Citation

Dzigbede K, Gehl SB, Willoughby K. Public Adm. Rev. 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, American Society for Public Administration, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/puar.13249

PMID

32836460 PMCID

Abstract

This research presents implications of the global pandemic on local government resiliency in the United States. We explore insights from local government officials and managers at the frontlines of response and recovery efforts to the biological natural disaster. Also, findings from the latest nationwide survey of U.S. local governments regarding their preparedness for weather-related natural disasters informs responses to the current crisis.

RESULTS indicate that local governments are innovating and taking strategic actions to fight the virus. This, even though COVID-19 has exposed social inequities exacerbated as the virus spreads. Survey findings of disaster readiness of local governments to weather-related disasters shows that small, resource poor governments will not be able to respond well, and social inequities will grow. Policy strategies at all levels of government must recognize and account for these inequities as threat of this virus subsides, to support stronger, more effective readiness for the next biological catastrophe. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Language: en