- 1 -
CITY of BRISBANE
Tuesday December 16th, 2025 at 4:00PM ● Hybrid Meeting
Brisbane City Hall Annex, Annex Conference Room, 25 Park Place, Brisbane, CA The public may observe/participate in the Subcommittee meetings by using remote public comment options or attending in person. Subcommittee members shall attend in person unless remote participation is permitted by law. The Subcommittee may take action on any item listed in the agenda.
JOIN IN PERSON
Location: 25 Park Place, Brisbane, CA 94005 - Annex Conference Room Masks are no longer required but are highly recommended in accordance with California Department of Health Guidelines. To maintain public health and safety, please do not attend in person if you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19 or respiratory illness.
JOIN VIRTUALLY
Join Zoom Webinar (please use the latest version: zoom.us/download):
brisbaneca.org/subcomm-zoom
Meeting ID: 821 0920 3916
Call In Number: 1 (669) 900-9128
Note: Callers dial *9 to “raise hand” and dial *6 to mute/unmute.
The agenda materials may be viewed online at www.brisbaneca.org at least 72 hours prior to a Meeting.
Please be advised that if there are technological difficulties, the meeting will nevertheless continue.
TO ADDRESS THE SUBCOMMITTEE
IN PERSON PARTICIPATION
To address the Subcommittee on any item on or not on the posted agenda, please wait until Public Comments are being accepted.
REMOTE PARTICIPATION
Members of the public may observe/participate during the Subcommittee meeting by logging into the Zoom Webinar. Public comments received one hour prior to the meeting via email will be noted for the record. Written comments after that time will not be responded to or brought to the attention of the Subcommittee during the meeting.
Email: [email protected]
SPECIAL ASSISTANCE
If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact Angel Ibarra at (415) 508-2109.
Notification in advance of the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
Emergency Preparedness
Subcommittee Agenda
1 - 2 -
SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Mayor Pro-tem Davis, Councilmember Kern
ROLL CALL
A. Consider any request of a City Councilmember to attend the meeting remotely under the “Emergency Circumstances” of AB 2449
PUBLIC COMMENT
PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS
B. Update on Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
C. Storm Season Update
D. Update on Annual EOC Training Exercise
PUBLIC COMMENT
ADJOURNMENT
2 File Attachments for Item:
B. Update on Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
3 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date: December 16, 2025
From: Christina Fernandez, Assistant City Manager
Subject: Update on Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Emergency Preparedness Subcommittee receive an update on the City’s efforts to update its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP).
Background
A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) is a strategic document that outlines how a community can reduce risk from natural disasters and improve resilience against disasters. The City last updated its LHMP in 2021. The LHMP assesses risks against natural hazards such as Climate Change, Drought, Earthquake, Sea Level Rise, Flood, Landslides, Severe Weather, Tsunamis, Wildfire, and Dam Failure. It also seeks to integrate existing plans, such as various master plans and assessments, in order to mitigate risks.
The City received notice from CalOES that our Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) was expiring in December 2026. Upon receiving this notice, the City reached out to the County of San Mateo’s Department of Emergency Management and learned that the County was, as in years past, taking the lead in coordinating a comprehensive LHMP for all San Mateo County cities.
The City of Brisbane’s City Manager and Assistant City Manager attended the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Kick-Off hosted by the County of San Mateo’s Department of Emergency Management in October 2025. The County, 20 San Mateo County cities and 16 special districts attended the kick-off meeting led by the County’s consultant, Integrated Solutions. The meeting went through the Hazard Mitigation Planning Overview, Participating Jurisdictions, Hazards List, Mitigation Strategy, Key Studies and Integration Opportunities, Roles and Responsibilities, and the Project Timeline. CalOES also attended this kickoff meeting and provided an overview of the LHMP process on behalf of the State.
The next steps are for the City to meet with the County and their consultants at a Stakeholder Workshop on February 11th or 12th. The City has assembled a planning team consisting of the City Manager’s Office, Public Works, Planning, Police, and Fire to participate in the workshop.
Discussion
1 4
B.
In addition to participating in a Stakeholder Workshop in February, the City is reviewing and updating the 2021 LHMP and will be providing these comments to the County. Staff understands that the County will be providing templates in January for this purpose.
The City of Brisbane foresees significant public engagement during this process, with comments due in August. The final submission will be made to Cal OES and FEMA in September 2026.
Fiscal Impact
There are no known fiscal impacts to updating the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP).
Attachments
1. San Mateo County Outreach Plan
___________________________________
Christina Fernandez, Assistant City Manager
___________________________________
Jeremy Dennis, City Manager
2 5
B.
