Todd Phelps Explores Rebuilding Challenges After Natural Disasters in the Daily Business Review

02.11.2025

Stinson LLP Partner Todd M. Phelps examines the complex challenges of post-disaster relief recovery and rebuilding in an article for the Daily Business Review, "Redeveloping Real Estate After Natural Disasters: Challenges, Strategies and Opportunities."

Phelps explores critical issues, such as the need for resilient infrastructure, insurance reform, updated zoning laws and disaster-resistant construction, to support long-term community recovery following natural disasters.

Communities across the country are facing increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters, including wildfires, hurricanes, floods, droughts, tornadoes and extreme temperatures. Phelps highlights how such disasters impact real estate development, recovery timelines and rebuilding costs. He provides insight into how developers, policymakers and stakeholders in real estate can adapt proactive strategies to enhance community resilience, reduce long-term risks and navigate the evolving landscape of developing real estate as a means for disaster recovery.

"Simply hoping to avoid future disasters is not a viable strategy. Investing in resilient infrastructure upfront often results in significant long-term savings," Phelps said, emphasizing the importance of forward-thinking approaches that prioritize durability and sustainability in redevelopment projects.

Phelps advises clients on acquiring, developing, financing, leasing and selling commercial real estate across various sectors, including office, retail, industrial, hospitality and agribusiness. He regularly works with developers, property owners, tenants and financial institutions on consumer finance regulations, joint ventures, tax credits and government incentives. Phelps also serves as outside general counsel to private and family businesses.

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