The American Association of Special Districts strongly supports legislation introduced to federally define the term “special district” in efforts to address the primary problem impacting special districts’ engagement with federal projects and access to federally-sourced funding.
Congressman Pat Fallon, R-Texas, sponsors the bipartisan H.R. 2766, the Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act, alongside Democratic co-lead Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen of Colorado. The bill would require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to direct all federal agencies to adopt the definition for program guidance within six months of the bill’s enactment.
The intent of this policy change is to underscore across the Federal government that special districts are, indeed, local units of government, and to begin setting special districts on a more level playing field for federal dollars and projects.
“Defining ‘special district’ in federal law is the simple solution to a complex problem impeding the most common form of local government in America from being recognized for the essential services they provide,” said Sara Carroll, American Association of Special Districts President. “For far too long, special districts have faced hardship to access, leverage, or serve as stakeholders in important federal programs and processes – which negatively impacts services to our communities. A formal definition would lay the groundwork to place special districts providing critical infrastructure and community resources to millions of Americans every day on a more level playing field to engage with federal programs. AASD applauds Congressman Fallon and Congresswoman Pettersen for championing the bipartisan Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act as the catalyst to finally breaking down barriers for special districts’ access to more resources for local public services in their communities.”
The Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act comes after efforts in the 118th Congress’, H.R. 7525 (Fallon), which successfully passed through the House, 352-27, and Senate Committee, 10-1, before dying without action prior to the end of the 118th Congress.
Join the Grassroots Coalition to Support the Bill
Click here to join the grassroots coalition in support of the Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act.
Receive a template support letter to send your member of Congress, support for your direct advocacy, and get a talking points/discussion guide.
Click here for a one-page background memo.
The Importance of Establishing a “Special District” Definition
Because of its wide-ranging policy impacts, defining “special district” is a primary AASD priority.
Defining “special district” in federal law with the force of an OMB directive would underscore special districts as a unit of local government and improve special districts’ inclusion in planning processes, as partners in federal infrastructure projects, and moreover ensure districts are on a more level playing field for federal funding, in general.
The benefits of a “special district” definition would extend beyond grant and finance programs, and stands to elevate special districts’ standing and ability to get involved with intergovernmental planning processes for federal infrastructure projects and improve how federal funding is allocated through the states. Further, the legislation would set the cornerstone to finally address major problems, such as federal agencies’ inability to certify special districts’ population figures.
The American Association of Special Districts is encouraging all of America’s special districts to advocate for this critical effort to break down hurdles to leveraging and participating in federal programs.
Click here to join the broader legislative coalition to support the bill to define “Special District”. Supporting districts will receive AASD resources for their individual advocacy in support of the bill including a template support letter, and will have the option of being included on future coalition advocacy letters to Congressional leadership.
The American Association of Special Districts will be closely monitoring this critical legislation, rallying special districts to action, and will be keeping members updated on major developments. For questions, please contact Cole Arreola-Karr, AASD Executive Director, at contact@americasdistricts.org.