Community Outreach
and
Engagement Strategy
San Mateo County
Multi-Jurisdictional
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
2026 Update
3 6
B.
1. BACKGROUND
San Mateo County, situated along the Central California coastline, encompasses the major portion of the San Francisco Peninsula. The County covers approximately 554 square miles, with land accounting for approximately 448 square miles and inland waters, and San Francisco Bay tidal areas accounting for the remainder. The County is roughly 42 miles long and varies from seven (7) to 20 miles in width.
Approximately 55 miles of the County’s western border is Pacific shoreline, and roughly 34 miles of the eastern border is Bay shoreline. The County is bounded on the north by the City and County of San Francisco and on the south and southeast by Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties. In 2025, the County’s population was 175,620, making it the 15th most populated county in California (out of 58 counties).
The San Mateo County Department of Emergency Management (SMC EM) is the lead agency for the 2026 update of the County’s Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). The San Mateo County LHMP evaluates hazard vulnerabilities and outlines mitigation actions that local jurisdictions (municipalities and special districts) will implement to reduce injuries, property damage, and community disruptions caused by disasters. It addresses the following natural hazards – droughts, earthquakes, floods, landslides, sea level rise, severe weather, tsunamis, and wildfires, as well as the impacts of climate change for each of them. The LHMP, last approved in 2021, was developed through a collaborative regional effort to reduce the risk of natural hazards.
1.1. Multi-Jurisdictional Outreach
The San Mateo County LHMP is a multi-jurisdictional plan with 38 plan participants (Unincorporated San Mateo County, 20 municipalities, and 17 special districts). This outreach strategy will help San Mateo County coordinate and hold all plan participants accountable throughout the planning process. Each jurisdiction seeking plan approval and adoption (i.e., participating jurisdictions) must document its involvement in the planning process, including how their specific stakeholders and the public had the opportunity to participate. San Mateo County will provide support for the jurisdiction’s involvement throughout the planning process; however, each plan participant is responsible for coordinating and documenting their unique engagement and outreach with stakeholders and the public.
Table 1 lists all participating jurisdictions in the San Mateo County LHMP, each represented by one (1) or more representatives.
SMC EM’s mission is to build resilience through a proactive, comprehensive approach to emergency management that involves the whole community in every phase of disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.
4 7
B.
Table 1. San Mateo County LHMP Participating Jurisdictions Jurisdictions
San Mateo County City of East Palo Alto Town of Portola Valley Town of Atherton City of Foster City City of Redwood City City of Belmont City of Half Moon Bay City of San Bruno City of Brisbane Town of Hillsborough City of San Carlos City of Burlingame City of Menlo Park City of San Mateo Town of Colma City of Millbrae City of South San Francisco City of Daly City City of Pacifica Town of Woodside
Special Districts
Coastside County Water District Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District San Mateo County Harbor District
Colma Fire Protection District Mid-Peninsula Water District San Mateo County Office of Education
East Palo Alto Sanitation District
(New Participant)
Montera Water and Sanitary
District
San Mateo County Resource
Conservation District
Silicon Valley Clean Water (New
Participant) North Coast County Water District Westborough Water District Highlands Recreation District
San Mateo County Flood and Sea
Level Rise Resiliency District
(OneShoreline)
Woodside Fire Protection District
Menlo Park Fire Protection District San Mateo Community College District
2. PURPOSE
The Community Outreach and Engagement Strategy for the 2026 update of the San Mateo County LHMP outlines how participating jurisdictions (i.e., plan participants), stakeholders, and the public (including residents and businesses) will be involved throughout the hazard mitigation planning process. The Strategy outlines the goals for engagement and outreach, identifies the parties involved, and establishes the methods and approximate timeline for effective engagement and outreach. In addition to the San Mateo County Strategy, each participating jurisdiction should further customize its approach to better serve its community’s unique demographics and needs.
An important advantage of the hazard mitigation planning process is that it raises awareness of risks and encourages conversations about building a safer, more resilient community. A plan that accurately reflects the community’s values and priorities will generate greater community support, leading to the successful implementation of mitigation actions and initiatives that reduce hazard risk.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires that stakeholders and the public be given an opportunity to participate in the development and update of the plan. Community members' feedback can enhance the content and results of the hazard mitigation plan. The plan must also outline how public participation will be maintained throughout the lifetime of the hazard mitigation plan (the five (5) years after the plan is approved and adopted).
5 8
B.
3. STRATEGY
The strategy outlined here is based on the FEMA Local Mitigation Planning Handbook (effective June 2025).
