What Do States Spend on Natural Disasters?

Government spending on natural disasters is on the rise. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s largest disaster assistance program had eight of its most expensive years in the decade from 2007 to 2016. Congress and the Trump administration are considering ways to control rising costs, but they are doing so without comprehensive data on the contributions made by state governments.

To help inform federal efforts, The Pew Charitable Trusts will host a discussion about how comprehensive tracking of state expenditures could help all levels of government more effectively manage the growth in natural disaster spending. A presentation of Pew’s research will be followed by a discussion with emergency management experts about states’ role in paying for natural disasters. The event will be held at Pew’s offices in Washington.

Register to attend in person or view the webcast.

Speakers

Richard D. Flinn Jr., director, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (@ReadyPA)
Laura Adcock, disaster recovery branch chief, Ohio Emergency Management Agency (@Ohio_EMA)
Elizabeth A. Zimmerman, senior executive adviser, IEM Inc. (@BethAZimmerman)

Moderator

Anne Stauffer, The Pew Charitable Trusts (@AStaufferDC) 

Agenda

8:30-9 a.m.
Registration and refreshments

9-9:05 a.m.
Welcoming remarks by Anne Stauffer

9:05-9:20 a.m.
Briefing on Pew’s new report, “What We Don’t Know About State Spending on Natural Disasters Could Cost Us ” by Colin Foard

9:20-10:30 a.m.
Panel discussion with state officials, followed by questions from the audience