Successful recovery depends on all recovery stakeholders having a clear understanding of pre- and post-disaster roles and responsibilities. In keeping with the National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF) principles, clearly defined roles and responsibilities are a foundation for unity of effort among all recovery partners to jointly identify opportunities, foster partnerships and optimize resources. The local government has the primary role of planning and managing all aspects of the community’s recovery. Individuals, families and businesses look to local governments to articulate their recovery needs. Those plans should include a Continuity of Government (C O G) and Continuity of Operations (C O O P) Plan. Local government may become overwhelmed and need staffing, recovery expertise, leadership or other assistance. State and Federal officials work with local governments in the development and implementation of their plans and recovery efforts when needed and requested. Achieving Disaster Recovery describes the components of a successful disaster recovery management system for all levels of government decision making. Coordination, integration, community engagement and management are prominent system elements in keeping with the National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF) Core Principles of Leadership. To lead these critical disaster recovery functions, this chapter describes: * Recommended Recovery Manager and Recovery Coordinator positions at the local, State, Tribal and Territorial levels * New designated Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator (FDRC) positions * National-level disaster recovery coordination States lead, manage and drive the overall recovery process and play the central role in coordinating recovery activities that include providing financial and technical support. States oversee regional coordination of recovery, set priorities and direct assistance where it is needed. States are a conduit to local and Tribal governments for key Federal recovery assistance programs. In addition to managing Federally-provided resources, State government may develop programs or secure funding that can help finance and implement recovery projects. An example of this type of assistance is helping communities acquire appropriate insurance coverage pre-disaster or issuing bonds after a disaster. Where additional needs exist, States can reassign existing internal resources to streamline and expedite recovery, such as forming a new or ad hoc State recovery agency. States play an important role in keeping the public informed through strategic messaging and working with all other stakeholders to provide an information distribution process. State government agencies are also employers and need their own disaster recovery plan, such as Continuity of Governments (C O G) and Continuity of Operations (C O O P), to protect and assist their employees. PRE-DISASTER STATE DISASTER RECOVERY MANAGERS RESPONSIBILITIES * Serve as primary POC for disaster recovery preparedness with local, Tribal and Federal governments, particularly the Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator (FDRC). * Coordinate development, training and exercise of jurisdiction disaster recovery plan (Chapter 9). * Establish and maintain contacts and networks for disaster recovery resources and support systems. * Promulgate principles and practices that further resiliency and sustainability in development and strategic planning initiatives. POST-DISASTER STATE DISASTER RECOVERY MANAGERS RESPONSIBILITIES * Establish and/or lead a statewide structure for managing recovery. Provide support for local and/or Tribal recovery-dedicated organizations initiatives. * Communicate the roles and responsibilities of the State to the local and Tribal governments. * Work with recovery coordinators and leads at the Federal and other levels to facilitate the development of a unified and accessible communication strategy. * Support recovery planning processes, which includes individuals with disabilities and others with access issues, seniors and members of underserved communities, to fully engage constituents’ input and result in development of the community’s or Tribe’s recovery visions, priorities, resources, capability and capacity. * Ensure inclusiveness in the community recovery process, including persons with disabilities and limited English proficiency. * Facilitate communication of recovery priorities for all impacted communities. Communicate statewide recovery priorities to the FDRC. * Encourage incorporation of critical mitigation, resilience, sustainability and accessibility-building measures into the recovery plans and efforts. * Coordinate State, Tribal, Federal and other funding streams for recovery efforts and communicate issues and solutions to recovery assistance gaps and overlaps. * Collaborate with Federal and other stakeholders and supporters, such as the business and nonprofit communities, to raise financial support (including long- term capital investment in local businesses) for the community’s or Tribe’s recovery, leverage the resources where possible and resolve potential duplication of assistance. * Work closely with the recovery leadership at all levels to ensure a well- coordinated, timely and well-executed recovery. * Develop and implement recovery progress measures and communicate adjustments and improvements to applicable stakeholders and authorities. ### September 2011 3