Kyle Brown, now a state representative in Colorado, leveraged his experience with the 2021 Marshall Fire disaster to enact laws protecting fire victims, transforming state policy.
Jake Bittle reports for Grist.
In short:
- The Marshall Fire in 2021 led the then-city councilmember in Louisville, Colorado, to enter the state legislature, where he collaborated with fire survivors to pass laws addressing insurance delays, mortgage problems and fire-safe rebuilding.
- Survivors, using organized advocacy, guided these bills, resulting in rapid legislative progress that helped fire victims rebuild.
- The laws passed will benefit future disaster victims across Colorado, potentially serving as a model for other states.
Key quote:
“We needed to accelerate the pace of recovery, so I just listened.”
— Kyle Brown, Colorado state representative
Why this matters:
The Marshall Fire recovery efforts show that organized community advocacy can drive significant legislative change. These new laws may set a precedent for disaster-prone regions nationwide.
Related EHN coverage:
