Comment Submitted by Mitchell Berger
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Summary: Mitchell Berger, writing in a private capacity, expresses support for the FEMA Review Council's work and provides specific recommendations to improve emergency management. He suggests establishing an innovation center, expanding tribal sovereignty, streamlining grant processes, and exploring international best practices and tax incentives for disaster preparedness.
Dear Mr. Powers: I write to congratulate the FEMA Review Council for its work and for completing the final report. The Council’s process helped focus governmental and public attention on emergency management and FEMA’s role, and these discussions will no doubt prove helpful as FEMA moves forward. I continue to value FEMA’s role and its staff and leadership’s contributions to our nation’s preparedness and wellbeing. FEMA cannot do this work alone, and through broad collaboration and partnership, agencies, organizations, and individuals can fulfill their shared responsibilities to plan, prepare, respond, and recover from disasters and emergencies. Please note that these comments reflect solely my personal views, not those of an agency, organization, or other individual(s).
After reviewing the FEMA Review Council Final Report, I would like to reiterate and expand upon several points I previously raised when the Council was formed. These suggestions are consistent with the Review Council’s goals, including supporting States, Local governments, Tribes, and Territories in working with FEMA and others; enhancing federal programs and resources to support communities; and improving efficiency and stewardship of public funds. Full comment attached below. Sincerely, Mitchell Berger