Central Issue
Major Factors in Development of Policy/Management Problem
Alternatives for Resolving the Problem
Author’s Recommended Solution and Rationale
Lessons for Public Administration
Case Study #2: HKS 1843.0 (Hurricane Katrina: Preparing for “The Big One” in New Orleans)
This case tells the story of the lead-up to the storm, detailing the plans that officials would draw on to prepare for the hurricane’s onslaught, the steps that were taken to evacuate and shelter hundreds of thousands of residents in metropolitan New Orleans, and the communications among different agencies and levels of government as the storm drew near; it shows officials concerned about the effects of the hurricane, but confident that their preparations were commensurate with the challenges that Katrina would pose. The case asks readers to consider why local, state, and federal governments all proved unready to respond effectively to a catastrophic event which had been long predicted.
Since the attacks of September 11th, 2001 the government has shifted the focus of many agencies towards terrorism. The reorganization of many agencies into the newly formed Department of Homeland Security has changed the operational structure with which many have been accustomed. The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security has asked you to form a work group to explain what some of the problems with DHS’s structure that were prevented it from helping Louisiana and the surrounding states prepare for hurricane Katrina.
Recommended questions to address or to consider:
What actions were taken by local, state and federal agencies to prepare for Katrina? Was DHS involved in these? Were they prevented from being involved?
How had FEMA’s role and resources changed since becoming part of DHS?
How could FEMA have been better able to assist in preparations?
What organizational changes in DHS and FEMA would allow for better preparation in the future?