3.1. Brainstorm Outreach Activities and Stakeholders
The Core Planning Team1 and Steering Committee will identify stakeholders and consider which outreach methods will work best for San Mateo County. Identify existing meetings and pre-established community events that may be related to hazard mitigation. These may help the County to determine the type of outreach required and when it will occur. Additionally, San Mateo County will review the stakeholders and outreach activities from the previous planning process, note any needed changes, and incorporate them into the Strategy (as appropriate).
San Mateo County has a list of regularly scheduled weekly, bi-monthly, and monthly meetings and events (e.g., committee meetings, board meetings, commission meetings, outreach events) held throughout the County, as well as special events. The list of meetings and events can be found in Appendix A. While not all meetings listed may be integrated, the list will serve as an outline of meetings/events of interest and their frequency that can be leveraged throughout the planning process. The list can be modified throughout the planning process.
3.1.1. Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholders are individuals or groups affected by a mitigation action or policy, and may include businesses, private organizations, and residents, among others. Involving them in the planning process helps gain support for the LHMP and identify implementation barriers. Note: It is important to distinguish between members that are considered plan participants (who have an annex in the Plan and intend to adopt the Plan once it is approved by the State and FEMA) and other stakeholders. The Core Planning Team, Steering Committee, and plan participants participate in all stages of the planning process, while stakeholders may not. However, they can advise the Core Planning Team and Steering Committee on a specific topic and/or provide input from varied points of view in the community.
An opportunity to be involved in the planning process indicates that stakeholders are invited to be involved in either the entire process or specific segments thereof. Alternatively, it may also signify that they have been requested to share information, such as disseminating the public survey, or to provide input to inform the content of the Plan.
Per FEMA requirements, some stakeholders must have the opportunity to be part of the Core Planning Team, the Steering Committee, or otherwise be involved in the planning process (e.g., helped distribute the hazard mitigation public survey).
• Local and regional agencies involved in hazard mitigation activities. Examples include public works, emergency management, local floodplain administration, and geographic information systems (GIS) departments.
1 Core Planning Team: Dave Passey, Alina Haddad (SMC EM), Yahiritza Alvarez (ISC) 6 9
B.
• Agencies that have the authority to regulate development. Examples include zoning, planning, community and economic development departments, building officials, planning commissions, and other elected officials.
• Neighboring communities. Examples include adjacent local governments, including special districts and tribes, that are affected by similar hazard events. They also may share a mitigation action or project that crosses jurisdictional boundaries. • Businesses, academia, and other private interests. Examples include private utilities, chambers of commerce, dam owners, local or regional educational centers within the jurisdiction, or major employers that sustain community lifelines.
• Nonprofit organizations, including community-based organizations. It is key to bring partners to the table who can address the community's unique needs and ensure that the planning process supports these populations and includes their voices in the Plan. Examples include faith-based organizations, disability services agencies or non-governmental organizations (NGOs), rural support agencies, health and human/social services departments, or housing agencies and housing advocacy groups.
The following is a working list of stakeholders who will be given the opportunity to participate in the planning process, including the review and feedback on the draft Plan, for the San Mateo County LHMP.
The list is in no particular order.
Each participating jurisdiction seeking plan approval and adoption (i.e., plan participant) must specify its own list of stakeholders for each of the categories required by FEMA (listed above). They are responsible for conducting engagement and outreach with their respective stakeholders. Supporting documents such as photos of the events, sign-in sheets, and agendas should be included in each annex.
Local and Regional Agencies
Agencies that have Authority to Regulate Development
Neighboring Communities
7 10
B.
Neighboring Communities
Business, Academia, and other Private Organizations
Nonprofit Organizations
3.2. Determine Public Outreach Goals and Schedule
San Mateo County will evaluate and decide upon the outreach activities to be conducted, including the timing of their scheduling. To determine the outreach goals, consider the following:
• What input does the jurisdiction need from stakeholders? • What input does the jurisdiction want from the public? • How can stakeholders and the public contribute to the risk assessment and mitigation strategy?
3.2.1. Outreach Goals
Goal 1: Ensure a whole community approach is implemented throughout the outreach and engagement strategy.
San Mateo County recognizes that not all members of the community are affected by natural, technological, and human-caused disasters in the same way. Some community members are more vulnerable for a number of reasons. An LHMP that uses a “one size fits all” approach and does not recognize the varying levels of risk across the community will not adequately or efficiently support underserved populations.
8 11
B.
When conducting community outreach and engagement related to the implementation or update of this Plan, San Mateo County will ensure that the whole community has an opportunity to participate in the process and discussion. FEMA defines the whole community as the groups and organizations that should share the responsibility for emergency preparedness and mitigation, including, but not limited to:
• Individuals
• Families
• Businesses
• Faith-based and Community-based
Organizations
• Non-Profit Groups
• School and Academia
• Media
• Local and State Government
• Artists and Arts Organizations
• Tribal Government and Associations
• Territories
• Other Federal Agencies
Public outreach activities need to reach residents across the planning area, including underserved populations. Therefore, San Mateo County will consider whether outreach strategies apply equally to all participants and whether a tailored approach and materials will be needed (e.g., Spanish translation assistance).
