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Board launches Disaster Recovery Rebuild Authority to speed post‑fire rebuilding in Altadena and Palisades
Summary
Supervisors approved creating a county Rebuild Authority to centralize permitting, accelerate infrastructure repair and coordinate federal, state and philanthropy resources after the Palisades and Eaton fires; Phase 0 staffing and a three‑person oversight team were announced.
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously May 19 to implement the Los Angeles County Disaster Recovery Rebuild Authority, an office within Public Works intended to centralize reconstruction, permitting and financing for public infrastructure damaged by recent wildfires.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who introduced the motion, said the Palisades and Eaton fires caused major damage to local infrastructure and private property. Barger reported more than 3,300 permit applications, over 2,300 residential permits issued, 1,400 homes under construction in Altadena and roughly $2 billion in public infrastructure restoration needs in that community alone. The motion launches Phase 0 of the authority with a 13‑person specialized team tasked with finalizing an operational plan, aligning one‑stop permitting centers, and coordinating an infrastructure master plan.
The authority will coordinate state and federal recovery funds, including AB100 disaster recovery allocations, FEMA hazard mitigation grants, and other federal requests; Supervisors noted prior outreach to congressional offices and the mayor's office seeking support for an $8 billion request to scale rebuilding across the region. The board also approved creation of a three‑person CEO Disaster Recovery Oversight Team to ensure executive oversight and accountability.
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and others emphasized sustainability and climate resilience as core priorities for rebuilding, noting the need to upgrade sewer systems, transition private septic to municipal sewer where appropriate, and strengthen hazard mitigation. The motion directs Public Works to ensure costs associated with disaster recovery are captured and pursued with utility and private partners where applicable.
The board directed staff to return with next steps and expected financing strategies. The motion passed 5-0.
Why it matters: County officials said a centralized authority can reduce red tape, accelerate permits and maximize the use of local, state and federal funding — steps county leaders said are critical to returning wildfire survivors to safe housing and repairing public infrastructure.
What comes next: Public Works will stand up the Phase 0 team, finalize an operational plan and return to the board with detailed implementation steps and funding options.
