The Community Recovery Process in the United States after a Major Natural Disaster *

Abstract

After studying first-hand how 14 U.S. communities recovered from a major natural disaster, an organizing framework recovery process was developed. That framework depicts the dynamic processes that contribute to an efficient local recovery, including the key elements of recovery and the relationships among those factors. The three key elements are personal leadership, ability to act, and knowledge of what to do.

Of paramount importance to an expeditious recovery is effective intergovernmental relations. In those communities where the speed and quality of recovery was greater, local officials had found ways to (a) ensure more productive intergovernmental relationships, (b) compete effectively for scarce resources, and (c) better manage community-level decisionmaking during the post-disaster period.