Special District Strategies, L.L.C.

Last week, the Arizona Special Districts Alliance adopted its first policy platform for the Grand Canyon State's special districts. It is another big step for nation's ninth 'umbrella' state special districts organization! A policy platform is essential for advocacy organizations to declare priorities, streamline actions, foster confidence in how members are represented, and can be used to steer delivery of educational resources. For organsizations serving #SpecialDistricts, a platform is fundamental to convey understanding of the common issues this diverse sector of local government faces. Is your special district or organization looking to establish and convey priorites for advocacy at the local, state, and/or federal levels? Drop us a message. We'd love to connect.

We are looking forward to being part of the American Association of Special Districts' Mid-America Special Districts Governance Summit AND the AASD #LibraryDistrict Summit in Springfield, Missouri! Please join us and fellow #SpecialDistrict leaders in Southwest Missouri, April 24-25.

Karr Advocacy Strategies was proud to coordinate the Ozarks Special Districts Summit back in July 2024, and now we are excited to bring this special event for #SpecialDistricts back to Southwest Missouri - with a broader audience from across the Mid-America region. Join us in Springfield for the Mid-America Special Districts Governance Summit, April 24-25, 2025!

Experience a greater #SpecialDistricts connection for resources, networking, and advocacy in the South with AASD's first regional governance summit in New Orleans, April 3-4! Registration is now open to join fellow #SpecialDistrict leaders and professionals for this first-of-its-kind two-day conference in the region. More information:

The National Association of Emergency and Fire Officials' Legislative Committee will meet (virtually) on January 14 for a review of the 118th Congress, what is ahead, and establishment of a federal legislative platform. More information and info on how to get involved:

AASD rolled out its founding set of state and federal policy priorities for #AmericasDistricts in 2025. These early principles are part of a "living document" approved by the AASD Advocacy & Coalition Development Committee, and the Platform will guide the Association's delivery of resources to our members, development of new organizations across states, and altogether advance special districts' advocacy efforts across the states. Interested in getting involved? Send us a message! We are eager to connect.

The American Association of Special Districts is committed to ensuring the nation’s 35,000+ special districts are recognized for the critical infrastructure and essential public services they provide to millions of Americans across all 50 states. For that reason - AASD strongly supports the Special District Grant Accessibility Act. This monumental bill serves to drive understanding across federal agencies to ensure special districts have level footing to access and interact with federal programming – from grant and finance programs to coordination on major infrastructure projects. The Association stands ready to be a resource on this effort to federal stakeholders for background on special district services, to provide constituent connections, and to deliver resources that special districts need to successfully advocate for the bill. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g5Mu4aaw #SpecialDistricts #LocalGovernment #AmericasDistricts

Special districts and their stakeholders from across America underscored the importance of the Special District Grant Accessibility Act - to establish a federal definition of "special district" - in a December 2 letter to Senate Leadership. They urge action on H.R. 7525 before the end of the 118th Congress. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gDX9EauM Karr Advocacy thanks the co-signing districts and organizations for their ongoing advocacy and support of this landmark legislation for all of the country's 35,000+ #SpecialDistricts: American Association of Special Districts American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) National Association of Emergency & Fire Officials National Recreation and Park Association Arizona Fire Districts Association Arizona Special Districts Alliance ASSOCIATION OF WASHINGTON PUBLIC HOSPITAL DISTRICTS ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS Kern County (Calif.) Special Districts Association Rural Water Association of Arizona Tennessee Association of Utility Districts Texas State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts Texas Water Conservation Association Washington Association of Sewer & Water Districts Washington Public Utility Districts Association Coconino County Arizona GovFin +17 special districts from across the country.

The #LameDuck is coming, and the Special District Grant Accessibility Act is still pending in the Senate. Crunch time is here. #SpecialDistricts are encouraged to advocate for this landmark bipartisan legislation to set a federal definition of what a #SpecialDistrict is, and to urge their Senators to support and pass the bill.

A variety of funding tools exist in #SpecialDistricts' toolboxes. Understanding how to advocate for, secure, and leverage them is key. Join two amazing #ParkDistrict leaders who have recently jumped through the hoops and a trusted advisor on how to approach impact/development fees for your district. Don't miss this American Association of Special Districts virtual forum discussion and a special legislative presentation, with National Recreation and Park Association's view from Washington. Register today! --> https://lnkd.in/gJDhXGDV