When President Joe Biden nominated Deanne Criswell to serve as the director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in 2021, she received a unanimous confirmation, showcasing rare bipartisan support from the bitterly divided U.S. Senate. With a background as a longtime firefighter in the Colorado Air National Guard and years of experience in emergency management at both FEMA and in leadership roles in Colorado and New York City, Criswell was well-equipped to take on the challenge of leading the agency. Her mission was to shake up the status quo at FEMA, notorious for slow reactions to disasters and a resistance to adapting to climate change.
During her three-year tenure, Criswell made significant efforts to revamp FEMA’s disaster aid programs, overseeing substantial new spending on forward-thinking adaptation projects, and navigating contentious debates over insurance costs and reconstruction in vulnerable regions. Her objective was not only to ensure efficient operations during crises but also to transform the agency’s culture, prioritizing responsiveness to survivors’ needs and emphasizing disaster preparedness.
As hurricane season loomed, Grist interviewed Criswell to delve into how she tackled FEMA’s biggest challenges and her vision for reshaping the agency from within. Below is an edited transcript for clarity:
Q: FEMA has often been criticized for its sluggishness and bureaucratic hurdles in responding to disasters. Do you think that reputation is justifiable based on your experience working at FEMA and interacting with its services as a recipient?
A: While there have been valid criticisms, it’s essential to acknowledge that FEMA has evolved significantly since the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Today, we prioritize speed, allocate more resources for recovery, and offer a range of resilience programs to mitigate impact. Our approach involves understanding each community’s recovery needs through integrated recovery teams that collaborate across federal, philanthropic, and nonprofit sectors. Although there are complexities in recovery efforts, we are committed to providing tailored assistance to help communities navigate the challenges.
Q: Earlier this year, FEMA introduced reforms to its individual assistance programs, streamlining processes and enhancing support for survivors after disasters. Why do you think these changes took so long to implement?
A: From day one, we have been dedicated to improving our programs by listening to the challenges faced by survivors. Drawing from my experiences as a local emergency manager, I have firsthand knowledge of the obstacles individuals encounter when seeking assistance. By prioritizing people-centric approaches and recognizing the diverse needs of communities, we are continually adapting our programs to ensure they are responsive and effective.
Q: FEMA’s resilience programs allocate significant funding to climate adaptation and disaster preparedness, but there are concerns about disparities in resource distribution. How is FEMA addressing these disparities, particularly in underserved communities?
A: With initiatives like the BRIC program, we are working to ensure that all communities have equal access to resilience funding. By providing direct technical assistance and refining project evaluation criteria, we aim to support underserved areas in developing effective mitigation strategies. Our focus on maximizing the return on investment for resilience projects underscores our commitment to supporting communities with the greatest need and promoting equitable resource allocation.
Q: In response to criticisms regarding FEMA’s response to heat waves, do you believe FEMA should adjust its threshold for declaring heat disasters? How can FEMA better assist residents during heat waves?
A: While individual preparedness plays a crucial role in mitigating heat-related risks, FEMA is actively engaged in supporting communities through mitigation efforts such as tree planting and infrastructure upgrades. By collaborating with other government agencies and leveraging existing programs, we can enhance emergency response strategies to address heat wave impacts. It’s essential to adopt a multi-faceted approach that combines preparedness, mitigation, and coordinated response efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.
