FEMA is beginning the process to update its Tribal Mitigation Planning Policy. This policy was last updated in 2017. The policy helps FEMA officials review tribal mitigation plans in a fair and consistent way. It also informs tribal governments about what the plans must include to receive FEMA approval. While the underlying regulations are not changing, this policy update will help keep the tribal policy current.
Why is the Policy Being Updated?
State, local, tribal and territorial governments create mitigation plans to identify risks and make long-term strategies to reduce losses to people and property from disasters. In addition, Tribal Nations must have a FEMA-approved mitigation plan to receive funding following a presidentially declared disaster and to apply for and/or receive certain types of non-emergency funding.
FEMA reviews all existing policies every four years so that they remain current and effective. FEMA plans to update the policy to align with new and updated strategies and grant programs, including the National Tribal Strategy. Additional considerations and questions to help guide the tribal consultation are included in the Tribal Mitigation Planning Policy Update Framing Paper and Key Concepts which can be found on the FEMA Tribal Consultations web page.
Want More Information?
- FEMA is asking tribal governments to share comments and feedback on the policy. You can find more information about upcoming and past consultations on this policy as well as an introductory tribal mitigation planning webinar on FEMA’s tribal consultations page.
- FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) hosts the Independent Study (IS) course titled IS-350: Mitigation Planning for Tribal Communities. Review that course on EMI’s website.
Share Your Feedback!
Send your comments, questions and feedback on the Tribal Mitigation Planning Policy to fema-tribal@fema.dhs.gov. Please include the subject line “Tribal Mitigation Planning Guidance – Written Comments.” Feedback and comments are due by Dec. 15, 2023.
Stay updated on the Policy by visiting FEMA’s Tribal Mitigation Planning Updates webpage.