This episode of the 'Burning Questions' podcast tackles the complex and costly nature of disasters, focusing on prevention, response, and recovery. Host Ryan Maye Handy discusses the role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), its historical context, and President Trump's proposed changes to FEMA's responsibilities. Joined by colleagues Kristen Smith and Bridget Mitchell, the conversation explores the limitations of federal aid, the importance of state and local government roles, and the financial challenges disaster-affected communities face. The episode underscores the necessity of relationship building among federal, state, and local entities to effectively manage and mitigate disaster impacts.
00:00 Introduction: The High Cost of Disasters00:16 Historical Context: Who Pays for Disasters?00:42 Current Political Climate and FEMA's Role01:59 Introducing the Experts: Kristen Smith and Bridget Mitchell03:34 Understanding FEMA's Programs05:37 Challenges in Disaster Funding10:03 Local Government Financial Struggles15:18 Case Studies: Real-World Examples24:39 The Role of State Governments29:28 Conclusion: Moving Forward Together
Host
(https://headwaterseconomics.org/author/ryan-maye-handy/)
Ryan Maye Handy
Ryan is a wildfire and land use expert for the Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire program. Her experience as an urban planner and former journalist brings invaluable insights to communities that must prepare for increasing wildfire risks.
See more about Ryan (https://headwaterseconomics.org/author/ryan-maye-handy/)
Guests
(https://headwaterseconomics.org/author/kris-smith/)
Kristen Smith, Ph.D.
Kristin “Kris” Smith, Ph.D., is the Lead Researcher for Headwaters Economics’ FloodWise Community Assistance program. Her research on hazards, natural resources, and rural economic development is informed by her on-the-ground work with local governments and technical experts helping communities reduce flood risk.
See more about Kris (https://headwaterseconomics.org/author/kris-smith/)
(https://headwaterseconomics.org/author/bridget-mitchell/)
Bridget Mitchel, PE
Bridget leads flood mitigation technical assistance at Headwaters Economics’ FloodWise Community Assistance program. She is a professional engineer with more than 20 years of experience working with communities to provide permitting, design, planning, and construction services.
See more about Bridget (https://headwaterseconomics.org/author/bridget-mitchell/)
24 Jul 2025
Do we rebuild after a disaster?
Rebuilding after a disaster is in our DNA as Americans. Often, it is the measuring stick for our disaster recovery efforts. Rebuilding can also be an incredible boon for local economies (https://www.rand.org/pubs/commentary/2023/09/disaster-recovery-creates-its-own-bubble.html). But rebuilding doesn’t necessarily mean that our homes and communities are safer. It doesn’t mean that the risk is gone. Join Doug, Ryan and their colleague Kristin Smith, a flooding expert, as they discuss how and whether to rebuild after a disaster.
Links:
* Building wildfire-resistant homes after disasters will save billions (https://headwaterseconomics.org/headwaters/building-wildfire-resistant-homes-after-disasters-will-save-billions/)
* Building for wildfire in Hawaii (https://cpaw.headwaterseconomics.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2024HE-Building-For-Wildfire-in-Hawaii-R4.pdf)
* America's urban wildfire crisis: More than 1,100 communities at risk (https://headwaterseconomics.org/wildfire/more-than-1100-communities-urban-wildfire-risk/)
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: Commitment to Long-Term Rebuilding01:22 Historical Perspectives on Disaster Recovery02:20 The Complexities of Rebuilding After Disasters04:31 Wildfire Rebuilding Challenges06:14 Flood Rebuilding Challenges08:46 Recurrent Disasters and Community Resilience27:11 Economic and Social Impacts of Disasters34:56 Conclusion: Balancing Risks and Community Needs
Episode hosts
(https://headwaterseconomics.org/author/ryan-maye-handy/)
Ryan Maye Handy
Ryan is a wildfire and land use expert for the Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire program. Her experience as an urban planner and former journalist brings invaluable insights to communities that must prepare for increasing wildfire risks.
See more about Ryan (https://headwaterseconomics.org/author/ryan-maye-handy/)
(https://headwaterseconomics.org/author/doug-green/)
Doug Green
Doug brings two decades of professional experience in fire departments and as a land use planner to the Community Assistance for Wildfire program. His practical insights and expertise in fire operations has supported dozens of communities working to reduce wildfire risks.
See more about Doug (https://headwaterseconomics.org/author/doug-green/)
Guest
(https://headwaterseconomics.org/author/kris-smith/)
Kristen Smith, Ph.D.
Kristin “Kris” Smith, Ph.D., is the Lead Researcher for Headwaters Economics’ FloodWise Community Assistance program. Her research on hazards, natural resources, and rural economic development is informed by her on-the-ground work with local governments and technical experts helping communities reduce flood risk.
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6 Jun 2025
Urban conflagrations, are they wildfire?
Ryan Maye Handy and Doug Green explore the increasing threat of urban conflagrations across the nation, which are defying traditional classifications and forcing a change in urban planning.
2 May 2025
Wildfire risk maps: Are they necessary?
At Headwaters Economics we map wildfire risk, and the recent wildfires in Los Angeles show that those maps are – tragically - very accurate. But across the United States, fire chiefs, elected officials and resident are pushing back on efforts to map wildfire risk claiming that these maps only increase insurance premiums for residents. Join Ryan and Doug in this episode to discuss the history of hazard mapping in the US and to hear, definitively, how risk maps affect your insurance.
1 May 2025
Season 1 Trailer
We’re starting something new here at Headwaters Economics, a podcast called “Burning Questions” hosted by our very own Ryan Handy and Doug Green. They will be diving into the issues surrounding wildfire and the built environment, like risk mapping, urban conflagrations, and building codes.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 20 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
27
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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