Launching Local Long-Term Recovery Committees

Launching Local Long-term Recovery Committees

Local Long-Term Recovery Committees (LTRCs) are an important way communities can make sure local resources are pulling together most effectively to meet the needs of residents – so that every ounce of energy and every dollar spent in each community has maximal impact.

At the same time, local recovery committees are an important way that local communities can identify gaps and develop a comprehensive understanding of which members of your community might need more support in the recovery process.

Finally, the Local Long-term Recovery Committee is an important and effective channel to communicate to the state emergency management team major gaps/needs that may require a state-level response.

COST will be hosting a webinar for municipal officials along with CCM and the CTCOGs. Stay tuned for more information!

Governor Lamont Urges Communities to Establish LRTCs

The Office of Governor Lamont, the state of Connecticut Emergency management team through the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS), and the CT Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (CT VOAD) are working jointly with a broad range of stakeholders including local officials, community-based organizations, nonprofit providers, and philanthropic partners to establish locally led efforts to meet urgent needs, accelerate recovery, and expedite local communication with the state emergency management structure.

The Governor is asking local stakeholders to formally establish LRTCs to ensure the needs of Connecticut residents of every background are met, not just during the height of this crisis, but for the long term. Committees will be comprised of nonprofit, government, and private sector partners who have worked in, and have an in-depth knowledge of the communities they serve.

“Responding to a disaster is shared responsibility that calls for the involvement of everyone — state government, local government, and a wide range of community partners. By working together, we can continue to improve the way we support our residents and our communities as they meet urgent needs and bounce back from the COVID-19 crisis,” Governor Lamont said . “A wide range of partners are ready to work with us on this – including the CT Council of Municipalities, the Council of Small Towns, and our Regional Councils of Government, as well as our nonprofits and partners in philanthropy. I am grateful to them all.”

COST's Executive Director. Elizabeth Gara, was quoted saying "The Council of Small Towns stands ready to support our towns in this effort, including to build regional efforts that can best serve the residents of smaller towns across our state who already collaborate in a range of areas."

For more information, please refer to Lamont's Long-Term Recovery Planning Agenda.