The Policy Coordination Guide for Local Governments

Federal agencies are required to coordinate their plans and policies with States, Tribes and local governments for the purpose of achieving policy consistency, under specific Federal laws. Knowing what these laws are and how to ensure they are carried out in your local jurisdiction is critical to ensuring a strong local economy.

This Guide provides the information and path for local governments to insist policy coordination occur in your community. The Guide is written for local elected officials, staff and members of the community who have an interest in supporting the local objectives. It can be used by counties, special districts and even States interested in ensuring the policies of the three levels of government are aligned for effective governance.

The 100+ page Guide includes:

• Legal analysis of the Federal Coordination Provision;
• Step-by-step instructions on how to organize, initiate, and carry out policy coordination with Federal agencies;
• Model Coordination Resolution and Agreement;
• Guidance on how to write effective and clear policies for successful coordination;
• Instructions on how to conduct transparent coordination meetings; and,
• How to elevate policy inconsistencies for resolution.

Implementing policy coordination with the Federal agencies is one of the best paths local governments can take to ensure the local priorities are incorporated into the Federal planning objectives. This is key to protecting the health, safety and welfare of the citizens.

“It was [ASL’s] well-founded understanding of the underpinning Federal laws combined with their specific high-profile successes around the nation utilizing coordination that backstopped our efforts in Garfield County for which we are ever grateful.” Commissioner Tom Jankovsky, Garfield County, Colorado

“First let me congratulate American Stewards of Liberty (ASL) on another excellent ‘how to implement coordination’ document. ASL is the primary resource for coordination and we continue to look to them for advice and guidance, even after 25 years of coordination. This Coordination Guide will be a tremendous help to your county as you organize to implement or continue coordination, the best tool for protecting your local economy and environment.”

Sean Curtis, Director of Natural Resources, Modoc County, California