 7–9, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Learn what reviewers look for, key tips for strong submissions, and get your questions answered live.

⏰ Deadlines are coming up fast:
• Submit your session proposals by March 13 at 8 PM ET: https://forms.office.com/r/vKvJNEvRNi
• Submit your award nominations by March 20 at 8 PM ET: https://forms.office.com/r/hVYkWE1Z4Z
• Register for the webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2HeSwCzlTRqDfYifaTebvA

Join the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) for an informational webinar designed to help you make the most of the 60th Annual Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This session will walk prospective presenters and nominators through the process for submitting conference session proposals and...

02/26/2026

The Regions Lead Blog is back! In this month’s edition, Luxe Langmade breaks down the Senate’s ROAD to Housing Act and the House’s Housing for the 21st Century Act, and how regional councils could contribute to increasing housing availability and affordability 🏘

Read the blog here: https://narc.org/2026/02/25/a-regional-look-at-federal-housing-bills/

02/25/2026

New Member Spotlight: West Central Texas Council of Governments 🌟

We’re thrilled to welcome the West Central Texas Council of Governments (WCTCOG) to the NARC network! Serving 19 counties, WCTCOG supports regional collaboration in transportation, aging, public safety, economic development, and more.

Welcome aboard to the entire WTCOG team! We look forward to collaborating on stronger, more resilient communities across Texas.

02/09/2026

📣 Congress Introduces the Bipartisan BASICS Act

NARC is pleased to share that the bipartisan Bridges and Safety Infrastructure for Community Success (BASICS) Act has been introduced by Rep. Robert Bresnahan Jr. (R‑Penn.‑08) and Rep. Kristin McDonald Rivet (D‑Mich.‑08).

Read the press releases here: https://mcdonaldrivet.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-mcdonald-rivet-bresnahan-introduce-bill-support-local-roads-and-bridges

The bill strengthens several core federal transportation programs—STBG, HSIP, and MPO and RTPO planning funds—and reflects the priorities of regional councils across the country. It also marks an important step as Congress continues to craft the next surface transportation reauthorization.

From NARC President and La Porte County (IN) Council Member Justin Kiel: “The BASICS Act strengthens the vital work of regional councils, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), and Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs) to plan and deliver transportation projects that boost mobility, economic vitality, and quality of life. By directing more resources to local and regional partners, the bill supports infrastructure investments that reflect community priorities and local expertise. I applaud Representatives Bresnahan and McDonald Rivet for championing legislation that supports regional planning organizations, invests in locally-driven infrastructure, and helps regions build a stronger, more connected future.”

From NARC Executive Director Erich Zimmermann: “The BASICS Act supports regional councils, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and Regional Transportation Planning Organizations by strengthening the tools they need to deliver community-driven transportation needs. This legislation advances the reaffirms and enhances the critical role that regions play in delivering mobility, safety, and economic opportunity across the country.”

The BASICS Act is supported by the Local Officials in Transportation (LOT) Coalition, representing local and regional governments nationwide. Along with NARC, LOT Coalition members include the Association Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO), the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), the National Association of Counties (NACo), the National League of Cities (NLC), and the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM).

Read the full press release here: https://narc.org/congress-introduces-basics-act/

WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) and Congressman Rob Bresnahan (PA-08) introduced the bipartisan Bridges And Safety Infrastructure for Community Success Act (BASICS Act). This bill would help local governments access more federal resources to repair and rebuild roads...

02/06/2026

As NCR 2026 comes to a close, we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us in Washington, DC. Over the course of the conference, leaders from across the country came together for thoughtful conversations on regional issues, federal advocacy, and navigating change at every level of government.

The energy, engagement, and willingness to share ideas made this year’s National Conference of Regions especially meaningful. Thank you to our attendees for bringing your perspectives, expertise, and commitment to the table. NARC is energized by these discussions and ready to carry this momentum forward into 2026!

02/04/2026

Capitol Hill Day was a powerful way to close out NCR 2026 and put regional priorities into action on Capitol Hill. We kicked off the day with breakfast and an engaging discussion focused on the issues that matter most to regions and communities across the country.

We were grateful to be joined by Congressman Flood (KS-01), Congressman Cleaver (MO-5), and Congressman DeSaulnier (C-10), who took the time to speak with attendees about the challenges and opportunities facing their regions.

Following breakfast, NARC members, board leaders, and local elected officials headed to Capitol Hill for meetings with Members of Congress and their staff—advocating on behalf of regional priorities and reinforcing the importance of strong federal-local partnerships. Capitol Hill Day showcased the collective strength of regional voices and the impact of showing up together.

02/03/2026

We wrapped up the final day of NCR 2026 sessions with a dynamic panel featuring our partners in the Local Officials in Transportation (LOT) Coalition, focused on advancing regional and local priorities in surface transportation reauthorization.

The panel was moderated our very own Erich Zimmerman, and featured:

Brittney Kohler, Federal Advocacy Legislative Director, Transportation & Infrastructure, National League of Cities

Kevin Adam, Transportation Consultant, National Association of Development Organizations

Ben Gilsdorf, Associate Legislative Director, National Association of Counties

Katie Economou, Legislative Director, Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations

Thank you to all our panelists for sharing their insights on advocacy strategies, coalition-building, and how local and regional leaders can elevate their voices in Washington to shape transportation policy in the months ahead.