Research Reports

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) National Centers for Environmental Information, billion-dollar weather and climate events have increased in the United States since 1980, with 403 events accounting for a total cost of more than $2.9 trillion (2025). To reduce disaster vulnerability and increase community resilience in Pennsylvania, counties are required to periodically create hazard mitigation plans. This study identifies and analyzes characteristics of natural hazards and losses over time, identifies and analyzes the quality characteristics of rural and urban hazard mitigation planning, and identifies challenges that exist for county emergency management coordinators in the state. The findings of this research highlight the unique challenges that exist for hazard mitigation planning in rural counties, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) lack of funding, staffing, resources/equipment, and technical expertise; (2) limited opportunities for training; and (3) requirements associated with unfunded mandates. Of particular concern, we find that urban mitigation plans overall tend to score higher in quality than plans in rural counties. In addition, across all counties, plans are weakest in identifying the key elements (including costs) related to the implementation of their plans. This study underscores the urgent need for state legislators to consider the ability of rural counties to implement hazard mitigation measures to reduce losses of life and property from natural hazards. Findings call for an examination of existing state programs and policies to cut red tape and streamline processes for increasing resilience to future hazards in the Commonwealth. In addition, solutions are needed to effectively address staff shortages faced by emergency management personnel in rural areas.