Description
Title: BERK Consulting 2025 Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Organizational Assessment and Presentation
Summary
The City of Seattle's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) underwent an organizational assessment to evaluate its structure and resources, following a Statement of Legislative Intent from the City Council. The assessment, conducted by BERK Consulting, highlighted OEM's roles in disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. The findings indicate that Seattle's OEM operates with a smaller budget and fewer staff compared to peer cities like Denver and San Francisco, impacting its effectiveness. Key recommendations include prioritizing emergency management within the city structure, enhancing leadership, and clarifying roles across departments. The report emphasizes the need for proactive engagement and improved operational readiness to better prepare for and respond to emergencies, ultimately ensuring community resilience.