Poster #82 - New framework integrating LA urban water and fire resilience for stronger communities.

• In Event: Saturday Poster Luncheon

Abstract

This paper will thoroughly analyze the current governance frameworks and public policy structures that govern collaboration between water management agencies and emergency response systems in LA County. It aims to discover ways to strengthen community resilience through unified governance practices. Wildfires occur more frequently and intensely in Los Angeles County, representing an urgent danger to urban public safety and infrastructure. 

This study addresses how public policy and governance frameworks can be enhanced to amalgamate urban water management with fire resilience methods in Los Angeles County. This research aims to find the most effective ways to strengthen societal resilience to wildfires by analyzing the coordination, or lack thereof, among relevant agencies, particularly through improved policy integration and interagency collaboration.

Employing a qualitative research methodology, this study critically analyzes policy documents from water management and emergency response agencies in Los Angeles County, such as strategic plans and interagency agreements. Grounded in integrating inter-organizational theory and public administration principles, we examine the operational dynamics of fire departments, water utilities, and emergency management agencies during wildfire events. A review of case studies of past incidents will serve as empirical evidence, highlighting interagency challenges across the preparedness, response, and recovery phases, and thus provide a comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of the governance framework.

The results show that Los Angeles County's multi-agency governance operates in a fragmented manner because agencies function separately, which prevents efficient policy coordination and obstructs essential fire resilience initiatives. Findings reveal serious communication gaps between agencies, unclear responsibilities assigned during wildfire events, and a lack of shared accountability systems. This research argues that water management policies significantly benefit community readiness and recovery after fires. Furthermore, it illustrates why a combined and systematic policy strategy across all essential sectors needs to be implemented immediately.

The study demonstrates an essential requirement for a unified governance structure that combines urban water management with fire resilience methods in Los Angeles County.  To tackle the growing wildfire threat, agencies must focus on enhancing interagency communication, creating formal resource management agreements, and developing adaptive governance systems. Policy innovations linking water management methods with community-centered fire risk mitigation strategies, including water conservation programs and fire safety education, are vital.  Future studies must examine how particular policy changes enhance community resistance to wildfires.

Authors

• Eric Anthony Devezin, University of La Verne
  Presenting Author

• Sadman Hai Nafim, Independent
  Non-Presenting Co-Author