NRPA’s public policy and advocacy team advances legislative and programmatic solutions that support our Three Pillars — Health and Well-Being, Equity and Environmental Resiliance — at the local, regional and federal levels.
The 2025-2026 NRPA Legislative Agenda will guide our advocacy work during the 119th Congress.
NRPA's 2025-2026 Legislative Agenda and Priorities
NRPA advocates specifically for the advancement of our three pillars, including the priorities below:
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
- Maintain the investment for the LWCF, which supports funding to safeguard natural areas and provide recreation opportunities for Americans.
Clean Water State Revolving Fund
- Maintain the investment in the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which plays a vital role in park-based water infrastructure. Parks can help prevent flooding and dramatically improve stormwater management in communities.
Chronic Disease Prevention
- Maintain investment in programs that promote health and well-being in parks and recreation. These programs, such as the CDC's Chronic Disease Prevention Program and the USDA's summer meals programs, build healthier people and communities.
Mentoring
- Maintain the investment by the Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) to support youth mentoring. Park and recreation agencies are on the front lines, delivering high-quality programming to improve community safety and success by investing in our youth.
Out-of-School Time Programs
- Support funding for out-of-school time (OST) programs through the 21st Century Community Learning Center program. Currently, 81 percent of park and recreation agencies provide OST/mentoring programs, serving millions of youth.
