Planning urban disaster recovery

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In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, leading to the near-complete evacuation of the city and the nationwide dislocation of vulnerable citizens. The reconstruction and recovery process has been marked by 'uneven' progress. The author examines urban disaster recovery as an interplay of spatial, institutional, and social factors, conceptualizing uneven recovery as a disconnect between planning efforts, affected populations, and their urban environments. This process includes diverse cases of 'strong' or 'weak' recovery within the city. Utilizing a socio-spatial approach, the author develops an integrated theoretical and methodological framework for empirical research in New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward. Mixed methods, both quantitative and qualitative, were employed to gather data in 2007 and 2009. The aim is to deepen the understanding of urban disaster recovery planning in an American context and to formulate relevant planning recommendations. This dissertation contributes to the discourse on sustainable and equitable recovery paradigms in light of recurring urban disasters.