Governor Wes Moore Issues Executive Order to Strengthen Maryland’s Resilience Strategy

Governor Wes Moore Issues Executive Order to Strengthen Maryland's Resilience Strategy

HANOVER, MD (September 5, 2024) - Governor Wes Moore signed Executive Order 01.01.2024.31 yesterday, strengthening the State's comprehensive resilience strategy against all hazards. The executive order clearly outlines the duties of the Maryland Office of Resilience (MOR), which is part of the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM). It also defines the responsibilities of other State departments, agencies, and universities in their role to provide information and coordination with the MOR. Lastly, it also delineates how the MOR functions as the conveners and coordinators of the Statewide resilience strategy and prioritizes Statewide investments in resilience. "This executive order underscores the State's commitment to preserving government functions and safeguarding communities in the face of natural and human-made threats," said MDEM's Secretary Russ Strickland. "Our State must be prepared to adapt, withstand, and swiftly recover from disruptions to daily life, whether from climate change, natural disasters, or other emergencies. This executive order solidifies our commitment to shape a resilient Maryland where communities thrive by ensuring that our State's strategies are coordinated, inclusive, and focused on protecting our most vulnerable communities."

Key Provisions of the Executive Order:

• Agency Resilience Liaisons: Each Executive Branch department, along with the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) and Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA), is required to designate an Agency Resilience Liaison (ARL). These liaisons will serve as primary points of contact for resilience-related matters, ensuring that every State agency is aligned with Maryland's resilience goals.
• Strategic Investment in Resilience: The Office of Resilience will serve as the central hub for resilience-related funding, planning, and aggregation of data analyses for decision-making across the State. This will include the development of risk-based strategies that prioritize environmental justice and protect Maryland's most at-risk communities from natural hazards, such as flooding, extreme heat, and winter storms.
• Comprehensive Resilience Plans: The executive order mandates the development and implementation of Maryland's two-, five-, and ten-year resilience plans. These plans will focus on mitigating risks to housing, critical infrastructure, and the environment, with particular attention to underserved communities.

Collaboration Across Agencies: The CRO and ARLs will collaborate with State agencies to evaluate and enhance resilience strategies, ensure data sharing, and develop a coordinated approach to resilience investments. This will include updating building codes, providing technical assistance to local jurisdictions, and creating consumer-focused campaigns to educate the public on resilience-building practices.

"This executive order is a crucial step in our efforts to create a safer, more resilient Maryland," said Mike Hinson, MDEM's Chief Resilience Officer. "By coordinating across State agencies and focusing on place-based strategies, we will be better equipped to strengthen our communities and ensure a swift recovery from any disruptions."

The executive order takes effect immediately, and MDEM will oversee its implementation in collaboration with State agencies and partners.

From Left to Right: Summer Modelfino, MDEM's Deputy Chief Resilience Officer; Mike Hinson, MDEM's Chief Resilience Officer; Governor Wes Moore; Russ STrickland, MDEM's Secretary; and Natalia Medina Ahn, Deputy Legal Counsel, Executive Office of the Governor

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