This study investigates how the distribution of fiscal responsibilities between federal, state, and local governments affects the city’s capacity to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to disaster risks. Drawing on analysis of nine key documents (including the master plan, City’s consolidated plans, emergency operations plan, capital improvement plans, Caddo Parish HMP, climate resilience and adaptation strategies and CAPER report, and flood hazard awareness brochures), seven key informant interviews, and budgetary data, the results found that while Shreveport benefits from formal fiscal transfers and federal hazard mitigation funding, the rigidity of earmarked funds and limited discretionary budgeting capacity at the local level often constrain proactive DRR investments.
Developing Governance & Collaborative Capacity
To address the need for additional funding and resources to improve community resilience, SCIPP established a new research theme that identifies “levers” that communities can use to improve climate extreme responses, such as dynamic planning, building codes and zoning, economic development policies, and fiscal, economic, or funding solutions. In addition, stakeholder engagement practices will be designed to increase the collaborative capacity of communities.
Fiscal Decentralization and Implications on Disaster Risk Reduction – Shreveport, Louisiana, Case Study
How Can Community Discourse Inform Natural Disaster Mitigation Activities?
The research question for this project is: How Can Community Discourse Inform Natural Disaster Mitigation Activities?
We find that a wide range of stakeholders (representing the community, governments, organizations, individuals, and even wildlife) are identified in public discourse related to flooding. Different factors, such as a direct or negative impact, a desire to help those at risk or in need, or a role-based obligation to “do something,” motivate stakeholder engagement. Many stakeholders have subject matter expertise or a desire to improve the community’s resilience. Some stakeholders may need assistance or resources to develop participation efficacy and may provide non-financial, yet tangible, resources to co-produce disaster mitigation.
A final report has been published for this project and is available here.
Stakeholder Analysis in the Context of Natural Disaster Mitigation: The Case of Flooding in Three U.S. Cities
This research identifies ways community dialogue can inform natural disaster mitigation planning. We use stakeholder analysis to explore indirect public engagement related to flooding in three U.S. cities (Tulsa, OK; Fayetteville, AR; and Waco, TX). Using publicly available data, we identify the types of stakeholders and potential motivating factors leading them to contribute to community discourse. We find a wide range of engaged stakeholders representing governments, organizations, groups, and individuals directly and indirectly impacted by a natural disaster. These results provide information valuable for tailoring direct engagement efforts to reach residents not participating in the discussion, especially those with elevated vulnerabilities or untapped resources who can co-produce flood mitigation strategies designed to make their property and public infrastructure more flood-resilient and improve community sustainability.
A SCIPP Research Brief of this project is available here.