Proposed FEMA Changes Shift Disaster Response to Local, State Agencies

"Disaster response should be locally executed, state or tribally managed, and federally supported."

That's the key recommendation of the FEMA Review Council tasked with investigating all aspects of the agency following an executive order from President Trump.

Stakeholders, including people affected by disasters, explained their dealings with FEMA as the group probed every aspect of the agency over the past year.

"The feedback received underscores widespread support for FEMA reform aimed at addressing inefficiencies, reducing bureaucratic barriers, and enhancing support for disaster survivors and local governments. Stakeholders consistently identified key priorities, including the need to streamline processes, decentralize decision-making, improve the access to mitigation and preparedness initiatives, and ensure fairness in disaster response and recovery efforts. Participants emphasized the importance of implementing reforms gradually, allowing for a phased approach that strengthens partnerships among federal, state, tribal, and local entities while minimizing disruptions."

After its review, the council noted: "States and local governments are the foundation of a successful emergency management system. As the immediate first responders, local public safety, infrastructure, and human service personnel require adequate training and equipment to manage all incidents effectively. States and local governments are on the frontline of recovery efforts following a disaster incident, working with states to reopen critical public and economic infrastructure. Beyond immediate response, local governments are essential for proactive community safety through proper land-use planning and by enforcing building codes to harden critical infrastructure against identified local risks." 

Further, the group suggested reviewing all FEMA programs and "maintaining those that are critical to our nation’s security. Further, rather than replacing successful programs, the future agency should double down on those with a proven track record of effective federal-state-local partnership such as the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, National Urban Search and Rescue Program, Centers for Domestic Preparedness, and U.S. Fire Administration among others."

Specifically, the council listed successful agencies including:

• National Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Program: This program, with itsnetwork of 28 task forces, has a decades-long history of successfully integratingfederal, state, and local emergency response teams. The future agency enhancesfunding and expands capabilities for these task forces, ensuring they remain a cornerstone of specialized, on-the-ground support. Leverage this successful program as a model to expand the State Urban Search and Rescue (SUSAR) programs.
• Centers for Domestic Preparedness (CDP): The CDP provides invaluable,federally funded training for state, local, tribal, and territorial emergencyresponders in areas such as incident management and mass casualty response. A transformed agency expands access to and funding for this training, ensuring firstresponders across the country are equipped  for a wide array of threats, including complex disasters and terrorist acts.
• U.S. Fire Administration (USFA): The USFA already works with local fire
  departments to reduce fire-related injuries and fatalities through training and resource provision. The transformed agency builds on this relationship by better integrating USFA support into overall disaster preparedness and response strategies, particularly for incidents involving complex hazards like wildfires.