Restoring Regional Economies in the Wake of Disaster: A New Report from the NADO Research Foundation

Written by freelance writer Fred Baldwin, this report explores the pressing economic issues faced by regional councils and economic development organizations in the aftermath of natural disasters. Drawing from real world experiences of two otherwise vastly different regions—Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Galveston, Texas— and their responses to the Iowa Floods and Hurricane Ike, this report uncovers the unique roles these organizations play in revitalizing regional economic engines and the communities that depend on them. Also included in the report are insights gleaned from disaster recovery peer-learning forums attended by disaster recovery coordinators and regional economic development leaders from around the country.

Click here to download a free copy of this report.

Acknowledgments

The NADO Research Foundation would like to thank all of the disaster recovery stakeholders who contributed to this report, in particular those who gave their time and expertise to tell the stories of Hurricane Ike and the Iowa Floods. We would also like to thank Fred Baldwin for writing the report and the U.S. Economic Development Administration for funding the project.

NADO Research Foundation

Founded in 1988, the NADO Research Foundation is a leader in the field of regional development studies. The Research Foundation identifies and shares best practices of regional approaches to promoting federal policies that strengthen local governments, communities and economies through regional strategies, cooperation and programs.