While the issues of Homeland Security and Emergency Management are not new, September 11 has given them a renewed focus. Elected officials at the local and state levels are in an ideal position to shape the way this country responds to future threats. These elected officials, through organizations such as the National Governors Association (NGA), the US Conference of Mayors and the National Association of County Officials (NACO), are working to shape public policy, advise officials in the Federal government and develop public support mechanisms. 
 
Recently these organizations have developed or updated their policies and position on Homeland Security. In doing so it is clear that there are several areas that are focus points for these groups. Funding, program coordination, information sharing and response capabilities are among these areas. 

The US Conference of Mayors had been courting the decision makers in Washington D.C. for more direct funding to support Homeland Security issues. Their efforts, in conjunction with NGA helped to pass the $38billion in new funding. Of that money, the state Governor’s will receive $3.5 billion. One fourth with be automatically allocated for the Governor’s use, thus leaving $2.625 billion for cities and counties. This population-based distribution will be administered by FEMA and OMB. This $2.625 billion is very close to the estimated $2.6 billion the Conference of Mayors estimates it will cost in additional homeland security measures ($2.6 billion costs associated with the time period 9/11/01 – 12/31/02).

In light of this flood of monies to the state and local agencies, concerns over program coordination have been raised. The NGA has addressed this in their HR-10 policy (Domestic Terrorism and Homeland Security) by calling on the Office of Homeland Security to develop a comprehensive strategy for the common defense of the nation that reinforces the historic role of Governors in providing for the citizens of their states. The NGA is not the only group calling for the efficient use of resources and maximizing response capabilities, but they may be in the optimal level for state level coordination. 

The Conference of Mayors has expressed concerns on the implementation of funding and program support. Their position is that there seems to be very little support or funding for local law enforcement efforts in preventing and responding to terrorist events.

Information sharing is a point that all three groups seem to agree on. The focus of their concerns are however, slightly different. The NGA, for example, is focusing their concerns on the sharing of critical information and the barriers, such as national security concerns, associated with it. The NACO on the other hand has put forth resolutions looking into information systems interoperability, specifically the interoperability of geographic information systems (GIS) (mapping and visual reference systems).

Enhancing response capabilities went hand in hand with expanded funding and increased response expectations. The groups tended towards topics on public health, bioterrorism and increased infrastructure needed to support a large-scale response. One group in particular, the Conference of Mayors, stresses that not only will these activities help in the response and recovery efforts during a terrorist incident but will help ensure the communities economic security.