2022 journal article
Governors and Hazard Mitigation Grants Management: Observations of State and Local Officials
NATURAL HAZARDS REVIEW, 23(4).
author keywords: Hazard mitigation; Governors; Grants management
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
13. Climate Action
(Web of Science)
Source: Web Of Science
Added: September 26, 2022
This paper describes hazard mitigation grants management activities undertaken by governors, an area that remains understudied. Governors play important roles in other grants management activities, and these actions have the potential to improve hazard mitigation shortcomings. Findings were derived from two projects: (1) a national survey of State Hazard Mitigation Officers (SHMOs) that explored their perceptions of the role of governors in the implementation of federal hazard mitigation programs and policies, and (2) semistructured interviews with individuals who were involved in the implementation of innovative local hazard mitigation grant programs. SHMO survey responses indicate limited engagement in several activities related to FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants. The results of the semistructured interviews show that some governors play important roles in hazard mitigation grants management activities, including facilitating partnerships and governance strategies, guiding state hazard mitigation priorities, and negotiating and securing hazard mitigation funding. Further research is needed to understand why governors assume active or passive roles in hazard mitigation grants management activities.