Goal 2: Increase public awareness and understanding of hazard risk.
To build a more resilient community, San Mateo County will partner with residents, businesses, and stakeholders to increase understanding of local hazards and collaboratively identify and implement strategies that reduce risk across the community.
Goal 3: Build long-term support from the whole community for hazard mitigation planning.
A hazard mitigation plan is meant to be a living document, not a static one. To ensure its success, an effective engagement and outreach strategy fosters a sense of shared ownership and responsibility among the entire community, including elected officials, which is needed to implement and maintain longterm risk reduction efforts.
3.2.2. Scheduled Outreach
The Core Planning Team has set a schedule of tasks and meetings to complete the Plan update. The schedule will be used to identify key times to inform and seek input from stakeholders and the public.
For example, a good time to invite public involvement is after the risk assessment is completed and before the Core Planning Team begins to develop the mitigation strategy. Involving the public at this stage allows San Mateo County to:
• Educate the public on the risk assessment findings and get their feedback (i.e., Did this align with their expectations or do these results come as a surprise?). • Get input on any data inaccuracies.
• Learn about their ideas and priorities for mitigation actions.
Steering Committee Meetings
Steering committee meetings will allow for collaboration and support throughout the entire planning process. The Steering Committee will be required to be actively involved in attending these meetings and 9 12
B.
supporting the process by identifying and prioritizing the hazards that impact San Mateo County; defining and identifying critical facilities; reviewing, updating, and approving hazard mitigation goals; and coordinating and supporting outreach with other stakeholders, planning partners, and the public.
Event Date Time Location
Steering Committee Meeting 1 December 2, 2025 12:30pm – 2:00pm Virtual Steering Committee Meeting 2 February 12, 2026 TBD (2:30pm – 4:00pm) ROC Steering Committee Meeting 3 May 2026 TBD TBD TBD
Stakeholder Workshops
The stakeholder workshops will allow each Local Planning Team (i.e., participating jurisdiction) an opportunity to work with SMC EM to identify the jurisdiction’s unique hazard vulnerability and impacts, review previously identified mitigation actions (i.e., existing mitigation actions), develop new mitigation actions, prioritize mitigation actions moving forward, and update their jurisdiction’s annex of the 2026 San Mateo County LHMP, among other tasks. San Mateo County will host two (2) in person workshop sessions, and all participating jurisdictions will be required to attend one (1) session.
Event Date Time Location
Stakeholder Workshop
(Session 1)
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM ROC
Stakeholder Workshop
(Session 2)
Thursday, February 12, 2026 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM ROC
Stakeholder
Workshop/Meeting Thursday, May 7, 2026 TBD Virtual
Public Survey
A comprehensive community preparedness survey (i.e., public survey) will be developed and disseminated throughout San Mateo County. The public survey will be designed with a specific focus to better understand the challenges and concerns related to access and functional needs, access to information, ability to respond and recover, and services needed, especially for those who may be underserved or lack access to key resources. The survey was available in English and Spanish.
As part of this survey, Steering Committee members, community representatives, and members of the public will be asked to rate each hazard in terms of perceived risk. Furthermore, they were asked to rate the “mitigation importance” of each identified hazard in the Plan. The information gathered from this survey will inform the hazard risk prioritization process and ensure the Plan adequately addresses the public’s concerns and priorities.
Community organizations, stakeholders, and plan participants will be critical in connecting county residents with the survey, and SMC EM will use their broad-based distribution lists of community stakeholders to disseminate the survey to residents and employees.
Public Meetings
Public meetings can be hosted in person, virtually, or in a hybrid format. These meetings are intended to allow the County to introduce the Plan update status, identify additional hazards of concern to be 10 13
B.
included, if any, and provide input on the various mitigation measures intended to eliminate or reduce the negative impact of those hazards. Spanish translation assistance will be provided at all public meetings, which is a key demographic in San Mateo County.
During these meetings, forms will be provided to each attendee to identify and describe how the identified hazards for San Mateo County have impacted (or could impact) their place of residence, place of business, municipalities, or organization. Additionally, participants will be encouraged to provide mitigation ideas and to identify other potential hazards of concern. Although highly encouraged, these forms will be voluntary and confidential.
