Disasters continue to increase in frequency and magnitude. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in 2023 alone, the United States (US) experienced 28 weather/climate disaster events from coast to coast, with losses exceeding $1 billion. Without substantial efforts to create more resilient housing and infrastructure, this trend is unlikely to change. While many initiatives – across all levels of government and the private sector – are making progress toward improving our nation’s resiliency, much work remains to be done. The time is now to adapt our nation’s policies, procedures, and programs that govern disaster preparedness, mitigation, recovery, and broader infrastructure investments to meet these challenges.
In 2023, Hagerty Consulting partnered with the National Academy of Public Administration’s Center for Intergovernmental Partnerships to host two roundtable discussions with practitioners and subject-matter experts in emergency management, grants management, and related fields discussing the challenges and opportunities associated with resilience planning in a federal system. The consensus from these experts was clear: federal policies, programs, and funding mechanisms often create intergovernmental challenges stemming from complex, burdensome rules, regulations, and administrative approaches.
The recently released report of findings from these sessions presents a thorough, actionable discussion of current federal programs and opportunities along with recommendations that intergovernmental leaders can use today to realize a more resilient future while simultaneously preparing their communities for natural or human-caused events that they will likely face.
Hagerty experts who supported this report include Stan Gimont, Senior Advisor for Community Recovery, and John Hageman, Deputy Director of Recovery/Federal Funds Management Practice Lead.
About the National Academy of Public Administration:
The National Academy of Public Administration is an independent, nonprofit, and nonpartisan organization established in 1967 and chartered by Congress to assist government leaders in building more effective, efficient, accountable, and transparent organizations.