The economic affects of the oil spill in the Gulf are devastating for communities with tourism-based economies. ICMA staff convened a conference call with managers and staff from these communities on Thursday, June 10th to discuss with them the most pressing challenges and identify ways in which ICMA may be able to assist. With ICMA president-elect Sam Gaston and incoming ICMA board member Lee Feldman on the call, as well as staff and the mayor pro tem from Gulf Shores, the discussion focused on claims and coordination.

The combination of lack of payment from BP for submitted claims and the arduous claims process were identified as particularly burdensome and threatening to the local economies, which are just beginning to recover from past hurricanes and the general economic crisis. Some small businesses are unable to make payroll; some have filed claims that have not been paid; others have been unable to work through the volumes of claims requirements. Because these communities depend on tourism, and the summer season is in full swing, the losses are immediate.  An simpler, expedited process is urgently needed.

Clean up management is another challenge. BP reportedly deploys a clean-up contractor to do manual clean up, which has not been always been effective. Coordination with the cities and counties around clean up efforts needs to be strengthened to minimize redundant efforts and take advantage of local expertise.

ICMA will be exploring opportunities to work with our contacts at federal agencies to ensure that the economic and environmental needs of Gulf communities are addressed. We will also explore opportunities to collaborate with strategic partners that may be able to lend their expertise.