Economic Versus Natural Disasters: If Detroit Had a Hurricane...

Abstract

This article focuses on the economic development impacts of natural, as opposed to economic, disasters and ultimately argues that many of the approaches and responses to sudden natural disasters might be effectively applied to areas experiencing more chronic economic decay. An evaluation of federal assistance in the wake of a devastating flood in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, indicates that commitment, cooperation, creativity, inclusivity, and flexibility resulted in a redevelopment framework that generated substantial improvements in a remarkably short time. Critical aspects of responses to sudden natural disasters could be applied to cities experiencing slow death: media attention; a sense of urgency coupled with longrange vision; coordinated federal, state, and foundation assistance; an emphasis on community hope; and a focus on the public sector, public investment, public infrastructure, and public pride.