025: Day 3: WORKSHOP: Paying It Forward: Creating a Community of Practice for Long-Term Fire Recovery

How to Disaster

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Episode Description:

“Trust is so important to building a community of practice. And part of that trust comes from understanding where people are and where they stand.” —Michael McCormick

“Once the scene is stabilized and we start to clean things up, and then there comes a point where we start rebuilding things… and that's when the long-term recovery begins.” —Matt McRae

“There are simultaneous disasters occurring at the same time everywhere, and you never know what's going to hit you at that time, and you have to be prepared for it all. Anything and everything that could come, you have to be ready for.” —Heather Buch

Building a strong, collaborative community of practice could be a game-changer for long-term disaster recovery efforts. By connecting experts, local leaders, and frontline responders, this type of network has the potential to streamline resource-sharing, accelerate rebuilding timelines, and empower communities to bounce back stronger after catastrophic events. Establishing these vital peer-to-peer connections is crucial, especially as communities increasingly face the compounding challenges of climate change.

Facilitating the discussion are Farallon Strategies President Michael McCormick, Lane County District 5 Commissioner Heather Buch, and Lane County’s Long-Term Recovery Manager Matt McRae

The workshop covered a wide range of topics, from the differences between emergency response and long-term community development to the need for better resource-sharing and peer-to-peer mentorship. Participants also engaged in interactive exercises and a lively Q&A session, underscoring the hunger for this type of collaborative network.

Don't miss your chance to learn their strategies and get inspired to make a difference in your community. Listen now to the full discussion.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

• Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfterTheFireUSA
• X: 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:

• 00:21 Reducing Risk and Recovering Better
• 04:04 Workshop: Tracing Back Connections
• 08:33 Response vs Recovery
• 12:33 Competing Issues at Play
• 19:30 What Makes a Production Network Possible
• 21:08 Workshop: Finding Value in Need
• 23:18 Q&A

👨🏻‍💼Meet Michael McCormick, President, Farallon Strategies

Michael McCormick, AICP, is the Partnerships Lead, Founder, and President of Farallon Strategies, LLC, a California-based advisory, policy, and management consulting firm focused on climate change solutions and community resilience.

With experience across local, regional, state, and federal levels, as well as in non-profit, business, and government sectors, Michael leverages his diverse background to create interconnected governance strategies. He leads various initiatives, including work with the CSU Chancellor’s Office, the California Resilience Partnership, and CivicWell, and serves as an advisor and board member for multiple organizations.

Michael also teaches climate change, land use, and resilience at UC Davis and has held significant roles in local planning, consulting, and government, including serving in Governor Brown’s Office and the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccormickplanner/

Connect with Farallon Strategies:

• Website: https://farallonstrategies.com/

👩🏻‍💼Meet Heather Buch, Commissioner, District 5, Lane County

Heather Buch is a dedicated public servant currently serving as a County Commissioner for Lane County, Oregon, since 2019. She has been instrumental in leading the county through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Holiday Farm Fire. Heather’s leadership extends to securing critical funding for disaster recovery and advocating for affordable housing. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Seattle University and has a background in real estate and non-profit work. Heather is also actively involved in various regional and national committees, focusing on transportation and community development.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherbuch/

👨🏻‍💼Meet Matt McRae, Long Term Recovery Manager, Lane County

Matt McRae is the Long Term Disaster Recovery Manager at Lane County Government in Eugene, Oregon. In this role, he oversees the planning and implementation of recovery strategies to help the community rebuild and recover from disasters. His work involves coordinating with various stakeholders, managing resources, and ensuring that recovery efforts are efficient and effective. Matt’s expertise in disaster management and his commitment to community resilience make him a key figure in Lane County’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of natural and man-made disasters.

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-mcrae-a245508/