This June, SEAOSC hosted its annual Safer Cities Breakfast where building officials and city leaders from across Southern California joined SEAOSC leadership to discuss how they can work together to make buildings safer and more resilient.

Attendees discussed soft story retrofitting strategies and the main challenge they’re running into to get these programs adopted and in place. Many cities discovered that they’re facing the same challenge: educating their local communities (and leaders) about the need to invest in long-term safety for older buildings. As a result, SEAOSC is now developing communication materials for local governments and communities to raise awareness and spur action.

As it continues to work with local leaders to make Southern Californian cities safer, SEAOSC plans to engage on additional issues like reoccupation strategies post-earthquake as well as other emerging issues where SEAOSC’s collective expertise can advance these critical priorities.