Economic Development Professional Role

Below is a chart illustrating both the traditional and non-traditional economic development professional role in the event of a disaster. It includes additional responsibilities in the event of a disaster as well as what they should be doing to ensure their business community is better prepared. A clear understanding of these roles & responsibilities will assist the professional in helping to spur economic recovery in their disaster-impacted community.

Economic Development Professional Role

	Pre-Disaster Role	Post-Disaster Role
Analyst	Understand how possible disasters could impact local businesses /industries	Understand current conditions/damage to critical industries, businesses, property and infrastructure Assess impacts on long-term viability of businesses/industries Provide cost/benefit analysis of recovery projects
Catalyst	Establish Business Recovery Task Force to work on preparedness activities	Participate in Business Recovery Task Force to identify immediate and long-term recovery efforts Garner input and support for critical recovery initiatives Update strategic plans to match current realities
Gap Filler	Outreach to public and private institutions about setting up a bridge loan program for a disaster event	Conduct concerted outreach to reconnect with businesses and identify at-risk companies Assist with bridge-loan financing until SBA loan approval Provide business recovery assistance and services Develop programs/intiatives as needed to support long-term recovery
Advocate	Advocate for mitigation and preparedness efforts Advocate for tiered business re-entry procedures Address impacts/adequacy of community’s emergency management plan from businesses’ perspective	Seek funding opportunities for recovery initiatives Communicate priorities and need for policy changes to state and federal leaders
Educator	Educate small businesses on business continuity planning Educate business community on community’s emergency management plan	Facilitate flow of accurate info to businesses Communicate “open for business” and “we need help and resources” messages Develop and distribute a disaster recovery guide
Visionary	Engage key stakeholders in visioning process to identify scenarios for post-disaster redevelopment	Envision how community can build back stronger, more resilient Connect public/private resources for building back a more resilient community