SC Long Term Recovery Group

How does insurance shape disaster recovery?

As wildfire and flood risks continue to grow across California, insurance is becoming an increasingly important, and increasingly challenging, part of recovery and resilience. While households with insurance experience stronger recovery outcomes after disasters, coverage is becoming harder to access, more expensive, and more complex to navigate.

That’s one reason we’re encouraged to see Santa Cruz County included in California’s new Insurance Resilience Planning Program (IRPP), a statewide initiative exploring how communities can better understand insurance gaps, strengthen resilience, and improve recovery outcomes.

Want to learn more? Join the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), California Department of Insurance (CDI), and Insurance for Good for a free webinar on how insurance shapes disaster recovery, community resilience, and housing affordability. Learn about current challenges in California’s insurance market, resilience-focused solutions, and the Insurance Resilience Planning Program (IRPP), including how it may support communities like Santa Cruz County.

The webinar will also highlight opportunities for communities in Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, Tulare, Tuolumne, and San Diego counties, along with the Hoopa Valley Tribe.

Monday, June 1
12:00 PM PT
Free Webinar | Open to the Public
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bBO9lUoORZeDtn-qONcn-g #/registration

Rebuilding in California after a disaster that occurred after 2016? There may be additional resources available to support you along the way.

RISE Homes is currently accepting applications for incentive programs that support all-electric rebuilding, with bonus incentives available for projects that achieve certified Passive House standards. As part of California’s broader effort to promote resilient, energy-efficient housing, the program helps homeowners transition to clean electric systems while encouraging the highest levels of building performance during reconstruction.
All-electric homes rely on high-efficiency systems that can significantly reduce ongoing utility costs, lower maintenance needs, and improve indoor air quality. By eliminating gas infrastructure, they also enhance safety and contribute to long-term climate resilience. Projects that are built to certified Passive House standards take these benefits even further, delivering ultra-low energy use, superior indoor comfort, and long-term durability through rigorous design and verification.

This opportunity may be available to property owners whose homes were destroyed or red-tagged following a declared disaster after 2016 and who are rebuilding with electric energy solutions. Eligible construction types include single-family homes, manufactured and modular homes, ADUs, and multifamily buildings.

To learn more about the program, eligibility requirements, and application process, visit: https://risehomesca.com/