California communities face a significant challenge in recovering from disasters, often navigating years of rebuilding with limited support after the initial emergency response. Whereas immediate aid flows from mutual aid networks, the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), and the federal government, a gap exists in long-term recovery planning and implementation. This disparity impacts both rural and urban areas, highlighting the require for proactive measures to ensure equitable and effective rebuilding processes. A key discussion point centers on establishing dedicated recovery agencies *before* disasters strike, a concept gaining traction among state lawmakers.
The issue of long-term recovery was recently brought into sharp focus at a panel discussion organized by the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation, in partnership with the Emmett Institute on Climate Change & the Environment and the Sustainable LA Grand Challenge, held on March 5, 2026, at the UC Student and Policy Center in Sacramento. Experts identified a critical need for centralized accountability and pre-established governance structures to streamline recovery efforts and avoid delays in resource allocation and rebuilding. The conversation drew lessons from the 2023 Merced County floods and the 2025 Los Angeles County fires, illustrating the distinct challenges faced by different communities.
The Disconnect Between Relief and Rebuilding
The panel featured Megan Mullin, faculty director of the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation, who served as moderator; Julia Stein, deputy director of the UCLA Emmett Institute; Alex Carrillo, director of Communications and Public Policy Specialist at the UC Merced Community and Labor Center; Sol Rivas, Executive Director of Valley Forward; and Cecilia Estolano, CEO and Founder of Estolano Advisors. These experts highlighted a recurring theme: the lack of a coordinated approach to long-term recovery. In Los Angeles, the decentralized nature of local government often hinders the development of a unified recovery plan. Meanwhile, in rural Merced County, even when state funding became available after the 2023 floods, the county lacked the administrative capacity to effectively distribute it.
Without a dedicated agency responsible for overseeing the entire recovery process, communities struggle to marshal resources, navigate complex permitting processes related to infrastructure and water rights, and provide a central point of contact for residents seeking assistance. Existing local governments, panelists noted, often lack the specialized expertise, interagency relationships, and clear authority needed to manage both immediate disaster relief and long-term rebuilding simultaneously.
A Framework for Proactive Recovery
Current California law presents obstacles to quickly establishing a recovery governance structure with the necessary land use and financial powers. Creating such an agency *after* a disaster inevitably slows down the rebuilding process. Establishing a pre-disaster agency, however, would allow recovery work to begin immediately, significantly accelerating the timeline. Lawmakers are currently considering Assembly Bill 2385 (AB 2385), authored by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, which would empower communities to set up these recovery agencies in advance of potential disasters. The California Legislative Information website provides details on the bill’s progress and text.
The role of universities in disaster response was also emphasized. UC Merced’s Community and Labor Center played a crucial role in assessing the needs of the Planada community following the 2023 floods, which disproportionately impacted farmworkers. The center, leveraging existing relationships with lawmakers, local officials, and community organizations, helped secure $20 million in state recovery aid. Similarly, UCLA contributed to recovery efforts after the 2025 Los Angeles County fires through the creation of disaster recovery centers, rapid research projects, and participation in the Blue Ribbon Commission on Climate Action and a Fire-Safe Recovery.
The Long Road to Full Recovery
A critical concern raised by panelists was the tendency to prioritize the speed of rebuilding over long-term strategic planning. While immediate reconstruction is vital, true recovery can grab six to eight years or more. Yet, current response and recovery planning typically focuses on a two-to-three-year timeframe. Three years after the Planada floods, despite the allocation of state funds, more than half remain unspent, and many households continue to grapple with mold issues and displacement.
In the aftermath of the 2025 Los Angeles County fires, rebuilding efforts are still underway, with city and county governments debating governance and financing models. In Altadena, a more socio-economically diverse community than the Pacific Palisades, 44% of properties sold have been purchased by limited liability corporations (LLCs), raising concerns about gentrification and widening wealth gaps. This piecemeal approach to rebuilding often neglects community-wide resilience planning and increases overall recovery costs.
Universities as Catalysts for Change
The March 5th discussion underscored the vital role universities can play in providing lawmakers with data-driven, community-informed research to shape effective disaster recovery policies. The experiences in Merced County and Los Angeles County demonstrate the importance of proactive governance structures that enable communities, regardless of size or demographics, to recover quickly, equitably, and effectively. UC Merced and UCLA, in both cases, were able to leverage their expertise and connections to inform the development of these frameworks.
The next step lies with California lawmakers as they consider AB 2385 and other measures aimed at strengthening the state’s disaster preparedness and recovery capabilities. Further updates on the bill’s progress can be found on the California Legislative Information website.
This article provides information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. If you are facing challenges related to disaster recovery, please consult with qualified professionals.
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