#United States #Los Angeles #disaster relief #LA County #AidKit

Webinar on LA County's Disaster Relief Innovations

This June, the National Association of Counties (NACo) will conduct a webinar that promises to deliver insights on how LA County implemented a rapid disaster aid initiative. The county's Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) successfully launched relief programs totaling $20 million within a mere two weeks, marking a substantial increase from $2 million through the innovative use of AI and geospatial mapping technologies.

Overview of the Webinar

The webinar is titled "Faster, Smarter Disaster Relief: How LA County Used AI & Geospatial Mapping to Deliver $20M in Aid." It will feature key leaders from LA County and AidKit, a Public Benefit Corporation that focuses on administering aid programs efficiently. To combat the fallout from recent wildfires, the DEO promptly created two significant relief programs: one offered $2,000 grants to disadvantaged workers, while the other provided up to $25,000 to affected businesses.
When natural disasters strike, timing can be a critical element for effective aid deployment. The recent initiatives by LA County are noteworthy as they illustrate how merging advanced technology with public service can optimize disaster response.

Key Features of the Program

The session will delve into the various strategies that LA County DEO employed to manage and distribute aid. Highlights include:

• - Geospatial Mapping: This technology was pivotal in visualizing impact zones, thus aiding in the prioritization of aid delivery. Utilizing real-time data, field inspectors could assess community needs accurately, enabling targeted outreach to the most vulnerable populations.
• - Application Intake Tools: Designed for quick deployment, these tools enhanced accessibility for residents, particularly during high-stress events when traditional connectivity may falter.
• - AI-Assisted Identity Verification: To maintain the integrity of the program, AI tools helped identify fraudulent applications while ensuring that genuine applicants, even those without conventional IDs, received assistance.
• - Integrated Support Platforms: A centralized platform for managing disaster recovery helped streamline processes, reducing the administrative workload associated with individual case management.
• - Cross-Agency Collaboration: Partnerships between various agencies and private sectors improved service delivery, allowing for a more comprehensive response with minimal bureaucratic delays.

The Impact of Geospatial Mapping

Geospatial mapping significantly transformed the approach to disaster management, enabling the DEO to effectively prioritize their response strategies. By tapping into real-time data collection from impacted regions, the county managed to facilitate smoother application processes and validate claims more accurately.
Participants will learn how the integration of technology can mitigate risks and enhance the efficacy of disaster response while maintaining a focus on equitable access to assistance.

Webinar Details

• - Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025
• - Time: 2 – 3 PM ET

Those interested in exploring how to utilize geospatial technology in disaster planning and response are encouraged to register for this free event.

About AidKit

AidKit has established itself as a leader in supporting government agencies and nonprofits in the execution of aid programs. The company’s technology solutions help administer large-scale aid initiatives with greater efficiency and transparency. AidKit's platform is tailored to streamline workflows, accelerate disbursements, and ensure compliance, making it a vital resource for organizations aiming to improve service delivery.
Founded in 2021 and led by women, AidKit has already supported over 200 agencies and nonprofits, processing more than 500,000 applications and successfully distributing over $300 million in relief aid. For additional information about AidKit’s work, visit AidKit.com.

This webinar serves as an invaluable resource for stakeholders seeking to enhance their understanding of disaster relief strategies in light of recent trends and technological advancements.