Milliman, in collaboration with CalChiefs, launches phase two of wildfire data commons initiative with support from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
01 August 2024 - 2:15AM
Business Wire
Milliman, Inc., a premier global consulting and actuarial firm,
today announced that the firm, in conjunction with the California
Fire Chiefs Foundation (CFCF), was awarded a Moore Foundation grant
to support the development of a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Data
Commons. This pioneering initiative is aimed at enhancing wildfire
risk management and mitigation efforts across the West.
The WUI Data Commons represents a significant advancement in
addressing the disconnect between completed wildfire mitigation
efforts and the risk assessments conducted by the insurance
industry. By creating a comprehensive, accessible database of
verified parcel and community-level wildfire mitigations, the
project aims to make mitigation actions "visible" to insurers,
reinsurers, and risk modelers, with the goal of improving insurance
availability and affordability. Further, by extending access to
homeowners, communities, and fire protection agencies, the data
commons will also facilitate coordinated collective action and an
improved understanding of insurance outcomes.
Milliman and CalChiefs Foundation will integrate the
perspectives of other key stakeholders inside and outside the
insurance industry to address crucial fundamental questions and lay
the groundwork for a successful buildout of the WUI Data
Commons.
"Through this grant, we are set to establish documented criteria
and a robust framework for the WUI Data Commons, focusing on
responsible governance, access, and practical implementation across
sectors,” said Nancy Watkins, a principal and consulting actuary at
Milliman. “Our goal is to facilitate buy-in and participation
across the spectrum of stakeholders, leading to alignment in
wildfire mitigation that is otherwise not achievable.”
“By providing first responders and fire protection agencies with
detailed insights into community and parcel-level mitigations, we
can significantly improve our firefighting strategies and community
evacuation plans, saving lives and properties,” said Jeff Meston,
Executive Director of CalChiefs.
"We are proud to support this innovative approach to wildfire
risk reduction,” said Genny Biggs, program director for the Moore
Foundation’s Wildfire Resilience Initiative. “The WUI Data Commons
is a cross-sectoral effort to fill a critical gap and move us
collectively toward wildfire resilience."
To learn more about the WUI Data Commons initiative, watch our
introductory webinar. To read about phase one of the initiative,
visit
https://www.milliman.com/en/insight/wui-data-commons-phase-1-stakeholder-interview.
About Milliman
Milliman is among the world's largest providers of actuarial,
risk management, and technology solutions. Our consulting and
advanced analytics capabilities encompass healthcare, property
& casualty insurance, life insurance and financial services,
and employee benefits. Founded in 1947, Milliman is an independent
firm with offices in major cities around the globe. Visit us at
milliman.com.
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Nancy Watkins Milliman, Inc. Tel: +1 415 394 3733
nancy.watkins@milliman.com