Petition for the Appointment of State and Local Emergency Management Professionals to the FEMA Review Council

To: The President of the United States, The United States Congress, and The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

We, the undersigned, call for the appointment of state emergency management professionals to the FEMA Review Council. This petition recognizes the critical importance of experienced, on-the-ground leadership in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. State and Local emergency management professionals bring the essential expertise and real-world experience needed to restructure FEMA effectively. 

President Trump has advocated for States to have a a larger role in disaster response and recovery. Then why not invite State Emergency Managers to serve on the Council? State emergency management capabilities vary widely across the country. Many states, both republican and democratic, rely heavily on federal resources during disaster response. State Emergency Managers are the experts on the extent and limitations of their ability to respond to disasters. 

Currently, the FEMA Review Council includes only politicians, who lack the technical expertise necessary to make recommendations to restructure FEMA in an effective manner. While politicians can play a role in advocating for disaster relief, those who have dedicated their careers to managing emergencies are better equipped to advocate for the needs of disaster-stricken communities.

State and Local Emergency Managers possess:

Practical, Real-World Experience: Unlike politicians, who often lack direct, hands-on experience with disaster management, State and Local emergency management professionals understand the logistics, coordination, and long-term strategies required to manage large-scale emergencies effectively.

A Focus on Service, Not Politics: Emergency managers work to save lives, protect communities, and ensure a quick recovery. Their decisions are driven by their commitment to public service, not by political agendas. This makes them well-suited to provide unbiased recommendations to the FEMA Review Council.

For the FEMA Review Council to truly meet the needs of the American people, the inclusion of emergency management professionals on the FEMA Review Council is essential.