This research presents implications of the global pandemic for local government resiliency in the United States. The authors explore insights from local government officials and managers on the front lines of response and recovery efforts to the biological natural disaster. Findings from the latest nationwide survey of U.S. local governments regarding their preparedness for weather‐related natural disasters also inform responses to the current crisis. Results indicate that local governments are innovating and taking strategic actions to fight the virus, even as COVID‐19 has exposed social inequities that are exacerbated as the virus spreads. Survey findings of disaster readiness of local governments to weather‐related disasters shows that small, resource‐poor governments will not be able to respond well and social inequities will grow. Policy strategies at all levels of government must recognize and account for these inequities as threat of this virus subsides, to support stronger, more effective readiness for the next biological catastrophe.

This research assesses state and local pensions in the U.S. Concerns of locally administered pensions are addressed; actions taken and possible reforms to these plans are noted. Then, recent pension reform in Atlanta, Georgia is examined. In 2009, Atlanta had the 12th lowest funding ratio for its general employee fund compared to all other city plans in Georgia. Atlanta's story explains the depths of its pension problems, how the pension got into trouble and the changes necessary to advance fiscal sustainability. Such plans will require strict discipline by politicians, pension boards and financial managers, and tempering member expectations to reach sustainability.