FEMA has released updates to the State and Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guides. FEMA is hosting webinars on the updates on May 10 (Updated State Mitigation Planning Policy Review) and May 12 (Updated Local Mitigation Planning Policy Review).

The policies are the official interpretation of federal mitigation planning requirements, including in the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act). The main purpose of the policies is to support consistent evaluation and approval of state and local hazard mitigation plans. They also promote mitigation planning and risk-informed decision-making. FEMA routinely updates policies to improve and better support stakeholders in meeting federal requirements. Updates also allow FEMA to ensure policy remains current with related legislative, programmatic, and regulatory changes. Updates to the policy includes the 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. They also include a strengthened connection with Fire Management Assistance Grants; alignment with national initiatives and programs such as the National Mitigation Investment Strategy; and with FEMA priorities such as climate adaptation, equity, resilience, and building codes. Access the policies at FEMA.