Team IEM’s CDBG 50th Anniversary Spotlights: Debra Smith

Debra Smith, Ph.D., Director, Affordable Housing and HUD Technical Assistance Services

Dr. Debra Smith is a committed and well-known housing and disaster recovery expert. Since joining IEM in 2015, Debra’s strong leadership, meaningful insight, and all-around expertise have guided various disaster recovery programs to successfully assist communities’ post-disaster. Through her work, Debra has contributed to CDBG-DR programs in states along the Gulf and East Coasts, contributing her knowledge and dedication to ensure effective program management and positive outcomes.

We are thrilled to have Debra on our team of qualified CDBG experts! Read on to dive into Debra’s history and experience built throughout her successful career.

What has your role been in CDBG programs?
My journey in CDBG-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) programs spans over 16 years, during which I’ve played a pivotal role in helping communities recover and rebuild. I began my career in 2007 as a grants manager for the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), where I managed subrecipients for key initiatives like the Katrina CDBG-DR Long Term Workforce Housing, Homeowner Assistance, and Community Revitalization programs. Over eight years, I personally oversaw and closed out 32 project contracts totaling $130.4 million, including the award-winning City of Gulfport project. My responsibilities extended beyond project management—I also helped shape program policies and funding waivers to better serve communities.

In 2015, I joined IEM as a Case Management Lead for the NY Rising Sandy Housing Recovery Program, and from there, I took on increasingly impactful roles. I provided strategic guidance to the Health and Hospital Corporation Sandy Recovery and Resilience Program, the NYC Economic Development Corporation, and the NYC Housing Authority’s Sandy Program Unit. Since 2017, I’ve led IEM’s HUD Community Compass Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Program, providing vital support to CDBG-DR grantees. In 2018, I was promoted to Program Manager, where I led the New Jersey RREM/LMI Program team, driving efforts that made a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by disasters.

For me, guiding CDBG-DR programs is more than a job—it is a mission to ensure that communities in need receive the support and resources they deserve. I’m deeply committed to leveraging my experience to continue making an impact.

How have you seen communities impacted by CDBG programs?
During my eight years at MDA, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of CDBG-DR programs on communities devastated by disaster. When I first arrived, the Mississippi coastline was unrecognizable – debris clung to trees, hotels were closed, streetlights were dark, and our recovery teams in Hancock County were operating out of military tents with municipal buildings in ruin.

But over those eight years, I watched the impossible become reality. Municipal services were restored, homes were rebuilt, public infrastructure was reconstructed, and communities began

to thrive once again. The Mississippi coast today stands as a testament to the resilience of its people and the pivotal role CDBG-DR programs played in their recovery.

I’ve seen similar transformations in New York and New Jersey, where CDBG-DR programs have been instrumental in revitalizing storm-battered communities. These programs don’t just rebuild structures, they restore hope, stability, and a sense of normalcy to communities, homeowners, and renters alike. Witnessing these profound changes has reinforced my belief in the critical importance of CDBG-DR programs in disaster recovery.

What challenges does CDBG currently face?
CDBG-DR programs are facing critical challenges in sustainability, consistency, and reliability. As disasters grow in frequency and intensity, the current structure simply cannot keep up. To effectively support communities, these programs need a consistent funding stream and standardized operating procedures.

By encoding disaster recovery into law with annual funding and set formulas, CDBG-DR would gain the longevity and foresight needed to tackle future challenges. Without these changes, the programs’ ability to respond will be limited, but with them, they could become a stronger, more reliable force in disaster recovery.

How do you think CDBG will evolve in the next decade?
CDBG will become increasingly visible and vital as more people rely on it to maintain and/or recover housing and community infrastructure. With the rise in both frequency and severity of disasters in the United States, CDBG programs will need to expand to meet the growing demands of affected communities.

What recommendations do you have for communities seeking CDBG-DR/MIT funding?
Do not wait until disaster strikes. Start planning before you need CDBG-DR funding. Develop comprehensive plans, assess vulnerabilities, and build community partnerships to increase your chances of a successful recovery. Being prepared will save time, maximize funding, and strengthen your community’s resilience.