How about an interesting conversation in striking a balance between preparedness (through realistic planning, training, equipping and exercising) and fiscal reality.  Has anyone ever given thought to what an “ideally prepared” city of one million might look like with the knowledge, skills and ability of the citizens, local and response community?

When one looks at communities devastated by natural disasters, the first components that are rebuilt are those of infrastructure, not preparedness add-on for CBRNE events. I think the best a planner can do sometimes is thoughtfully “think big” and then educate the governing bodies to ensure they appreciate if “this happens” then the results will look like “this”.  Then they can assign resources where they deem their constituents desire; (e.g. additional area lighting in the downtown corridor” versus CBRNE detection or response capacity).  If the unthinkable happens, it is clear that consequences are associated with always planning for the last disaster.