Staff Report
City Council
Item No. {{section.number}}.{{item.number}}
Meeting Date: September 24, 2025
From: Michael A. Contreras, Fire Chief
Title: Adoption of the Updated Cathedral City Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP)
RECOMMENDATION:
To adopt the updated Cathedral City Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. This adoption aligns with state and federal requirements for formally adopting hazard mitigation plans.
BACKGROUND:
On November 13, 2024, the City Council awarded a contract to the firm Jacob Green and Associates (JGA) to update the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Staff worked closely with JGA to bring the LHMP current and ready for City Council adoption.
The Cathedral City Local Hazard Mitigation Plan is required by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000), which amended the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act by adding “Section 322 – Mitigation Planning. Adoption of the plan will also allow the city to pursue federal mitigation grant opportunities including the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Cathedral City has partnered with Jacob Green and Associates, a Southern California-based local government consulting firm, to develop the City’s 2025 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan update. The process included receiving input from City staff, stakeholders representing key sectors such as utilities, housing, healthcare, small business, and community-based organizations, as well as the general public. Over the past year, the planning team conducted a hazard risk assessment, analyzed climate impacts and equity considerations, and identified priority mitigation actions aligned with FEMA’s updated guidance issued in April 2023 (while FEMA issued revised guidance in April 2025 making some of these elements optional, including enhanced equity and climate change impacts, Cal OES continues to require both of these in all California hazard mitigation plans).
The LHMP was submitted to Cal OES and FEMA for review in June 2025. In August 2025, FEMA determined the plan is approvable pending adoption, requiring only that the City submit proof of adoption to FEMA for final approval.
Once adopted, the LHMP will serve as the City’s official mitigation strategy for the next five years. The plan will be maintained and updated annually by City staff, in coordination with internal departments, regional agencies, and community stakeholders. Adoption of the plan will also allow the city to pursue federal mitigation grant opportunities including the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), and the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program.
Community Engagement: The City of Cathedral City prioritized meaningful public and stakeholder engagement throughout the development of the 2025 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Community engagement was conducted in both English and Spanish to ensure broad accessibility.
Key outreach activities included:
•Online Public Survey: A multilingual community survey in English and Spanish was available on the City’s website through February 2025, allowing residents to share experiences and perspectives on hazards and mitigation actions. •Workshops and Meetings: A virtual Hazards Workshop was held in December 2024.
An in-person public meeting and a parallel virtual workshop were held in January 2025.
•Public Review Period: The Draft LHMP was posted for a two-week public comment period in May 2025. Feedback was reviewed and incorporated into the final draft.
This engagement strategy ensured input from vulnerable populations including low-income residents, seniors, renters, and individuals with disabilities was considered in the planning process.
Next Steps: Upon receipt of final approval from FEMA, the City will:
•Integrate the adopted LHMP into the Cathedral City General Plan by referencing it in the Safety Element as an appendix or supporting document. •Coordinate internal implementation efforts by working with departments across the City to begin aligning capital improvements, planning policies, and emergency preparedness efforts with the mitigation actions outlined in the plan. •Maintain and update the plan on an ongoing basis, including an annual review of progress toward mitigation goals and a formal plan update every five years in accordance with FEMA requirements.
Adoption of the LHMP positions the City of Cathedral City to pursue funding for high-priority mitigation projects that reduce risk, improve public safety, and strengthen resilience to climate-related and other hazards.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to the Operating Budget. The plan development was included in the FY 2025/26 budget.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal E: Safety
Action E-5: Update the City’s EOC, Conduct EOC drills and training, and update the City’s Emergency Operations Plan and Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Attachment A – Resolution adopting the 2025 LHMP
2. Attachment B – City of Cathedral City 2025 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan