The Long Road Back: Signal Noise in the Post Katrina Context

In: The independent review: journal of political economy, Band 12, Heft 2, S. 235-259

Abstract

Argues that the slow pace of post-Katrina recovery in New Orleans is primarily due to "signal noise" created by government policies & programs that have inhibited the re-establishment of social & economic systems that coordinate people's daily lives. Residents of the devastated city have been seeking signals to help them determine how to spend their time & resources, including signals about who is coming back, when they are coming, & what services will be provided. It is contended that these signals have been made difficult to read by the "signal noise" created by disaster-relief policies, redevelopment planning, & government management of flood protection & insurance programs. An examination of successful rebuilding efforts in other Gulf Coast communities emphasizes how civil & commercial society is providing the signals needed for a vigorous recovery. The policy implications are discussed & suggestions are offered for ways to minimize the distortions caused by government intervention. References. J. Lindroth