Nine of the 10 costliest U.S. hurricanes on record have ravaged the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts in the first two decades of the 21st century, yet federal, state, and local governments continue to struggle with devising an efficient and effective way to help cities and towns recover. This Article focuses on law-related obstacles encountered during the disaster response and recovery post- Superstorm Sandy. It considers how Sandy’s long-term recovery can inform the deliberations of cities nationwide regarding the strengths and potential vulnerabilities of their local laws, institutions, and capacities for promoting resilient recovery. The authors conclude by suggesting six takeaways to guide communities in the United States facing potential hazards-related risks.