RESILIENCE GOALS & OBJECTIVES
GOAL 1 – Strengthen Infrastructure Resiliency to Natural Disasters
OBJECTIVE
Enhance infrastructure to reduce the economic impact of natural disasters, particularly in high-risk parishes like East Feliciana, St. Helena, and Washington, which exhibit low community resiliency and high vulnerability to natural hazards.
ACTION 1.2
Integrate broadband expansion into disaster preparedness efforts to ensure consistent communication during emergencies.
GOAL 2 – Reduce Social Vulnerability and Support Vulnerable Populations
OBJECTIVE
Address social vulnerabilities in parishes like Washington, Tangipahoa, and Iberville, which are particularly susceptible to long-term damage from disasters and face higher levels of poverty and limited access to resources.
ACTION 2.1
Assist in developing and implementing targeted poverty alleviation programs in parishes with very high social vulnerability to enhance economic mobility and disaster preparedness.
ACTION 2.2
Enhance access to affordable housing and improve housing resilience in high-vulnerability areas by offering incentives for flood- and storm-resistant construction.
ACTION 2.3
Support a Capital Region Louisiana Flood and Wind Resistant Construction Accelerator program as a pathway to safer homes while mitigating insurance affordability.
GOAL 3 – Improve Economic Resilience by Supporting Small Businesses
OBJECTIVE
Ensure small businesses are equipped to withstand economic shocks and recover quickly from natural disasters, particularly in disaster-prone parishes like East Baton Rouge, Livingston, and Tangipahoa.
ACTION 3.1
Assist in providing disaster preparedness training and resources for small businesses in high-risk areas.
ACTION 3.2
Assist in establishing or bringing awareness to a small business recovery fund that supports business continuity during and after disasters, prioritizing businesses in East Baton Rouge, Ascension, and Livingston parishes with high expected annual losses.
ACTION 3.3
Work with disaster prone areas to map and develop resiliency hubs or community disaster resilience zones as defined by FEMA based upon services and programs, communications, building & landscapes, power, and operations.
ACTION 3.4
Coordinate and maintain the Capital Region’s hazard mitigation plans
GOAL 4 – Address Environmental and Public Health Risks
OBJECTIVE
Improve air quality and public health in areas like East Baton Rouge and Hammond, where industrial activity contributes to air quality concerns through the Regional Climate Pollution Reduction Plan.
ACTION 4.1
Collaborate with local industries to reduce emissions and improve air quality in the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Area and the Hammond Metropolitan Area.
ACTION 4.2
Launch public health campaigns to raise awareness about the health risks associated with poor air quality, targeting vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
GOAL 5 – Enhance Community Rating System (CRS) Participation
OBJECTIVE
Improve CRS ratings for flood-prone parishes, providing residents with greater discounts on flood insurance and reducing flood risks.
ACTION 5.1
Increase community participation in the CRS program by lessening the perceived burden through technical assistance and guidance, particularly in Livingston Parish and French Settlement Village, which currently have low participation rates.
ACTION 5.2
Implement additional flood mitigation efforts in high-risk parishes to improve CRS scores and reduce insurance premiums.
STAKEHOLDERS
FEMA, Small Business Administration (SBA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), State of Louisiana, Local Governments, Louisiana Economic Development (LED), Louisiana Housing Authority, Capital Region Planning Commission (CRPC), Floodplain Managers, Economic Development Authorities, Engineering Firms, Local Industries, Broadband Providers, Financial Institutions, Private Developers, Local NGOs, Community Organizations, State Social Services, Local Housing Authorities, Louisiana State University (LSU), Southern University, Research Centers on Climate and Economic Development, Local Chambers of Commerce, Business Associations.