Advancing State and Local Readiness for Faster, Smarter Disaster Response

The U.S. faced 23 different billion-dollar disasters in 2025 — one of the highest annual totals on record.

State and local governments have always led disaster response on the ground; as federal disaster policy evolves, they are likely to shoulder even greater operational responsibility.

This transition presents a significant shift. States and territories with limited resources, uneven local capacity, or less mature capabilities may face greater strain and slower response operations. Those that plan and invest now can build more resilient and effective emergency management systems and infrastructure.

For states and territories, the priority is clear: build the workforce, coordination and resilience needed to respond effectively and recover faster.

As disaster risk grows, states need integrated planning across infrastructure, housing and community resilience

The impacts of changes in climate patterns are ramping up the frequency and severity of weather extremes like wildfires, storms, floods and droughts. At the same time, as urban populations extend into previously undeveloped land, more people are living in higher-risk areas like wildfire zones and floodplains.

One of the biggest opportunities for states is to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure before disaster strikes.

“Disaster response and recovery depend on access to essential services such as energy, water, transportation and communications,” said Brittany Kelly, senior vice president of emergency management, WSP in the U.S. “These services also define how communities are impacted, especially when it comes to housing and utilities.

“Winter Storm Fern earlier this year is an example of how severely communities can be impacted without access to vital resources,” Kelly added. “Prolonged cold, ice and snow affected millions of people across dozens of states and disrupted interdependent services like power, gas, transportation and deliveries. The extreme weather also made it harder for repair crews to access damaged buildings and infrastructure, slowing down recovery.”

Assessing risk and integrating resilience into infrastructure upgrades, maintenance and capital planning can help states reduce disruption and strengthen preparedness before the next event.

Risk is shaped not only by hazard exposure, but by community vulnerability and access to resources

States face different hazards depending on geography, but risk is shaped by more than exposure alone. FEMA’s National Risk Index shows how communities with fewer resources often take longer to recover.

“Focusing support on who needs it most can help states protect at-risk populations and accelerate recovery,” said Tom Oliver, vice president of emergency management, WSP in the U.S.

“For example, when a powerful tornado devastated a community in Kentucky, helping restore temporary power and establish shelters and schools for displaced residents underscored the importance of this work,” Oliver added. “After a hurricane struck South Carolina, we supported island communities only accessible by barge by shipping equipment and supplies. Every community faces different challenges and being part of the effort to help people recover is what makes this mission so meaningful.

“Alongside maximizing resources, strengthening community partnerships can also foster the trust and cooperation states need to manage emergencies and build long-term resilience.”

Collaboration can help states expand capacity, strengthen operations and close critical capability gaps

While state-led disaster response can enable faster decisions and greater operational control, it also requires clear authorities, effective communications, and sufficient capacity across logistics, damage assessment, infrastructure support and long-term recovery.

“Public-private partnerships can help states close capability gaps, access surge support and add technical depth before disasters occur; strengthening both preparedness and operational readiness,” Kelly said. “It’s also an effective way to strengthen local teams and multidisciplinary skillsets, enabling states to improve response operations, recovery delivery and continuity of services.”

“Working together can help states build more sustainable workforces,” Oliver added. “Many emergency operations centers face high staff turnover and stretched capacity. States are investing in training, but to become more self-sufficient, they will also need to retain that knowledge and experience.

“We’re already seeing more interstate cooperation, with many using the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) mutual aid agreement to share staff and resources during major events. Expanding this collaboration into priorities and planning could help states leverage their combined expertise to strengthen collective preparedness and resilience.” 

Evolving federal policy isn’t the only change – digital is shaping the future

From AI tools that identify risks and prioritize resources to technologies like LiDAR drones that help teams manage fast-moving events on the ground, digital tools are improving situational awareness, resources tracking and operational coordination of disaster management, giving states the opportunity to modernize and scale their emergency operations.

“Technology can help states improve speed, efficiency, decision-making and transparency,” Oliver said. “For example, we have developed tracking software that monitors people, equipment, costs and commodities in real time. Sending 10 emergency supply trucks? Our dashboard provides real time tracking of where they are and who has signed for the deliveries.”

A more transparent and standardized digital environment can help states share information more effectively, improve interoperability, and coordinate multistate response efforts.

“Technology is only as effective as the infrastructure that supports it. Power, connectivity, fuel, and logistics all remain essential to keeping operations running during a disaster,” he added. “When a disaster first hits, it’s often about finding temporary workarounds, like using satellite internet to keep essential equipment running. We help states install, fuel and maintain backup generators and pre-equip buildings so they are ready to connect when grids go down.”

Disaster mitigation is an opportunity to strengthen community resilience and reduce future losses

Every $1 spent on mitigation saves $6 in future disaster costs, and evolving federal policy now has a greater focus on preparedness and resilience. For states, that means balancing near-term response demands with sustained investment in preparedness, infrastructure resilience and risk reduction.

“Mitigation measures, such as bringing older buildings and structures up to modern building codes or limiting development on floodplains, aren’t just important for disaster management,” Kelly said. “They can also be an opportunity for states to enhance local services, improve homes and create new public spaces.”

Close cooperation between local government departments — including those not directly involved in disaster management — will enable states to develop holistic solutions and help communities thrive.

“State and local leaders on the front line of disaster response face multiple challenges,” Kelly added. “And a collective response rooted in preparedness and resilience can help them step up and create safer places for the people who live in them.”