ARLINGTON, Texas — Though there's not been an emergency, Arlington city leaders Tuesday established a special disaster recovery fund.
The move, officials say, will allow the city to more quickly solicit and distribute donations after a potential tragedy.
"I'd rather have a truckload of unnecessary, over-prepared assets than have one asset not available when needed," Arlington Mayor Jim Ross told WFAA.
Ross and city councilmembers, voting as the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation's board of directors, unanimously created the fund. The North Texas Community Foundation (NTCF) will manage its operation.
After an emergency, the city would "activate" the fund and coordinate messaging so potential donors immediately know how and where to give. Organizing the fund before a disaster should also simplify the process victims use to solicit help.
"It's the very nature of disasters that we're not prepared for them," Bradshaw said. "What we see too often is that is we get caught off guard. That really delays recovery and any kind of long-term resilience for the community."
Bradshaw noted "rogue actors" sometimes set up crowdfunding campaigns after disasters, confusing the public and "seeding distrust."
The fund will probably not be tapped for "day one" needs, Bradshaw said. It will instead ensure resources are available for long-term recovery, from debris cleanup after a natural disaster to grief counseling after a man-made disaster.
"The needs vary depending on what the disaster is," Ross said. "You never know until you know, but you've got to have your act together before the time gets here."
Ross and Bradshaw noted there is a time, after any emergency, when volunteers and first responders go home. Impacted communities are eventually left to fend mostly for themselves.
Few cities have established a proactive recovery fund. Ross credited Arlington Tomorrow Foundation executive director Carolyn Mentesana for the idea.
The mayor said the fund could eventually open for proactive donations or city investment so money is immediately available in the event of a disaster. That detail and others are still being worked out, he said.
"This tells people we care," he said. "We're prepared."
"We hope this day never comes," Bradshaw said. "If it happens - the people who are sitting in my chair, sitting in city council, and the residents of Arlington will be so grateful for their forethought."