Federal disaster policy should ensure the responsible use of taxpayer dollars, reduce long-term disaster costs, and enhance community resilience. We focus on shifting federal spending from reactive, ad hoc disaster responses to proactive investments in mitigation and preparedness, such as hazard mitigation planning, resilient infrastructure, and Community Disaster Resilience Zones. By prioritizing smarter resource allocation, we aim to minimize waste, address the needs of vulnerable communities, and break cycles of repetitive losses while preparing more effectively for future disasters.
We address the financial burdens of climate change by exposing both the direct and hidden costs borne by taxpayers, including damages from escalating natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, and wildfires. We advocate for climate policies that maximize emissions reductions while minimizing costs, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. Our work focuses on increasing transparency in federal spending, eliminating subsidies to polluting industries, and supporting investments in resilience and clean energy to reduce long-term costs.