Resources for managers to guide their community’s recovery after disaster strikes.

Federal Resources

• FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) program is a critical resource for local governments facing the aftermath of major disasters. This program provides federal funding to help eligible state and local governments, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations, repair or replace disaster-damaged infrastructure. PA funds can be used to cover the costs of debris removal, emergency protective measures, repairs to public facilities, and other eligible expenses. By leveraging PA funds, local governments can expedite the recovery process and ensure that their communities are able to rebuild and bounce back from the effects of a disaster.
  
  The President has approved a Major Disaster declaration for areas in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia impacted by Hurricane Helene. Local governments in the areas covered by the declaration are eligible to apply for FEMA's Public Assistance program.
  
  Federal Public Assistance Program Cost Share for Hurricane Helene
  • Florida, Georgia, South Carolina - Federal funds for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program has been increased to 100% of the total eligible costs for a period of 90 days of the state’s choosing within the first 120 days from the start of the incident period.
  • North Carolina - The federal cost-share to has been increased from 75% to 100% of the total eligible costs for the first 180 days of the incident period.
  • Tennessee - For a period of 45 days of the state’s choosing within the first 120 days from the start of the incident period, assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program is authorized at 100% of the total eligible costs.
• FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program provides a range of resources to individuals and families affected by a disaster. These resources can include: housing assistance, home repair assistance, personal property replacement, medical and dental assistance, transportation assistance, and assistance with funeral expenses.

• SBA Disaster Assistance Loans – The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans to help homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes recover from declared disasters.

  Types of Available Disaster Loans

  • Home Disaster Loans - Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
  • Business Physical Disaster Loans - Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) - Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.
• CDBG Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) - HUD provides flexible Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to help cities, counties, and states to recover from Presidentially declared disasters.
• CDBG Mitigation Funds - Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) provides funding to eligible grantees in areas impacted by recent disasters to use this assistance to carry out strategic and high-impact activities to mitigate disaster risks and reduce future losses.

ICMA Resources

EJ TCTAC - The Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC), powered by ICMA, provides free support to local governments, tribes, and community-based organizations, particularly those facing environmental challenges. TCTAC offers tailored resources, peer-learning opportunities, and expert guidance to help strengthen community responses to environmental justice issues and climate-related challenges. Through its collaborative framework, TCTAC connects local leaders with environmental experts, federal and state resources, and non-governmental organizations. The program also offers training, webinars, and technical workshops, ensuring that communities have the tools and knowledge needed to build resilience and address long-term environmental concerns. To learn more, visit our website https://tctac.icma.org/ or email us at tctac@icma.org  

Disaster Recovery Essentials – an ICMA Leading Edge Research Report which provides tools for preparing your community to face the unexpected.  

Leadership and Professional Local Government Managers: Before, During, and After a Crisis – an ICMA Leading Edge Research Report showcasing leadership and management skills and techniques that professional managers deploy when a crisis strikes.

Rebuilding after Disaster Strikes – In partnership with IEDC, ICMA developed a series of 7 case studies highlighting best practices in disaster recovery.

Partner Resources

Restore Your Economy - Case studies, publications, reports, and webinars on disaster economic recovery. (IEDC and U.S. EDA)

Leadership in Times of Crisis: A Toolkit for Economic Recovery and Resiliency (IEDC and U.S. EDA)