Homeland security preparedness: The rebirth of regionalism

The homeland security mission has placed many new demands on the U.S. system of federalism. The successful implementation of homeland security policy requires cooperation, among all levels of government federal, state, and local. Regionalism. offers a powerful tool for encouraging greater intergovernmental cooperation and improved homeland security preparedness. We assess the impact of regionalism on intergovernmental cooperation, and the implementation of the homeland security mission in Florida, an early proponent of the regional approach. From a regional perspective, we evaluate how intergovernmental complexity, the quality and quantity of intergovernmental networks, and security vulnerabilities contribute to perceived improvements in intergovernmental cooperation and homeland security preparedness. The results of a 2004 mail survey of city and county officials suggest that regional organizational structures are most effective in promoting intergovernmental cooperation and preparedness where the intergovernmental landscape is the most complex and where security vulnerabilities are the most intense.