Hagerty Consulting (Hagerty) is proud to sponsor and support the newly formed National Association of Counties (NACo) Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force. This group of 28 county leaders is charged with modernizing federal disaster policies, strengthening intergovernmental partnerships for disaster resiliency, and enhancing local disaster mitigation, response, and recovery capabilities.
“Every community in our country understands the fierce urgency of protecting our communities and building our resiliency to disasters,” said NACo President James Gore. “Having battled through mega fires, floods, and droughts here in my own backyard, I know that tasking this diverse group of leaders to work quickly and thoughtfully towards a set of recommended actions will enable counties to drastically improve our community, county, and nationwide resilience.”
When disasters strike, county officials and emergency responders play a pivotal role in the immediate response and long-term recovery efforts. From managing emergency services to maintaining transportation and infrastructure, counties serve as vital hubs of disaster management and resiliency.
For more than 23 years, Hagerty has worked alongside communities across the nation, helping them prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters of all types. By combining strategic planning, innovative solutions, and deep expertise in program and grants management, we empower communities to enhance their resilience and rebuild stronger.
Over the past four decades, the United States (US) has experienced 387 natural disasters, each with damages exceeding $1 billion. Collectively, these billion-dollar disasters have cost the US economy more than $2.74 trillion and claimed 16,434 lives—impacts that resonate profoundly at the local level. In 2023 alone, nearly one-third of all US counties faced at least one federally declared disaster.
“Small, incremental policy changes are no longer enough; we need reforms that accelerate recovery, eliminate roadblocks, and equip communities to prepare more effectively for what lies ahead,” said Brock Long, Executive Chair at Hagerty Consulting and former Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
“While there are many disaster response and recovery reforms that should be considered, streamlining the recovery process and fostering resilient rebuilding are critical first steps,” said Stan Gimont, Hagerty’s Senior Advisor for Community Recovery and former senior executive at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Gimont, who also serves on the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Task Force on Disaster Response Reform, emphasized that these efforts will help communities strengthen their capacity to recover swiftly, adapt to future risks, and build a foundation for long-term sustainability
For more information about the Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force, click here.
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NACo strengthens America’s counties, including nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking; promote exemplary county policies and practices; nurture leadership skills and expand knowledge networks; optimize county and taxpayer resources and cost savings; and enrich the public’s understanding of county government. www.naco.org