National Association of Regional Councils
What Their Move To D.C. Means for ACOG, Regions, COGsGreat Allies, Increased Advocacy
Yesterday the National Association of Regional Councils’ (NARC) staff unpacked boxes, perfected furniture placement, and started work in our new home at 660 North Capitol Street NW Suite 440, Washington, D.C. 20001.
What does this mean for regions? It means a lot and here’s why:
Their New Neighbors Are Great Allies
The National Association of Counties (NACo) and National League of Cities (NLC) are NARC’s hallmates in a beautiful, new building just steps from the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. This is a homecoming of sorts, because nearly 50 years ago NLC and NACo jointly created NARC (then “National Service to Regional Councils”) to recognize the value of regional organizations, facilitate cross-jurisdictional partnerships, and build stronger communities. Their ongoing dedication to these same principles will ensure NARC flourishes in 2017 and beyond.
NACo and NLC will also increase NARC’s capacity by sharing their technology and conference space with NARC. This means they can more easily host members, hold joint programmatic meetings, and facilitate online meetings and webinars.
United Federal Advocacy
The shared location of the three organizations better positions them for federal advocacy on the many areas where their interests align. It will increase the voice of local governments on the Hill. In addition, NARC will continue to leverage our unique position representing both elected community leaders and the regional councils on which they serve.
With the Presidential Inauguration and swearing-in of the 115th Congress less than three months away, there is much to be done. NARC’s 2017 National Conference of Regions is moving to the Washington Court Hotel, and the timing could not be better. Located just blocks from both Capitol Hill and NARC’s new offices, stakeholders will be perfectly located to outline their priorities to the new leadership in Washington. NARC also plans to take advantage of the conference’s new location with a congressional breakfast on February 15, to hear from congressional leaders on their plans for the 115th Congress.
The Building
The building is brand new, state-of-the-art, and LEED gold certified – meaning that it uses less water and energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Former Neighbors – Great Allies
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) has hosted NARC for the past eight years. They are grateful for their relationship with MWCOG, their engagement, and especially for their flexibility during this move.
About NARC
The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) serves as the national voice for regionalism by advocating for regional cooperation as the most effective way to address a variety of community planning and development opportunities and issues. NARC’s member organizations are comprised of multiple local governments that work together to serve American communities – large and small, urban and rural. Continue Reading…
Advocacy
Legislation and policy activities are critical to advancing the role and voice of regions. NARC is responsible for representing regional planning organizations in Congress and with the federal executive agencies. NARC staff work through a committee-guided and local elected official board-driven structure in developing and executing national legislative policies.
The Advocacy section provides information about NARC’s policy positions, current activities, relevant resources and how members and their local governments can take action on issues of importance. Continue Reading…
Follow NARC
Keep up with the latest news about NARC on Twitter. Follow @NARCRegions.
National Association of Regional Councils
660 North Capitol Street NW
Suite 440
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 618-6363
www.NARC.org