DATE:
May 6, 2025
TO:
Mayor and Council Members
FROM:
Rachel Molina, City Manager
BY:
Melinda Sayre, Deputy City Manager/City Clerk
Jacquelyn Castillo, Management Analyst
SUBJECT:
2024 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-12, approving the 2024 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) Update, and authorize staff to make future non-substantive revisions to the plan as needed.
BACKGROUND
The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000), enacted on October 10, 2000, established requirements for state and local agencies to develop and submit a comprehensive Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) to both the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Compliance with this requirement ensures continued eligibility for hazard mitigation grant funding.
To remain eligible for FEMA-supported hazard mitigation assistance programs, LHMPs must be updated and resubmitted to FEMA for approval every five (5) years. In response to legislative changes, FEMA has issued updated planning guidance including the State Mitigation Plan Review Guide (2015), Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide (2011), and Tribal Mitigation Plan Review Guide (2017). These updates aim to broaden the scope of eligible activities and strengthen community resilience through proactive hazard mitigation planning.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
The 2017 LHMP was approved by City Council through Resolution No. 2018-16 on March 20, 2018. Since then, the City has actively participated in the hazard mitigation planning process. The 2024 LHMP Update reflects a comprehensive revision aligned with FEMA’s current compliance standards.
The updated LHMP follows FEMA’s framework, detailing the methodology for identifying hazards, assessing risks and vulnerabilities, prioritizing mitigation strategies, and encouraging coordination among local stakeholders. It serves not only as a FEMA compliance document, but also as a strategic tool supporting objectives in the Safety Element of the 2024 General Plan Update.
The City submitted the draft LHMP to Cal OES for initial review on December 19, 2024. Following their approval, Cal OES forwarded the plan to FEMA for final review. On April 14, 2025, FEMA notified the City that the LHMP is eligible for final approval pending formal adoption by the City Council.
The 2024 LHMP Update builds upon the City’s ongoing efforts to reduce disaster-related risks. City departments, particularly those involved in Public Works and emergency response, have already implemented procedures to minimize potential damages and enhance disaster preparedness.
Adoption of the LHMP marks the final step in this cycle of hazard mitigation planning and preserves the City’s eligibility for federal and state hazard mitigation funding.
CITY GOAL SUPPORTED BY THIS ITEM
Public Safety - Ensure public safety resources adequately protect our community.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with adoption of the 2024 LHMP. However, City Council adoption is required to maintain eligibility for:
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding;
Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) grants;
Disaster recovery funding and reimbursement for mitigation projects related to state or federal disaster declarations.
ALTERNATIVE(S)
Provide alternative direction to staff.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Resolution No. 2025-12
FEMA Review Letter
2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update (available on the City’s website) City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
Staff Report to the City Council
2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
May 6, 2025