007: How to Overcome the Challenges of Meeting Urgent Needs Post-Disaster While Building Future Resilience with Michael Morter

“You have to have some structure so that when that event happens, there's a trusted grassroots network in place.” —Michael Morter

Episode Description: 

It is said that disaster recovery is part problem-solving and part relationship-building. It recognizes that both practical solutions and social connections are vital to restoring what was lost and building resilience for the future.

In this episode, Jennifer sits with former Wildfire Recovery Ombudsman for Oregon, Michael Morter. Michael helped communities navigate rebuilding challenges after the devastating 2020 wildfires and worked to address barriers that were impeding recovery efforts. Drawing on his experience in state government and insurance, he now advises communities through his consulting firm on navigating disaster recovery.

Listen in as Jennifer and Michael offer a behind-the-scenes look at disaster recovery coordination and insights directly from someone who has navigated these challenges first-hand.

They also discuss the importance of engaging local builders and navigating complex debris removal processes, innovative programs that increase access to recovery resources, as well as valuable lessons on community engagement, building social capital before disasters strike, and establishing trusted roles like an Ombudsman to cut through bureaucracy. 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebuildNorthBay/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

03:23 Building Social Capital in Disaster Response

10:03 Identifying Barriers Impeding Recovery Efforts

15:02 The Wildfire Ombudsman Project

19:19 Engaging Local Builders

25:17 Disaster Recovery Resources and Insurance and Settlements

35:12 Gentrification and Infrastructure in Rural Communities

40:03 Affordability Concerns and Alternative Sanitary Methods 

44:02 The Importance of Community Involvement

49:23 The Importance of Trust and Building Relationships  

54:44 The Importance of Having a Dedicated Ombudsman in Recovery Efforts