Disaster Recovery Planning: Rebuilding Resilient Cities

When natural disasters strike, the path to recovery requires more than just rebuilding physical structures—it demands strategic, equitable, and resilient urban planning. This course introduces you to the core principles of post-disaster urban planning, using the rebuilding of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina as a primary case study. Through written lessons, you will explore how communities recover, adapt, and prepare for future environmental challenges. You will learn to balance immediate relief efforts with long-term sustainability and social equity. What you'll learn: - Understand the fundamental phases of disaster recovery and the planner's role in rebuilding. - Analyze the physical, social, and economic impacts of Hurricane Katrina on urban neighborhoods. - Explore community-led planning strategies that empower local residents and promote equity. - Examine modern climate resilience concepts, including green infrastructure and flood mitigation. - Evaluate the policies and funding structures that shape housing and public space recovery. - Practice designing basic recovery frameworks for post-disaster scenarios. This course begins with key terminology and historical context before diving into neighborhood-level planning, policy challenges, and modern resilience frameworks. It is designed for beginners, community advocates, and aspiring planners, with no prior background in urban design required. Start reading to understand how cities can rebuild stronger and more equitably after a crisis.