58 - The National Special District Coalition

The National Special District Coalition (NSDC) was formed in 2018 among state associations providing services to all types of special districts in states that also happen to have strong mosquito control programs: California, Colorado, Florida, Oregon, and Utah. Since then, the coalition has expanded to Arizona, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming, as well as with industry-type associations throughout the country. NSDC began its federal advocacy program in 2020 in response to special districts’ hardships obtaining COVID-19 relief funding that went directly to cities and counties. NSDC’s top priority with the establishment of its advocacy program is to ensure the term “special district” is formally defined in federal law.

Mosquito and vector control districts will benefit from having another federal advocate to complement the efforts of AMCA that specifically looks at issues affecting special districts as unique public bodies. Underscoring the significance, the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) consistently finds in its surveys that competent mosquito and vector control districts have dedicated funded programs. These districts exist across the country and continue to enjoy public support for their services.

Regardless of how these programs are publicly administered – whether independent or dependent –we are all dependent on each other and benefit through a good working relationship with our state and federal partners. NSDC can facilitate this positive, engaging partnership for mosquito and vector control districts and organizations across the states, and coordinated with AMCA.