Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act
Defining “Special District” to Break Down Barriers
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.
Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, sponsors the bipartisan H.R. 2766, the Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act, alongside Democratic co-lead Rep. Brittany Pettersen of Colorado. The bill would require the Office of Management and Budget to direct federal agencies to adopt the definition for program guidance within six months of the bill’s enactment.
AASD has published this landing page for America’s Districts to advocate. For more information, email contact@americasdistricts.org.
AASD Quarterly Public Policy Coffee – Special Presentation
Join Cole Arreola-Karr, AASD Executive Director, for a deep dive into the history and background of efforts to define “special district” and what special district stakeholders can expect in the 119th Congress with the Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act.
May, 1, 2025
11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT
Live via Zoom | Non-Member Registration Fees Waived (Free)
Background
Congressman Pat Fallon, R-Texas, sponsors the bipartisan H.R. 2766, the Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act, alongside Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen, D-Colo. 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.
Why This Matters
Federally defining “special district” with a directive for federal agencies to adopt the term is a common sense policy to drive recognition of special districts as a local unit of government providing critical infrastructure and essential community services. Doing so would begin to remove impairments for special districts’ access to important programs for transit infrastructure, flood control projects, recreation programs, community development, and much more.
This public policy issue is crucial for all special districts and will set the stage to change fundamentally flawed federal policies that prevent special districts’ population figures from being federally recognized.
As the legislative process begins in the House of Representatives, companion legislation in the Senate is pending. Advocates anticipate Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas, to lead the Upper Chamber effort with introduction coming soon.
Need help with your advocacy? Email contact@americasdistricts.org.
Join the support coalition of America’s Special Districts stakeholders.
Use this Microsoft Forms platform below (powered by Special District Strategies, L.L.C.) to sign onto the coalition. Scroll within the frame/window below.
Read more from AASD on efforts to define “Special District”
AASD Statement: Introduction of H.R. 2677, the Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act
“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.”