This episode of the 'Burning Questions' podcast tackles the complex and costly nature of disasters, focusing on prevention, response, and recovery. Host Ryan Maye Handy discusses the role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), its historical context, and President Trump's proposed changes to FEMA's responsibilities. Joined by colleagues Kristen Smith and Bridget Mitchell, the conversation explores the limitations of federal aid, the importance of state and local government roles, and the financial challenges disaster-affected communities face. The episode underscores the necessity of relationship building among federal, state, and local entities to effectively manage and mitigate disaster impacts. 00:00 Introduction: The High Cost of Disasters00:16 Historical Context: Who Pays for Disasters?00:42 Current Political Climate and FEMA's Role01:59 Introducing the Experts: Kristen Smith and Bridget Mitchell03:34 Understanding FEMA's Programs05:37 Challenges in Disaster Funding10:03 Local Government Financial Struggles15:18 Case Studies: Real-World Examples24:39 The Role of State Governments29:28 Conclusion: Moving Forward Together Host Ryan Maye Handy Ryan is a wildfire and land use expert for the Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire program. Her experience as an urban planner and former journalist brings invaluable insights to communities that must prepare for increasing wildfire risks.  See more about Ryan Guests Kristen Smith, Ph.D. Kristin “Kris” Smith, Ph.D., is the Lead Researcher for Headwaters Economics’ FloodWise Community Assistance program. Her research on hazards, natural resources, and rural economic development is informed by her on-the-ground work with local governments and technical experts helping communities reduce flood risk. See more about Kris Bridget Mitchel, PE Bridget leads flood mitigation technical assistance at Headwaters Economics’ FloodWise Community Assistance program. She is a professional engineer with more than 20 years of experience working with communities to provide permitting, design, planning, and construction services. See more about Bridget

Rebuilding after a disaster is in our DNA as Americans. Often, it is the measuring stick for our disaster recovery efforts. Rebuilding can also be an incredible boon for local economies. But rebuilding doesn’t necessarily mean that our homes and communities are safer. It doesn’t mean that the risk is gone. Join Doug, Ryan and their colleague Kristin Smith, a flooding expert, as they discuss how and whether to rebuild after a disaster. Links: * Building wildfire-resistant homes after disasters will save billions * Building for wildfire in Hawaii * America's urban wildfire crisis: More than 1,100 communities at risk Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Commitment to Long-Term Rebuilding01:22 Historical Perspectives on Disaster Recovery02:20 The Complexities of Rebuilding After Disasters04:31 Wildfire Rebuilding Challenges06:14 Flood Rebuilding Challenges08:46 Recurrent Disasters and Community Resilience27:11 Economic and Social Impacts of Disasters34:56 Conclusion: Balancing Risks and Community Needs Episode hosts Ryan Maye Handy Ryan is a wildfire and land use expert for the Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire program. Her experience as an urban planner and former journalist brings invaluable insights to communities that must prepare for increasing wildfire risks.&nbsp; See more about Ryan Doug Green Doug brings two decades of professional experience in fire departments and as a land use planner to the Community Assistance for Wildfire program. His practical insights and expertise in fire operations has supported dozens of communities working to reduce wildfire risks. See more about Doug Guest Kristen Smith, Ph.D. Kristin “Kris” Smith, Ph.D., is the Lead Researcher for Headwaters Economics’ FloodWise Community Assistance program. Her research on hazards, natural resources, and rural economic development is informed by her on-the-ground work with local governments and technical experts helping communities reduce flood risk. <a class="wp-block-button__link has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button" href="https://headwat...

Hutchinson, Kansas, Norman, Oklahoma, Auburn, Alabama, Biloxi, Mississippi, Fort Smith, Arkansas, Sioux City, Iowa. All these places now face the rising threat of urban conflagrations. Traditionally seen as a Western state's problem, wildfires are now affecting regions nationwide. Join Ryan and Doug in this episode as they discuss how recent devastating wildfires defy traditional classifications, forcing a reevaluation of urban planning and firefighting strategies. Learn about new risk factors, the pivotal role of building codes, and how communities can adapt to these evolving threats. If you're a planner, homeowner, or simply concerned about fire safety, this conversation is essential. Links: * America's urban wildfire crisis: More that 1,100 communities at risk * ‘It Got Everything’: Oklahoma Residents Who Escaped Fires Brace for Losses * Wildfire Risk to Communities Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Unexpected Wildfire Risks00:19 Historical Perspective on Wildfires00:50 The Rise of Urban Conflagrations01:46 Defining Urban Conflagrations02:26 Case Studies and Personal Insights03:04 Challenges in Fighting Urban Conflagrations05:08 Differences Between Wildfires and Urban Conflagrations08:06 Identifying At-Risk Communities09:09 The Paradigm Shift in Urban Planning12:05 Solutions and Mitigation Strategies16:39 The Broader Implications21:47 Conclusion and Call to Action Episode hosts Ryan Maye Handy Ryan is a wildfire and land use expert for the Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire program. Her experience as an urban planner and former journalist brings invaluable insights to communities that must prepare for increasing wildfire risks.&nbsp; See more about Ryan Doug Green Doug brings two decades of professional experience in fire departments and as a land use planner to the Community Assistance for Wildfire program. His practical insights and expertise in fire operations has supported dozens of communities working to reduce wildfire risks. See more about Doug Transcript Transcript edited for clarity Ryan Handy: In the last six years, North American wildfires seem to have hit a new level of destruction. They've burned thousands of homes, leveled entire communities, and killed hundreds of people. We haven't seen this kind of devastation since the great urban fires of the late 19th and early 20th centuries ravaged cities like Chicago and San Francisco.

At Headwaters Economics we map wildfire risk, and the recent wildfires in Los Angeles show that those maps are – tragically - very accurate. But across the United States, fire chiefs, elected officials and resident are pushing back on efforts to map wildfire risk claiming that these maps only increase insurance premiums for residents. Join Ryan and Doug in this episode to discuss the history of hazard mapping in the US and to hear, definitively, how risk maps affect your insurance.

We’re starting something new here at Headwaters Economics, a podcast called “Burning Questions” hosted by our very own Ryan Handy and Doug Green. They will be diving into the issues surrounding wildfire and the built environment, like risk mapping, urban conflagrations, and building codes.