Date of Award
Summer 6-29-2021
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Abstract
In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic required local governments to quickly shift workforce priorities for extended periods of time while other emergencies continued to unfold including civil unrest in the wake of the George Floyd killing, and, in California, wildfires that were the worst in state history. This paper examines the impact of how local governments prepare their workforces to respond to emergencies, identifying themes that can benefit future emergency planning efforts. The literature review examines past disaster responses, resiliency strategies, employee engagement, and current responses to COVID-19, and informs the theory of change. A local case study to find primary data was conducted using Key Informant interviews and a survey of Disaster Service Workers (DSW) in the City of Oakland and the County of Alameda, California. This study provides findings that can shape disaster preparedness training programs developed by local governments to better respond to future emergencies.
Recommended Citation
DeVries, Joe, "The Impact of Emergency Preparedness on Improving Recovery, Trust in Government and Employee Morale" (2021). EMPA Capstones. 67.
https://digitalcommons.law.ggu.edu/capstones/67