Addressing State And Local Failures To Rebuild Los Angeles After Wildfire Disasters

Thousands remain displaced a year after devastating Los Angeles wildfires, with recovery stymied by state and local red tape. The order aims to swiftly restore homes, businesses, and livelihoods where local leadership has failed.

What the order does ​

• Directs FEMA and SBA to consider new rules overriding burdensome state and local permitting for federally funded rebuilding.
• Allows builders to self-certify adherence to safety rules instead of waiting for multiple government sign-offs.
• Sets deadlines for publishing and finalizing these new federal rules.
• Requires agencies to use all legal tools to accelerate required federal environmental and historic reviews.
• Orders a comprehensive audit and review of California’s use of nearly $3B in federal hazard-mitigation funds.
• Mandates legislative recommendations for federal action when local governments block recovery.
• Assigns senior officials to ensure fast implementation.

Who it affects ​

• Homeowners and small businesses in wildfire-affected Los Angeles areas.
• Builders and contractors reconstructing damaged structures.
• State and local permitting authorities.
• Recipients of FEMA and SBA disaster assistance funds.

Context ​

The action responds to a stalled local recovery following severe wildfires and a history of delayed or inefficient state and city response.