FEMA has updated its state and local mitigation planning policy guides to reflect programmatic and administrative regulatory changes. Changes to state and local policies include:
- Inclusion of key priorities such as climate adaptation, 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.
- Incorporates new FEMA grant programs, such as Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Post-Fire, and the Rehabilitation of High-Hazard Potential Dams program.
- Strengthened connection with Fire Management Assistance Grant program.
- Alignment with national initiatives and programs such as the National Mitigation Investment Strategy.
- A 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 policies will become effective for all mitigation plan approvals starting April 19, 2023. This provides a one-year transition period for state and local governments to meet the new requirements.
