Coronavirus Resources for Local Governments​​​​​​​

Local governments across America are on the front lines in addressing the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Local health departments are serving as the primary agencies implementing the nation’s public health response. Local elected officials are implementing stay at home orders. Local law enforcement are enforcing restrictions on large gatherings.

But as local governments work to address this crisis, they are being bombarded with information and recommendations from dozens of sources, from traditional and social media to multiple federal and state agencies to universities and think tanks. To assist local officials in dealing with this overwhelming flow of information, the University of Maryland School of Public Policy’s Local and State Government Initiative has collected the list of resources below. 

These resources are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a comprehensive list but rather a starting place for local officials. The presence of a resource on this list does not imply an endorsement by the School of Public Policy or the University of Maryland. To report broken links, suggest new sources, or provide any other feedback, contact Eric Luedtke.

General COVID-19 Information

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Coronavirus Information
• World Health Organization (WHO) Coronavirus Information
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Coronavirus Information
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Coronavirus Information
• United States Department of Homeland Security Ready.Gov Coronavirus Information 

COVID-19 Resources Tailored for Local Government

• National Association of Counties (NACO) Resources
• National League of Cities (NLC) Resources
• United States Conference of Mayors (CoM) Resources
• International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Resources

Public Health and Emergency Response Information Pertinent to Local Government

• CDC Information:
  • Implementation of Mitigation Strategies for Communities with Local Transmission
  • Resources for Large Community Events and Mass Gatherings
• NACO Policy Brief on Safer at Home Orders
• Thomson Reuters Sample State and Local Emergency Proclamations
• NLC Blog Article on Addressing Health Care Shortages and Needs

Federal Stimulus and Supports for Local Government

• NLC Federal Resources Guide
• NACO Analysis of the 3rd COVID Supplemental (CARES Act)
• McKinsey Analysis of the 3rd COVID Supplemental (CARES Act)
• FEMA Program Information:
  • Public Assistance Programs and Policy Guide
  • Pandemic Public Assistance Simplified Application Information

Continuity of Operations

• CDC Continuity of Operations Best Practices
• NLC Resources on City Operational Impacts
• Thomson Reuters Checklist for Continuity of Operations Plans for Local Government

Children and Schools

• CDC Guidance for Schools and Childcare Programs
• NLC Resources on Children and Family Support

Retirement Communities and Independent Living

• CDC Guidance for Retirement Communities and Independent Living

First Responders and Law Enforcement

• CDC Resources for First Responders and Law Enforcement
• NLC Blog Article on Role of Law Enforcement During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Homelessness and COVID Response

• United States Department of Housing and Urban Development:
  • Resources on Disease Risks and Homelessness
  • Preventing and Managing the Spread of Infectious Disease for People Experiencing Homelessness
• NLC Blog Article on Homelessness Support During COVID-19