One of the most crucial actions a local government can take to prepare for a possible bioterrorist attack is to be certain that the local public health department and health care community have the resources and knowledge to quickly identify and coordinate medical response to an infectious disease outbreak. Other actions that local governments might take to plan for and respond to terrorist events include: (1) strengthen information and communications technology; (2) strengthen working relationships; (3) educate the health care and emergency response community about identification of bioterrorist attacks and agents, medical treatment and prophylaxis for possible biological agents, and State and Federal requirements and assistance; (4) maintain locally accessible quantities of medications, vaccines, and other supplies; (5) address health care worker safety issues; and (6) develop, maintain, and practice an infectious diseases emergency response plan. Unusual diseases or disease clusters in animals or plants should also be evaluated and addressed. The article includes an introduction to the Public Entity Risk Institute Symposium, Community Response to the Threat of Terrorism.