Event Date Time Location
Public Meeting 1 February 11 – 12, 2026 TBD TBD
Public Meeting 2 February 11 – 12, 2026 TBD TBD
Note: In addition to these pre-established outreach events, additional engagement and outreach will be conducted throughout the planning process. These will include, but not be limited to, community events, board and committee meetings, and special events, among others.
Website and Social Media
Ongoing engagement and outreach throughout the planning process will be accomplished via the LHMP website and San Mateo County’s social media platforms. The public survey, public meetings, and the public comment period will be disseminated via these platforms and other communication channels (e.g., flyers, brochures, newsletters).
Social Media/Website Links
San Mateo County Multi-Jurisdictional Local
Hazard Mitigation Plan Webpage
www.smcgov.org/dem/multijurisdictional-local-hazardmitigation-plan Facebook www.facebook.com/CountyofSanMateo/
Nextdoor nextdoor.com/agency-detail/ca/san-mateo-county/county-ofsan-mateo/ LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/county-of-san-mateo/
Instagram www.instagram.com/sanmateocounty/
X x.com/sanmateoco
YouTube www.youtube.com/@sanmateocounty
3.3. Identify the Appropriate Outreach Methods
San Mateo County will identify the best methods for reaching out to stakeholders and the public.
Outreach methods should meet the unique needs of a community. For example, if the planning area has a high number of Spanish-speaking speakers, develop outreach materials in Spanish. San Mateo County intends to use targeted methods to get public and stakeholder input. 11 14
B.
Regardless of the methods used by San Mateo County, this Strategy will ensure that the stakeholders and the public's time is used in a meaningful and productive way. Emphasizing why their voice matters, developing a plan to gather input and incorporate it into the planning process, and giving opportunities throughout the planning process. Within reason, meeting dates, outreach methods, and activities will be scheduled with the understanding that the timeline must remain flexible.
Targeted engagement can help encourage participation among those who may be unlikely to join. For instance, if a recent incident affected the community, the public may be keen to learn more about the hazard(s) and potential mitigation initiatives. This interest can be used to engage community members in finding ways to prepare for future events. The Core Planning Team and Steering Committee will identify types of public involvement that have worked well in the community in the past. For example, setting up a booth at a popular community event or getting on the agenda of a scheduled meeting could reach more people than a meeting focused solely on hazard mitigation. Refer to Appendix A for a list of regularly scheduled (i.e., weekly, bi-monthly, and monthly) meetings and events in San Mateo County.
San Mateo County intends to use a wide range of informational materials and methods to reach out to the public throughout the planning process. These can include, but are not limited to, news media, social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, X, Nextdoor), flyers, surveys, and websites. Activities involving the public will be designed to increase public awareness by presenting information (one-way communication). However, feedback will be sought to inform the Plan’s content (two-way communication). Table 2 outlines outreach methods San Mateo County will evaluate and identify which are applicable for use throughout hazard mitigation planning. Note: These are meant to serve as examples to help generate ideas for outreach. A jurisdiction does not need to accomplish every method listed.
Table 2. San Mateo County Outreach Methods
Outreach Method Outreach Purpose Example Supporting Activities Community Events Inform
Host a booth at a fair or another event where the community gathers. Use the booth to teach residents about preparing for natural hazards. Share materials on related topics with visitors. Consider games, giveaways, or other incentives as ways to engage at the event.
Interviews Consult
Host a series of structured discussions. They could be
telephone or face-to-face interviews with leaders and
representatives from the communities, school districts, and the public. This could help to identify hazards of concern and potential mitigation measures.
News Media Inform
Work with local media outlets, including television, radio, and print media partners. They can prepare stories that promote broad public involvement.
12 15
B.
Outreach Method Outreach Purpose Example Supporting Activities Public Meetings Inform
Involve
Through the participating jurisdiction’s
communications/marketing office or public information officer (PIO), email newsletters soliciting input on draft plan documents, and public meeting attendance. Distribution lists could include government agencies, businesses, and civic organizations.
Send public meeting details to all employees in the
jurisdiction. Also, post them to the community’s online public events calendar. Add them to live tickers that scroll across the bottom of the local government access television channel as well.
Share live coverage of public input meetings and let residents share their questions or comments by email.
Presentation to
Governing Bodies Inform
Share the plan's status with the board of county
commissioners or a similar governing body. These meetings should be public, and an announcement of the plan agenda item should be included in the public meeting announcement.
Questionnaires/
Surveys Consult
Use a survey to get information from people who cannot
attend the public meetings. Post the survey to your
community’s social media account(s). Ask local officials to distribute copies of the survey via flyers/brochures with a QR Code or a link to the survey. Have copies available at
municipal offices for residents. Those offices can also post an electronic version on their websites.
Where applicable, create questionnaires/surveys in multiple languages.
