Matt Arlyn | Turning Disaster Recovery into Sustainable Results

The Complex World of Post-Disaster Recovery

When communities face devastating hurricanes, floods, or wildfires, rebuilding is not just about putting homes back together. It requires planning, funding, and a system that can move efficiently from policy to execution. Matt Arlyn has built his career around solving exactly these challenges. With more than fifteen years of experience in disaster recovery, his work has spanned housing, infrastructure, and community development—helping states and municipalities convert federal funds into tangible outcomes.

Matt Arlyn and the Path to Scalable Housing Recovery

In North Carolina, disaster recovery once struggled to gain traction, with housing completions falling short of community needs. Under the leadership of Matt Arlyn, production accelerated from fewer than ten completions per month to more than one hundred. He also spearheaded the state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which reached nearly 100,000 households. The program was recognized for its speed of delivery, cost-effectiveness, and strong fraud prevention measures. This approach highlights his commitment to both efficiency and accountability.

Policy, Manuals, and National Influence

Beyond state leadership, Matt Arlyn has contributed to more than ten post-disaster Action Plans across Louisiana, Texas, Puerto Rico, California, and North Carolina. He authored housing construction manuals for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), ensuring that technical standards could be consistently applied in rebuilding efforts nationwide. His role as a Certified Floodplain Manager underscores his technical expertise, bridging the gap between policy frameworks and on-the-ground implementation.

Why His Work Matters for Entrepreneurs and Leaders

Entrepreneurs and business leaders can learn from Matt Arlyn’s disciplined approach to problem-solving. His focus on process improvement, governance, and measurable results illustrates the power of turning complex challenges into manageable, repeatable systems. Whether scaling a disaster recovery program or launching a new business initiative, the principles remain the same: clear documentation, accountability, and a focus on outcomes.