What Does the "Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local Preparedness" EO Mean for NYS Municipalities?

On March 19, 2025, the White House issued an executive order titled Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local Preparedness, which aims to enhance the role of state and local governments in disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience. The order focuses on localized decision-making, which could have implications for how towns and villages in New York plan for and respond to various challenges.

Key Aspects of the Executive Order

• Increased Role for Local Authorities – The order emphasizes that state and local governments are well-positioned to assess and address risks related to natural disasters, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and other potential hazards.

• Development of a National Resilience Strategy – A coordinated strategy is to be created within 90 days to help guide state and local governments in strengthening infrastructure and preparedness efforts.

• Creation of a National Risk Register – This new framework will help catalog and assess risks to critical infrastructure, providing local governments with data to inform planning and resource allocation.

Potential Impacts on New York’s Towns and Villages

• Greater Local Responsibility – Municipalities may take on more responsibility for preparedness and infrastructure planning, requiring a thorough assessment of local risks and strategies.

• Budgetary and Resource Considerations – With an increased focus on local decision-making, municipalities may need to evaluate funding strategies for preparedness initiatives.

• Opportunities for Regional Collaboration – The emphasis on state and local preparedness may encourage neighboring towns and villages to collaborate on shared challenges and resources.

Navigating the Changes with Legal Guidance

As local governments adjust to these shifts, understanding the legal and regulatory implications will be essential. Municipalities may benefit from legal counsel to help:

• Interpret New Policies – Ensuring compliance with federal and state guidelines.

• Develop Local Preparedness Plans – Creating policies and regulations that align with the order’s objectives.

• Secure Funding and Resources – Identifying potential funding opportunities for infrastructure and disaster preparedness efforts.

With informed planning and strategic legal guidance, municipalities can adapt to evolving policies while continuing to serve their communities effectively. For guidance on how these proposed changes may affect your community, contact an experienced municipal attorney today. Our team can help you navigate the regulatory process, ensure compliance, and advocate for your interests.

If you have questions about local preparedness or any municipal, environmental, zoning, or land use matter, please contact Jacob H. Zoghlin at 585-258-2834 or jzoghlin@underbergkessler.com or Mindy L. Zoghlin at 585-258-2871 or mzoghlin@underbergkessler.com at Underberg & Kessler LLP.