IT'S NOT EASY GOING GREEN

MUNICIPALITIES MUST GET CREATIVE TO FUND RESILIENCY IN A                TIME OF BOTH GREATER NEED AND REDUCED FEDERAL FUNDING

Austin Perez, the National Association of REALTORS’ senior policy advisor, who specializes in tracking the true cost of insurance, natural disasters and their impacts on homeownership, said many states prone to natural disasters have already become much more self-reliant when it comes to disaster response, recovery and rebuilding.

Since the devastation of Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Florida has had the top disaster response capacity of any state.

Perez noted that FEMA is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s leading agencies in coordinating logistics and immediate disaster response, particularly in situations that exceed the capacity of individual states.

While FEMA will continue to play a critical role in disaster response, states will likely need to assume greater responsibility for longer-term recovery efforts.

 

 

IT'S NOT EASY GOING GREEN

MUNICIPALITIES MUST GET CREATIVE TO FUND RESILIENCY IN A                TIME OF BOTH GREATER NEED AND REDUCED FEDERAL FUNDING

“You will have natural disasters where the feds are not going to be providing the same level of support,” said Austin Perez, the National Association of REALTORS’ senior policy advisor, who specializes in tracking the true cost of insurance, natural disasters and their impacts on homeownership.

While that may be a difficult adjustment for some states less accustomed to frequent disasters, it’s grounded in the U.S. Constitution.

Perez explains that, under our system of federalism, states hold primary responsibility for disaster response and recovery.

“Think of Katrina in New Orleans and Lahaina in Hawaii.

They were so severe and overwhelming, the states had to request federal assistance, including from FEMA,” he said.

PROUD TO BE A DEI WARRIOR THROUGH THE LENS OF DISABILITY ADVOCACY

I HAVE DONATED HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF PRO BONO UNIVERSAL DESIGN, PLANNING AND MOBILTY EXPERTISE

 I have, for the past decade, set a goal of 500 hours per year of pro bono planning work. All of it is focused on Universal Design, as it increases mobility for people with disabilities, supports aging in place and creates diverse, inclusive communities.

I have exceeded my volunteering goal each year. I think it is incredibly rewarding to share my experience and expertise.

Sadly, the design and planning community often push back against the Americans with Disabilities Act and design for all.

Putting my passion into educating people about the huge upside -- well, it is a way of showing that planning is a calling, not just a profession, for me.

IT'S NOT EASY GOING GREEN

MUNICIPALITIES MUST GET CREATIVE TO FUND RESILIENCY IN A                TIME OF BOTH GREATER NEED AND REDUCED FEDERAL FUNDING

In the late 20th century, the federal government — via FEMA — took on an increasing role in funding the prevention of; response to; and recovery from natural disasters.

The current administration is in the process of revamping FEMA, putting more burden on the states.

BRIC, which stands for Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, is a FEMA hazard mitigation grant program launched in 2020.

Many states used BRIC grants on green infrastructure meant to mitigate the impact of natural disasters.

Recently, FEMA canceled the BRIC program.

It may come back in a new, reduced form, but for now the roughly $750 million in annual funds is frozen.

 

 

IT'S NOT EASY GOING GREEN

MUNICIPALITIES MUST GET CREATIVE TO FUND RESILIENCY IN A                TIME OF BOTH GREATER NEED AND REDUCED FEDERAL FUNDING

Major projects take at least a decade, so planning for large infrastructure projects becomes difficult when federal support is in doubt.

To plug the gap -- Darren Olson, the engineer leading the American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE), 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure is vice president and assistant department head of the Water Resources Department at Christopher B. Burke Engineering in Chicago -- hopes many municipalities sell bonds.

He notes there is a side benefit as America rapidly ages.

Retirement-age people get a safe investment when they buy muni bonds.

IT'S NOT EASY GOING GREEN

MUNICIPALITIES MUST GET CREATIVE TO FUND RESILIENCY IN A                TIME OF BOTH GREATER NEED AND REDUCED FEDERAL FUNDING

Darren Olson, the engineer leading the American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE), 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure is vice president and assistant department head of the Water Resources Department at Christopher B. Burke Engineering in Chicago, said the ASCE estimates there is a $3.7-trillion infrastructure investment gap over the next 10 years.

He believes the federal government still has a significant role to play in funding infrastructure, especially sustainability.

IT'S NOT EASY GOING GREEN

MUNICIPALITIES MUST GET CREATIVE TO FUND RESILIENCY IN A                TIME OF BOTH GREATER NEED AND REDUCED FEDERAL FUNDING

Darren Olson, the engineer leading the American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE), 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure is vice president and assistant department head of the Water Resources Department at Christopher B. Burke Engineering in Chicago, said looking at life-cycle-cost savings is part of resiliency.

“When we are looking at a highway and budget for a transit lane, that is more expensive now, but it pays off over time,” he said.

“When we repair a road or make it more resilient, we also need to add more space for pedestrians and biking.

We need to make sure we’re not leaving anybody behind, that we are improving society when everybody is more mobile and more active.”