We are closing out our “Recovery Unpacked” series with a deep dive into one of the most substantial, impactful federal recovery programs: HUD’s Community Development Block Grant for Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR). Unlike other programs that focus on immediate relief, CDBG-DR is built for the long game, helping communities rebuild stronger, smarter, and more resilient.

This episode features Marion McFadden, IEM's Vice President of Recovery and former HUD senior executive, alongside Seana O’Shaughnessy, CEO and President of CHIP (Community Housing Improvement Project). Together, they unpack how CDBG-DR funding gets allocated, who it serves, and the kinds of projects it makes possible, from rebuilding homes to revitalizing entire communities. We also tackle the complexities: the red tape, the timelines, the prep work, and the push for innovation in recovery. 

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to rebuild a community after a disaster, this conversation pulls back the curtain.