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.