Research within emergency management lacks a detailed understanding of local government collaboration even though disasters start at the local level. This thesis used a quantitative survey that was adapted from existing network collaboration research to broaden emergency management's understanding of local government collaboration. Participants were from local governments in Alameda County, California.

The surveys identified which managing in networks concepts are being utilized and the level of support they are receiving. Discussion and analysis included how disaster experience plays an important role in understanding the need for collaboration, employees should be exposed to the variety of network connections that exist with each disaster, and organizations that choose collaboration should institutionalize the concept. Future research areas identified include cost-to-benefit analysis for local collaborative activities, understanding why some local organizations seek collaboration more than others, and what activities are best suited to ensure collaboration is spread evenly throughout an organization.