Abstract
The response capability of local and national government bodies and various agencies to both prepare for and manage their responses to natural disasters is having profound economic consequences globally. Several pertinent theories provide that natural disasters are by no means new and understanding their relevance to economic recovery development is still in its infancy. There is mounting evidence that the number and severity of economic and natural disasters has increased in recent decades. A primary question is what are the prospects for community investment, renewal and new recovery? Moreover, the involvement of governments, private entities, NGOs, and global institutions raises questions of viability of processes for engaging communities where economic disaster and natural disaster must be addressed. A related set of concerns involves food security and water availability, human prosperity, and energy security. Finally, what are future expectations of leadership to bring people together in disaster impacted communities to talk, plan and exchange ideas in pursuit of solutions for community recovery that also requires community investment options.