Lessons from the Storm: Case Studies on Economic Recovery and Resilience

In the wake of natural disasters, local and regional economies are extremely vulnerable.  Businesses can suffer costly damage, be cut off from supply lines, lose sales, and experience interrupted operations.  In some cases, they may even be forced to close permanently.  The Insurance Information Institute estimates that 15 to 40 percent of the businesses affected by natural and manmade disasters never reopen.[1]  When businesses and industries fail or falter, the communities they serve can feel serious impacts, ranging from a lack of access to goods and services to the loss of income and jobs. This case study series produced by the NADO Research Foundation highlights the efforts of EDDs that received funding from EDA to help recover and rebuild from 2008 disasters in EDA’s Austin region and nearby states.  The case studies demonstrate how regions have effectively used federal funding to address the impacts of natural disasters, become more resilient to future events, and increase economic competitiveness and quality of life.  While every disaster and every region have unique characteristics, EDDs and other organizations can learn a lot from each other about planning for disasters during so-called “blue-sky” periods, building partnerships, pursuing non-traditional funding sources, encouraging community engagement, and seizing the abundant opportunities to build back better following an event. Featured Case Studies:   Additional case studies coming soon. Visit NADO's website to check for newly released case studies.