Supervisor Lena Fowler appointed to National Disaster Reform Task Force

Posted by Navajo Times | Nov 27, 2024 | People |

By The Navajo Times

FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler has been appointed to the National Association of Counties Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force.

Fowler is Tódích’íi’nii and born for Naasht’ézhí Tábąąhá. Her maternal grandfather is Tł’ízíłání, and her paternal grandfather is Táchii’nii.

She has been a Tuba City resident for over 30 years. She’s originally from Tonalea, Arizona, where she grew up herding sheep and riding horses, about 30 minutes northeast of Tuba.

“As the Coconino County supervisor for District 5, I offer extensive expertise in disaster management, particularly in response to wildfires and floods in northern Arizona,” Fowler said. “My leadership during significant events, including the Schultz Fire, has been instrumental in orchestrating complex recovery efforts in collaboration with local, tribal, state, and federal agencies while advocating for the development of resilient infrastructure.

“My in-depth understanding of the region’s unique geography, combined with my commitment to the welfare of our diverse communities, ensures a proactive and inclusive strategy for disaster preparedness and response.”

This task force, comprising 28 county leaders, was formed to help modernize federal disaster policies, improve intergovernmental collaboration, and enhance local disaster resilience, response, and recovery.

“This initiative is of paramount importance as it enables the development of stronger, more resilient communities in the context of disaster preparedness and response,” Fowler added. “By facilitating the exchange of knowledge, resources, and strategies, we can enhance the capacity of our community and others throughout the nation to safeguard lives, preserve infrastructure, and achieve more effective recovery outcomes. “I aspire that this initiative fosters collaboration and innovation, thus empowering communities to confront their specific challenges and emerge with enhanced resilience.”

Counties play a crucial role in disaster management, from immediate response to long-term recovery, including overseeing infrastructure, housing, and transportation. The task force will bring local insights to strengthen disaster policies across the U.S., where natural disasters have caused over $2.74 trillion in damages and thousands of lives lost over the past 40 years.

Nearly one-third of all counties experienced a federally declared disaster in 2023, highlighting the importance of local leadership in disaster preparedness and recovery.

Founded in 1935, NACo represents nearly 40,000 county officials and 3.6 million county employees, working to advocate for county priorities and improve local government practices.