Roundtables/
Forums Collaborate
Sponsor a public forum to get ideas from residents on how to reduce the risk of natural hazards. This could be the main event for teaching the public. It is also an opportunity for the public to contribute to the plan’s action items. The resulting ideas may inform the jurisdiction’s planning team about risks, strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.
Social Media Inform
Involve
Make a mitigation plan Facebook page, X account, or
Instagram account. The page or account can include short video clips of community leaders discussing the need for mitigation planning. The page or account can also link to your questionnaire/survey.
Use the page or account to hold raffles or giveaways. This will help to support participation. For example, you may post that “All those who participate and share feedback through this page or account will be entered into a drawing.”
13 16
B.
Outreach Method Outreach Purpose Example Supporting Activities Area-Specific
Meetings Involve
Host small, area-specific meetings twice each year. You can hold them at public libraries and other public venues. These meetings give you a chance to share reading materials. They can educate residents on actions they can take to mitigate natural hazards, save lives, and prevent property damage.
These meetings can also gather input on improving the
mitigation process.
Website Involve
Consult
You can use a website to promote the mitigation plan by sharing:
• What hazard mitigation planning is.
• A list of who is involved in the local planning process. • How the plan update process works.
Information about future stakeholder meetings and chances for public involvement. You can share contact information for questions or comments. Downloads available from the site could include copies of the existing plan, the plan update, public notices, and press releases.
Table 3 provides information on each outreach purpose (as outlined in Table 2) to help define the public’s role in any public engagement process, as outlined in the Public Participation Pillars document developed by the International Association for Public Participation.
Table 3. Outreach Purpose
Outreach Purpose Public Participation Goal Promise to the Public Inform
To provide the public with balanced and
objective information to assist them in
understanding the problem, alternatives,
opportunities, and/or solutions.
We will keep you informed.
Consult To obtain public feedback on analysis,
alternatives, and/or decisions.
We will keep you informed, listen to and
acknowledge concerns and aspirations,
and provide feedback on how public input
influenced the decision.
Involve
To work directly with the public
throughout the process to ensure that
public concerns and aspirations are
consistently understood and considered.
We will work with you to ensure that your
concerns and aspirations are directly
reflected in the alternatives developed
and provide feedback on how public input
influenced the decision.
Collaborate
To partner with the public in each aspect
of the decision, including the development
of alternatives and the identification of
the preferred solution.
We will look to you for advice and
innovation in formulating solutions, and
incorporate your advice and
recommendations into the decisions to
the maximum extent possible.
Empower To place final decision-making in the
hands of the public. We will implement what you decide. 14 17
B.
San Mateo County can engage with the public and stakeholders through various methods, such as meetings, open houses, conference calls, and webinars. Table 4 outlines the three (3) main modes of meetings that can be utilized throughout the hazard mitigation planning process.
Table 4. Meeting Types
Meeting Type Description
In Person
In person meetings are what many associate with traditional planning. Participants and stakeholders are given the opportunity to interact with each other and, at times, with the public. It could be a workshop, traditional meeting, or other in person format to seek direct input.
Virtual Virtual events make it possible for people who are limited by time, transportation, finances, health, or life circumstances to attend an in person meeting.
Hybrid
Hybrid meetings and events combine both in person and virtual experiences. Having both options for attendees increases the event's potential impact and reach. Hybrid meetings can create unique, inclusive experiences that accommodate the needs of more people across larger geographies.
3.4. Develop Clear and Consistent Messages that Align
with Community Values
San Mateo County will consider values and priorities, and how they align with reducing the impacts of future hazards and disasters. Subsequently, SMC EM will develop outreach materials that convey a clear, consistent message to a range of audiences. The outreach materials will be broad enough for other plan participants to use in their outreach efforts. These materials can include, but are not limited to:
• Flyers
• Brochures
• Infographics
• Hazard Mitigation Language for Websites and Social Media • PowerPoint Presentations
3.5. Evaluate and Incorporate Feedback from Outreach
Activities
San Mateo County will gather and assess feedback from engagement and outreach activities conducted throughout the planning process and incorporate it into the final Plan, as appropriate. During the outreach process, San Mateo County will clearly explain to stakeholders and the public how the Core Planning Team and Steering Committee will use the feedback received to inform the Plan. Set a process for the following:
• Organizing and assessing the comments received.
• Incorporating comments into the development of the Plan itself. • Recording the comments in the final Plan.
15 18
B.
Note: Collecting public feedback is not enough. San Mateo County will use public feedback to inform the LHMP. For example, use public meetings to brainstorm mitigation actions.
