Purpose
The purpose of this activity is to learn how to kick-start recovery efforts in earnest by identifying, appointing, and empowering an individual or core group of people who initiate recovery efforts and maintain needed momentum.
Why?
The selection and appointment of a recovery leader injects much-needed energy and positivity into the long-term community recovery processes and helps to increase support for the community recovery organization.
When?
After the Rapid Needs Assessment, or as soon as it is determined that long-term community recovery efforts will be needed. (Days 1-30)
Tips
- Ensure the appointment of a recovery leader complies with state and local ordinances and regulations and is properly aligned with the procedures and chain of command outlined in the community emergency operations plan (EOP) and/or recovery framework (if one exists).
- For qualities to look for in a recovery leader see the Additional Guidance section of this step.
- Although some recovery leaders may conduct their work on a pro-bono basis, there are options to fund this position (See FEMA Options for Funding the LDRM Position and for more information). They include Community Development Block Grants, community foundations, grant administration line items, Economic Development Administration support, partnering with multiple jurisdictions to fund a single shared position, Regional Planning and Development Council support, and others.
How does my community do this?
- Create a list of potential recovery leaders. Identify suitable recovery leaders if such a list is not already maintained in accordance with an existing recovery framework or plan. Your community’s chief executive, governing board, or council should identify these potential leaders, who are often (though not always) local government employees. For more information see the FEMA Local Disaster Recovery Manager (LDRM) Responsibilities.
- Assess the qualifications and availability of the candidates and establish rank order. For more information see the LMI Research Institute Local Disaster Recovery Staffing Guide.
- Select an individual who can commit to providing leadership services for the duration of the long-term recovery planning effort. Once a proposed candidate for the recovery leadership position accepts the assignment, the chief executive, governing board, or council issues a formal appointment to the position.
- Announce the selection of a recovery leader. Your staff, team, or community should empower the new recovery leader by providing political support through briefings, press releases, and other methods of the announcement. The chief elected official, board, committee, and/or emergency manager further empower the recovery leader by facilitating access to relevant information and required resources (e.g., through integration with EOC operations and relevant recovery-related emergency support functions).
Community Call Out: San Miguel County, CO
The San Miguel County Disaster Recovery Plan highlights the role of the Long-Term Recovery Manager. In 2017, San Miguel County began to develop the County’s first Disaster Recovery Plan. The Plan utilizes an all-hazards approach and identifies the core activities necessary for successfully implementing the recovery process. In addition, the plan describes the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders including the County’s recovery management structure.
Critical to the success is the Long-Term Recovery Manager, whose primary role is to manage and coordinate the redevelopment and rebuilding of the community. The Manager is appointed by the County Administrator or their designee when recovery issues become more long-term in nature.