Policy Point-Counterpoint: Addressing Social Disparities and Resource Allocation in Rural and Urban Communities: Challenges and Solutions

Resource allocation is one of the most important factors to effective emergency management efforts.  However, not all communities offer the same resources and opportunities to their respective residents. Urban communities are more densely populated and have numerous social and health disparities within them. Rural communities face shortages, but traditionally are not densely populated. Should federal funding support urban communities or rural communities knowing that societal problems in communities are exacerbated by disasters? This point-counterpoint article explores federal funding support for urban and rural communities.