Rebuilding Safer

For low-income populations and those that have been systemically underrepresented in and underserved by government services—including disaster management and risk reduction—disasters bring disproportionate harm and slower, incomplete recoveries. Traditional disaster management systems, often designed to restore communities to a pre-disaster status quo, fail to address these vulnerabilities or to build long-term resilience. The result is a cycle of repeated loss, widening inequities, and growing financial strain on households, businesses, and governments.

State and local governments can break that cycle of repeated loss. Drawing on lessons from across the country, this guide highlights practical opportunities for strengthening disaster resilience through policy, governance, and investment. The strategies outlined here are designed to help states and local governments reduce future losses, protect public health and safety, and ensure that recovery efforts produce stronger, more equitable outcomes.

Strategy 1: Understand the risk and vulnerability. Build a clear picture of risk—including hazards, exposures, and vulnerabilities—to guide decisions and target investments.

Strategy 2: Integrate adaptation into existing systems and processes. Embed climate adaptation into existing planning, permitting, codes, and capital budgeting processes.

Strategy 3: Create new systems and processes to increase state and local capacities to adapt. Establish durable rules, authorities, and incentives to ensure that public and private decisions are informed by risk and can therefore stand the test of time. Establish roles and structures that build knowledge and capacity while also promoting cross-agency collaboration and coordination.

Strategy 4: Pioneer transformative adaptation approaches. Big problems require big solutions—bonds, tax structures, climate superfunds, and risk-transfer instruments—to fund long-term climate adaptation.