County consultant asks Topanga residents to take part in post‑fire recovery survey

A consultant leading the county—s afteraction review for the Eden Palisades fire asked Topanga residents to complete a public survey and share their experiences to inform recovery recommendations.

Chris Taylor of the Mcrista Group told the town council the review—s second phase will examine repopulation and reentry, recovery services and shelters, public communications, health and safety, volunteer and donation management, and supports for vulnerable populations. "This is not an investigation in any way," Taylor said, adding the goal is to identify lessons learned and strengthen recovery systems for future incidents.

Taylor said the survey is designed to reach a wide cross‑section of residents: people who evacuated, those who experienced property loss, users of debris removal and one‑stop permitting, people who relied on temporary housing or shelters, and residents with access or functional needs. He said the study team is intentionally seeking voices across neighborhoods and populations and that a final report will be published and presented to the county board.

The consultant and county staff offered to assist residents with the survey at a table outside the meeting and said they would drop a survey link in the meeting chat for online participants. When asked about sample size for the first phase, Taylor said he would provide the exact figure to residents who asked him at the table.

The presentation included a request that attendees and neighborhood groups amplify the survey link to improve representativeness. Taylor said the work will be used to make recovery efforts more equitable and responsive to lived experience and that recommendations will focus on operational improvements rather than assigning individual blame.

The county—s supervisor—s office also noted it will distribute the Mcrista Group materials and that a board presentation will follow publication of the report.