Information and feedback from the public survey, public meetings, and public comment period are intended to provide valuable data to validate and confirm the risk assessment findings and potential mitigation actions. Specifically, feedback from the public during public meetings provides greater insight into the public’s concerns about specific hazards and their impacts. Additionally, the public would also offer specific initiatives they believed would enhance the County's and its residents' resiliency.
Survey results will help validate the hazards included in the Plan, the hazard ranking process, and areas where the County and jurisdictions could further improve outreach and education efforts. Open-ended responses, specifically regarding their experience with damage from past hazards, could help validate hazard-specific impact data outlined in the Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment section of the Plan. These and related findings will help the Core Planning Team, the Steering Committee, and local planning teams identify meaningful mitigation projects.
3.6. Provide an Opportunity for Public Review of Final
Draft Plan
Once the final draft of the Plan is completed (before submitting to the State and FEMA), the public will have an opportunity to review and provide feedback on the draft. This is also known as the Public Comment Period. This can be accomplished by the following:
• Include the Plan as a topic of discussion at an existing meeting. • Share the Plan on a website and promote it across social media accounts. • Hold a meeting where the public can review the Plan.
• Bring the Plan to community events where you know the public will be gathering.
San Mateo County will allow at least four (4) weeks for the Public Comment Period. Throughout the Public Comment Period, the County will review, assess, and implement (as appropriate) the public’s feedback.
Also, San Mateo intends to notify the public when the draft Plan is ready for review. This will be accomplished through various avenues as outlined in this Strategy, including, but not limited to, an official press release, the community’s website, social media accounts, and flyers or brochures in public areas.
All outreach methods will explain how the public can review the draft Plan and provide feedback.
Note: Some jurisdictions have policies regarding public review of documents before adoption, and these policies should be followed for final comments on the Plan. 16 19
B.
APPENDIX A. REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETINGS AND EVENTS
A.1. Weekly Scheduled Meetings and Events
Weekday Event Location/Time Additional Information
Mondays
Tuesdays
Cañada College (In partnership with
Second Harvest Food Bank Silicon
Valley): Free Groceries – Weekly Food
Distribution
Cañada College (Lot 6)
4200 Farm Hill Boulevard
Redwood City, CA 94061
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Food Distribution Information
U.S. Citizenship Study Group / Clase de
Ciudadanía
North Fair Oaks Library
2510 Middlefield Road
Redwood City, CA 94063
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Immigrant Services Community
Event Calendar
U.S. Citizenship Test Class
Half Moon Bay Library
620 Correas Street
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Immigrant Services Community
Event Calendar
Wednesdays
Online Citizenship Class Virtual
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Immigrant Services Community
Event Calendar
Online Citizenship Class Virtual
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Immigrant Services Community
Event Calendar
U.S. Citizenship Test Class
East Palo Alto Library
2415 University Avenue
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Immigrant Services Community
Event Calendar
U.S. Citizenship Classes
Coastside Hope
248 Main Street, #200
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Immigrant Services Community
Event Calendar
17 20
B.
Weekday Event Location/Time Additional Information
Thursdays
Cantonese U.S. Citizenship Test Class
Milbrae Library
1 Library Avenue
Millbrae, CA 94030
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Immigrant Services Community
Event Calendar
In-Person Citizenship Class Redwood City, CA
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Immigrant Services Community
Event Calendar
Fridays
18 21
B.
A.2. Bi-Monthly Scheduled Meetings and Events
Weekday Event Location/Time Additional Information
Mondays
Tuesdays
Board of Supervisors Meeting
County Center Chambers (1st Floor)
500 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063
9:00 AM
Meeting Information
Airport Commission
City Hall (Room 400) (and virtual)
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
9:00 AM
1 st and 3rd Tuesday of the month
Meeting Information
Wednesdays
Board of Education Meeting
San Mateo County Office of Education (and
virtual)
101 Twin Dolphin Drive
Redwood City, CA 94065
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Meeting Information
Planning Commission Meeting
County Center Chambers (and virtual)
500 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063
9:00 AM
2 nd and 4th Wednesday of the month
Meeting Information
Thursdays
Fridays
19 22
B.
A.3. Monthly Scheduled Meetings and Events
Weekday Event Location/Time Additional Information
Mondays
Coastside Collaborative Zoom
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
3 rd Monday of the month
Meetings
Veterans Commission Meetings
County Center (Manzanita Hall)
500 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
2 nd Monday of the month
Meeting Information
Agricultural Advisory Committee
Ted Adcock Community Center (South Day
Room)
535 Kelly Avenue
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
6:00 PM
2 nd Monday of the month
Meeting Information
Tuesdays
Pescadero Municipal Advisory Council
La Honda-Pescadero Unified School District
Office (and virtual)
360 Butano Cutoff
Pescadero, CA 94060
Council begins at 6:00 PM, and
presentations from local officials begin by
7:00 PM.
