Inclusionary Emergency Management Planning: Floridian Emergency Management Planners’ Orientations and Perceptions

Abstract

The need for effective inclusionary planning practices is paramount in the whole community approach within emergency management. However, accountability, legitimacy, bureaucratic discretion, and a planner’s perspective on public involvement can limit the ability to effectively include the public in emergency management planning processes. Through survey and focus group analysis of county-level emergency management planners in Florida, this preliminary study explores the implications of these factors for effectively engaging in democratic policy and planning development within the realm of emergency management. We provide recommendations for practitioners attempting to engage the public and suggestions for future research.