In the wake of the devastation of Hurricane Helene (Sept 2024), the L.A. wildfires (Jan 2025), and catastrophic costs from other natural disasters impacting communities across the country, local leaders are thinking more deeply about bolstering disaster preparedness.  Over nearly the past decade (2015–2024), the U.S. experienced 190 billion-dollar disasters causing over 6,300 fatalities and ~$1.4 trillion in damages. Hurricanes Helene and Milton alone accounted for over $100 billion in destruction across six states in a two-week period from late September to early October.  

These events, many with multi-state impacts, continue to prove the vast need for accessible climate data, a policy landscape that drives more investments in resilient infrastructure, preparedness plans, early warning systems, and a cohesive national strategy for resilience. 

The events have also resulted in the emergence of new locally driven solutions that build the capacity of neighborhoods and communities. One such solution is community-serving resilience hubs, which are facilities that are enhanced to support residents or critical infrastructure and coordinate resource distribution and services before, during, and after disruptions like wildfires and floods, heat waves, and even pandemics. 

This week, in partnership with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, C2ES is proud to share four case studies that showcase the variety of resilience spaces and hubs that are emerging in communities around the country. The featured examples include the Vicars Community Center in Atlanta, GA, the youth-centered Warehouse in Wilmington, DE, resilient fire stations in Fremont, CA, and the Central Park Recreation Center in Denver, CO. Local officials and community-based organizations, in partnership with state and federal agencies, have steadfastly invested in these local assets to provide daily value and improve readiness. 

The four case studies highlighted in the report, “Building Community Resilience: How Local Leaders are Advancing Resilience Hubs and Bolstering Critical Infrastructure” are just a sample of the ways communities are leveraging this approach to build resilience. More examples can be found with the Resilience Hub Finder, and in the expanding set of toolkits, technical guidance, and general resources created to help governments and other players by organizations like the Urban Sustainability Directors Network and the US Green Building Council. 

The examples demonstrate how local governments are playing a key role in supporting resilience hubs and highlight best practices that are key to their success. The efforts are marked by collaboration, perseverance, and innovation, with local leaders working together to stack funding from different sources, integrate community input from the first phases of conception, and leverage new technologies. And while resilience hubs won’t stop floodwaters or fires from devastating entire landscapes, they can be critical beacons of information, safety, and recovery for communities weathering the storm. They may also help ensure local responders have the resources they need during the most critical moments. 

There is a pressing need for greater investment in disaster preparedness and response programs. Expanding resilience initiatives and providing more grants to state and local governments can enhance their ability to prepare for and recover from disasters. As the new administration reviews its options to mitigate to risks from extreme weather and forge a sustainable path forward, collaboration between all levels of government, community organizations, and private companies will remain essential for advancing innovative resilience solutions.