012 Encore: How to Rebuild as a Public Sector Official with Tennis Wick

How to Disaster

“You're in that place where disaster hasn't hit you, but you know it’s coming. Start training now.” -Tennis Wick

Episode Description:

In the aftermath of the devastating 2017 wildfires that destroyed thousands of homes in Sonoma County, Tennis Wick found himself at the center of recovery efforts as the director of Permit Sonoma.

This interview explores how to effectively navigate the dual roles of public servant and fire survivor in the crucial period after the fires. Listen in as Tennis details the immense challenges of the initial disaster phase from managing emergency response operations around the clock to setting up a local assistance center where displaced residents could access vital services.

Jennifer and Tennis also discuss how Permit Sonoma adapted its processes to better serve overwhelmed homeowners seeking permits with a commitment to rapid five-day turnarounds, creative problem-solving through the block captain system and leveraging community relationships, and lessons learned about the importance of mitigation and managing wildfire risk proactively.

Connect with After the Fire: Recover. Rebuild. Reimagine.

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Highlights:

02:11: On the Disaster Frontline

11:15: Meeting the Needs

16:04: How to Approach Rebuild Projects

20:35 The Role of a Block Captain

25:15 The Problem with Contractor Fraud

30:19 Be Disaster Smart

36:51 Risk Mitigation is a Collective Effort

42:31 How Helpers Can Help Themselves