In this episode, Todd DeVoe and Dan Scott explore the evolving balance of power between federal, state, and local governments in emergency management. Drawing from Todd’s doctoral research and professional experience, they unpack how “picket fence federalism” may actually find its most authentic expression in disaster management. From FEMA’s shifting role to the tension between autonomy and centralization, this conversation dives deep into what federalism means for practitioners on the ground… and what happens when the fence starts to shake.

Show Notes

Federalism has always been a delicate balance, a system designed to distribute power, but often pulled toward centralization in crisis. Emergency management sits right in the middle of that tension. Todd and Dan discuss how major disasters begin as local emergencies but inevitably become national spectacles, the role of subsidiarity in maintaining local agency, and why FEMA’s future may depend on its ability to act as a convener of partnerships rather than just a participant of last resort.

Topics covered include:

* How disasters expose the strengths and weaknesses of American federalism

* The philosophy behind picket fence federalism and its application to EM

* The evolution of FEMA from a relief bureau to a convener of capability

* Ethical federalism, subsidiarity, and the importance of proximity in governance

* How local innovation drives national doctrine

* Lessons from the Trump-era proposals to restructure FEMA

* The moral responsibility of emergency managers to protect the integrity of shared governance

Key takeaway:Emergency management may be America's best living model of federalism today — not because it is perfect, but because it is cooperative, adaptive, and rooted in trust.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe