NSDI Future Directions Governance

1. NSDI Future Directions Governance FGDC Steering Committee October 3, 2005

2. NSDI Governance Report Purpose: • Investigate and recommend NSDI governance options. Desired Outcome: • National governance framework that engages all sectors and includes processes for setting goals, leveraging resources, and ensuring accountability. Recommendations: • Enhance the role and functions of the FGDC. • Establish a National Geospatial Coordination Council (NGCC) to provide national leadership for the NSDI. • Improve oversight and management of federal geospatial programs and investments.

3. Key Characteristics of NSDI Governance • Strong national NSDI leadership is needed. • Clearly defined national coordinating mechanism • Stronger authority and budget oversight • Sustainable funding and financing is needed. Build and provide financial incentives. • A Champion at the national level is needed. • There is a need for a continuing role for the FGDC for coordinating federal activities and supporting federal investment. • ROI business case is still needed.

4. Key Characteristics - continued • Involvement of all sectors is vital. • States play a critical role and there is a role for NSGIC for coordinating state-wide activities. • The private sector is critical in implementing a consistent standards-based NSDI across the nation. • We will need down-to-the-ground coordination among federal agencies. • Decision support activities must be driven by local issues and requirements. • The model must incorporate a feedback loop and a communications mechanism.

5. State’s Geospatial Coordination Function Model identifies entities with the authority to take action for building and maintaining the NSDI. National Geospatial Coordination Function