Brief Description: Natural disaster resilience is both a public safety and economic development issue. A community’s ability to prepare for, withstand, and recover from natural disasters directly affects its ability to attract investment, support businesses and jobs, protect critical infrastructure, and sustain the natural and cultural resources that underpin its economy. This 90-minute session will feature a panel of experts who explore how tribal/Native communities can approach hazard mitigation planning and disaster preparedness as opportunities to build stronger, more resilient economies. Examples will highlight:
How disaster-related projects can create workforce and small business development opportunities;
How investments in resilient energy systems can keep homes, businesses, and community facilities operating during and after disasters; and
How regional partnerships and federal resources can advance both hazard mitigation and economic development in tribal/Native communities.
The session will also feature a brief introduction to the Native-led Next Phase of the Indigenous Economic Development Community of Practice and opportunities for CoP members to offer input concerning future deep dives/workshops, issues requiring collective advocacy, and pressing questions and potential research topics.
