Bipartisan bill would allocate CDBG funds to disaster prevention efforts

Reps. Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.) and William Timmons (R-S.C.) introduced bipartisan legislation on Tuesday to help local governments invest in disaster prevention rather than focusing solely on post-disaster recovery.

The “Ounce of Prevention Act” would expand eligible uses of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to include pre-disaster mitigation projects, a shift supporters say would allow cities, counties and states to harden infrastructure and reduce risk before storms, wildfires or floods occur.

The bill also seeks to streamline federal rules that can slow approval of proactive resilience projects.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” Liccardo said, adding that every $1 spent on mitigation can save roughly $13 in post-disaster costs. He said communities “should not have to wait for the storm, fire or flood to hit” before accessing federal support for resilience projects.

Timmons said the legislation gives local governments “commonsense flexibility” to use existing federal dollars more effectively, arguing that proactive investment is “better for taxpayers, better for communities and better for the people who call those communities home.”

Under current law, CDBG funds are generally reserved for community development and post-disaster recovery efforts, with Congress typically approving supplemental allocations after major disasters. Since 2020, lawmakers have appropriated about $22 billion in disaster recovery funding through the program.

The bill’s co-sponsors include Reps. Maria Salazar (R-Fla.) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii).

The proposal has drawn support from a broad coalition of housing, insurance and local government groups, including the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), which said expanded mitigation funding could reduce long-term disaster losses and strengthen community resilience.

“Property casualty insurers are working to reduce losses and protect families and communities from the growing impact of hurricanes, wildfires, and other severe weather. APCIA supports this legislation because expanding federal investment in mitigation will help lower the economic toll of natural catastrophes and save lives,” said Sam Whitfield, APCIA senior vice president of federal government relations and political engagement.

The Council of State Community Development Agencies said the bill would give states and cities “needed flexibility” to address disaster risks before they occur, while the Local Initiatives Support Corp. said it would help direct resilience investments toward the most vulnerable communities.

County officials echoed that support. The National Association of Counties said the measure would help local leaders invest in preparedness rather than wait to rebuild after disasters strike.

Other industry trade groups, including the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies and the National Low Income Housing Coalition, said the bill could reduce losses, protect homeowners and improve resilience in low-income communities.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors said the legislation reflects the reality facing local leaders, who “don’t have the luxury of waiting until after a disaster” and must instead prioritize prevention and preparedness.

This article was generated using HousingWire Automation and reviewed by a HousingWire editor before publication.