Business, government and community leaders will gather in downtown Mobile on Monday, Nov. 3, for the Disaster Resilience Forum, an event designed to strengthen local preparedness and protect the Gulf Coast economy from the growing toll of natural disasters.

Announced in a news release, the forum, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Allstate and the Mobile Chamber, will take place from 8 to 11 a.m. at The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa, 26 N. Royal St.

The event comes as the United States faces mounting costs from extreme weather. In 2024 alone, the nation endured 27 separate billion-dollar disasters that caused more than $182 billion in damage. Experts say those figures highlight the urgent need for investment in disaster preparedness and community resilience.

For the Gulf Coast, the stakes are high. According to the news release, research shows that every $1 spent on resilience and disaster preparedness in Mobile saves communities more than $14 in post-disaster costs. A new report, "Beyond the Payoff," released by the U.S. Chamber, U.S. Chamber Foundation and Allstate, highlights the economic consequences of failing to invest in resilience. The report notes that in hurricane-prone regions, funding for resilience efforts can help prevent the loss of more than 70,000 jobs.

Forum speakers will outline six “Levers of Resilience,” offering practical steps for leaders to strengthen local infrastructure, engage communities and reduce long-term economic losses.

Representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Allstate, the Mobile Chamber, and state and local officials, along with business and nonprofit leaders, are expected to participate.