Policy experts share resources and funding opportunities at Hazard Mitigation Summit

Federal, state, and local policy experts highlighted a range of hazard mitigation resources for local governments at November’s Hazard Mitigation Summit. Hosted by the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), this year’s conference focused on community planning and long-term resiliency.

Hazard mitigation refers to a broad range of planned responses to natural disasters. At the conference, experts stressed the significance of a communitywide approach to hazard mitigation that develops actions based on current and future risks and capacity. This type of collaboration can help ensure cities are better prepared for potential catastrophic events. Communities can save $11 for every dollar invested in mitigation efforts, according to research by the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Conference speakers highlighted the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which includes $5 billion over five years for hazard mitigation. The infrastructure package allocated $3.5 billion to flood mitigation assistance and $1 billion to the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program. The remainder is dedicated to dam safety and the Safeguarding Tomorrow Through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act.

Notice of funding opportunities for the STORM Act will go out at the end of 2022, with applications due in the spring of 2023. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide grants to state, tribal, and territorial governments, which will then provide loans to local governments. These funds can be utilized for infrastructure and programs that increase resilience and mitigate the impacts of drought, wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.

During the Summit, the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research outlined several tools for cities to consider when building hazard mitigation plans. These tools include case studies and best practices for different natural hazards. Utilizing these tools can also help accelerate local climate change adaptation planning.

Additionally, FEMA officials discussed an update to the Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide, which sets new requirements for local mitigation plans approved after April 19, 2023. The new requirements “identify the natural hazards that impact [cities] to identify actions and activities to reduce any losses from those hazards, and to establish a coordinated process to implement the plan, taking advantage of a wide range of resources.”

The Guide can help local officials better understand the new requirements, as well as fully leverage the planning process to engage stakeholders and increase community resilience.

Policy experts also stressed the importance of multiple data sets when updating mitigation plans to adapt to the effects of climate change, such as extreme heat or sea level rise. FEMA’s National Risk Index outlines the communities most at risk for 18 identified natural hazards, including coastal flooding, heat waves, and landslides. Cal-Adapt’s Climate Tools provides peer-reviewed data that illustrates how climate change may affect California at the state and local levels.

Panelists also spoke about planning for the needs of individual residents, such as people with disabilities, older adults, and people with limited-English proficiency, when developing mitigation plans. The Office of Access and Functional Needs, a division of Cal OES, offers training and guidance to help emergency managers identify the needs of these unique populations before, during, and after disasters.

Hazard mitigation is a multi-step process that requires continuous and inclusive discussions with partners at every level. More information and resources about hazard mitigation planning can be found on the Cal OES website for Building Resiliency in California Communities.