2 nd Tuesday of the month
Meeting Information
Free Citizenship Workshops Registration required for location details 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
2 nd Tuesday of the month
Meeting Information/Registration
Commission on the Status of Women
County Center (Manzanita Hall and virtual)
500 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
4 th Tuesday of the month
Meeting Information (2025)
Emerald Lake Hills Design Review Officer
County Center (Room 101)
500 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063
2:00 PM
1 st Tuesday of the month
Meeting Information
20 23
B.
Weekday Event Location/Time Additional Information
Wednesdays
Midcoast Community Council
Granada Community Services District
(GCSD) Office (and virtual)
504 Avenue Alhambra (3rd Floor)
El Granada, CA 94018
9:00 AM
2 nd and 4th Wednesday of the month
Meeting Information
San Mateo County Business License
Board
County Office Building (Room 201)
455 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063
9:00 AM
3 rd Wednesday of the month
Meeting Information
Bayside Design Review Committee
County Center (Room 101)
455 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
1 st Wednesday of the month
Meeting Information
Thursdays
North Fair Oaks Community Council
Fair Oaks Community Center (Multipurpose
Room)
2600 Middlefield Road
Redwood City, 94063
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
4 th Thursday of the month
Meeting Information
San Mateo County Parks Commission Changing Location
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM 1
st Thursday of the month
San Mateo County Youth Commission
County Center (Manzanita Hall)
500 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063
2 nd Thursday of the month (August
– May)
Meeting Information
Commission on Disabilities
County Center (Manzanita Hall and virtual)
500 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
4 th Thursday of the month (except
July and December)
Meeting Information
Coastside Design Review Committee
Granada Community Services District
(GCSD) Office (and virtual)
504 Avenue Alhambra
El Granada, CA 94018
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
2 nd Thursday of the month
Meeting Information
21 24
B.
Weekday Event Location/Time Additional Information
Unincorporated San Mateo County
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Committee
County Center (Manzanita Hall and virtual)
500 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063
7:00 PM
3 rd Thursday of even numbered
months
Meeting Information
Fridays
Free Farmers Market at Skyline College
Skyline College
3300 College Drive
San Bruno, CA 94066
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
1 st Friday of the month
Food Pantry & Free Groceries
Information
CSM/SparkPoint Drive-Thru Food
Distribution
College of San Mateo
(Drive up to Parking Lot X, and look for
signs)
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Every Friday
22 25
B.
A.4. Special Events
Date Event Location/Time Additional Information
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 Listen and Learn Meeting in District 3 Half Moon Bay Library (Community Room)
620 Correas Street
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Event Information/Registration
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 San Mateo County Career Panel & Career Fair
Skyline College (Fireside Dining Hall in
Building 6)
3300 College Drive
San Bruno, CA 94066
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Event Information
February 2026 Listen and Learn Meeting in District 5 Daly City TBD Quarterly Meetings
San Mateo County Housing Our
People Effectively (HOPE) Interagency
Council
Human Services Agency (Bali Room)
400 Harbor Boulevard
Belmont, CA 94002
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Meeting Information
Quarterly Meetings San Mateo County Libraries Joint
Powers Authority Governing Board
Library Administration (and virtual)
125 Lessingia Court
San Mateo, CA 94402
8:15 AM
Meeting Information
23 26
B.
APPENDIX B. SAMPLE LAYOUT TO TRACK ENGAGEMENT
San Mateo County and plan participants should use the following template to track all in person, virtual, and hybrid public and stakeholder engagement throughout the planning process. Additionally, supporting documentation should be collected, including pictures of the event, sign-in sheets, and the agenda.
Any outreach conducted through other communication channels should also be documented (e.g., screenshots of social media posts or pictures of flyers posted in public spaces).
[Month 202#]
Date [Day of Week], [Month] [Day]
(e.g., Wednesday, December 4th)
[Day of Week], [Month] [Day]
(e.g., Wednesday, December 4th)
Event Name
Location [Name of Location]
[Full Address]
[Name of Location]
[Full Address]
Outreach Method [Refer to Table 2] [Refer to Table 2]
Outreach Purpose [Refer to Table 3] [Refer to Table 3]
Targeted Population [For example: Elderly, Children, Access and Functional Needs]
[For example: Elderly, Children, Access and Functional
Needs]
Accommodations Provided [For example: After Hours, Spanish Speaking Available, Virtual Options]
[For example: After Hours, Spanish Speaking Available,
Virtual Options]
Event Description [Provide a brief description of the event.] [Provide a brief description of the event.] 24 27
B.