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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