FEMA released updates to the State and Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guides (policies). They are the official interpretation of the mitigation planning requirements in the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), as amended and other federal statutes as well in federal regulations, specifically Title 44 Code of Federal Regulations Part 201 Mitigation Planning.
FEMA routinely updates to the policies to improve and better support stakeholders in meeting federal requirements.
Changes reflected in the 2022 update include:
- Inclusion of priorities such as planning for future conditions, climate change, equity, resilience, and building codes.
- Updated guidance and procedures that support states seeking enhanced status. Enhanced states demonstrate a comprehensive mitigation program and capability to manage additional federal mitigation funding.
- Incorporation of new FEMA grant programs, such as Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Post-Fire and High-Hazard Potential Dam program.
- Strengthened connection with Fire Management Assistance Grants.
- Alignment with national initiatives and programs including the National Mitigation Investment Strategy.
- Renewed focus on resilience to support communities in creating holistic plans that will help the whole community understand the importance of mitigation and develop mitigation actions based on current and future risks and capabilities.
The updated policies become effective for all plan approvals one-year from the official release. This provides a one-year transition period for state and local governments to meet the new requirements for plans in process and new plans.
FEMA is hosting external webinars on the policy updates. A webinar on updates to the state mitigation planning policy is scheduled for May 10, 2-3:30 p.m. ET. Please register in advance for the State webinar here. A webinar on updates to the local mitigation planning policy is scheduled for May 12, 2-3:30 p.m. ET. Please register in advance for the Local webinar here.
Visit FEMA’s Policy Update web page to review the policy updates or sign up for a webinar session.
FEMA’s National Mitigation Planning Program supports state, local, tribal and territorial (SLTT) governments with risk-based mitigation planning to reduce or eliminate risks to life and property from natural hazards. The program focuses on building resilience through early and often stakeholder engagement, integration with community planning, and implementation of mitigation actions. For more information, visit Hazard Mitigation Planning | FEMA.gov.
