Courtesy photo.
COCONINO COUNTY — Lena Fowler, Coconino County Supervisor, District 5 has been named to a newly formed National Association of Counties (NACo) Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force.
This presidentially appointed group of 28 county leaders is tasked with modernizing federal disaster policies, strengthening intergovernmental partnerships geared towards disaster resiliency and enhancing local disaster mitigation, response and recovery capacities.
“As the Coconino County Supervisor for District 5, I offer extensive expertise in disaster management, particularly in response to wildfires and floods in Northern Arizona,” said Fowler. “My leadership during significant events, including the Schultz Fire, has been instrumental in orchestrating complex recovery efforts in collaboration with local, tribal, state, and federal agencies while advocating for the development of resilient infrastructure. My in-depth understanding of the region’s unique geography, combined with my commitment to the welfare of our diverse communities, ensures a proactive and inclusive strategy for disaster preparedness and response.”
When disasters strike, county officials and emergency responders play a critical role in the immediate response as well as in long-term recovery efforts. Given the robust county role in everything from emergency response to transportation and infrastructure, to housing, counties occupy a central role that offers unique insight into issues of disaster management and resiliency.
“This initiative is of paramount importance as it enables the development of stronger, more resilient communities in the context of disaster preparedness and response. By facilitating the exchange of knowledge, resources, and strategies, we can enhance the capacity of our community and others throughout the nation to safeguard lives, preserve infrastructure, and achieve more effective recovery outcomes. I aspire that this initiative fosters collaboration and innovation, thus empowering communities to confront their specific challenges and emerge with enhanced resilience,” Fowler added.
Over the past four decades, the U.S. has faced 387 natural disasters with damages at our exceeding $1 billion. These billion-dollar disasters have collectively cost the U.S. economy more than $2.74 trillion and claimed the lives of 16,434 people – losses felt powerfully at the local level. In 2023, nearly one-third of all counties experienced at least one federally declared disaster.
“Every community in our country understands the fierce urgency of protecting our communities and building our resiliency to disasters,” said NACo President James Gore. “Having battled through mega fires, floods and droughts here in my own backyard, I know that tasking this diverse group of leaders to work quickly and thoughtfully towards a set of recommended actions will enable counties to drastically improve our community, county and nationwide resilience.”
The National Association of Counties (NACo) strengthens America’s counties, including nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking; promote exemplary county policies and practices; nurture leadership skills and expand knowledge networks; optimize county and taxpayer resources and cost savings; and enrich the public’s understanding of county government.
For more information about the Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force, click here.