Tribal Mitigation Planning Policy Updates

FEMA’s Tribal Mitigation Plan Review Guide was last updated in 2017. This Guide is also known as the Tribal Mitigation Planning Policy. FEMA is currently updating this policy to make sure it stays current with other mitigation planning policies, programs, and guidance.

See below for opportunities to provide feedback throughout the policy update process.

From June 2023 to March 2024, the National Mitigation Planning Program engaged with Tribal Nations on mitigation planning policy. FEMA gathered feedback on the current policy and priorities for the tribal policy update. The Tribal Mitigation Planning Policy Update: Summary of Feedback Report reviews this process. It also summarizes comments received from Tribal Nations. Tribal leaders, elders and representatives shared verbal and written comments through consultations, feedback sessions and emails.

View the Report

Tribal Mitigation Planning Policy Guide Tribal Consultation

The purpose of government-to-government tribal consultations is to gather Tribal Nations’ feedback on how to improve the tribal mitigation planning process across Indian Country.

FEMA held the following consultations in 2023.

• July 27: Virtual Consultation​
• Oct. 5: Virtual Consultation​
• Oct. 19: Alaska Federation of Natives Conference (Anchorage, Alaska)​
• Nov. 16: National Congress of American Indians Conference (New Orleans)​
• Dec. 2: BIA Tribal Providers Conference Listening Sessions - R10 (Anchorage, Alaska)

Written comments in response to the tribal consultation are due by March 6, 2024, and may be submitted to fema-tribal@fema.dhs.gov. Please include the subject line “Tribal Mitigation Planning Guidance – Written Comments.”

You can find more information on tribal consultations and events on FEMA’s Tribal Consultations page.

About the Policies

It is FEMA’s official policy based on regulations found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 44 CFR Part 201, Mitigation Planning. These are rules for creating and updating tribal mitigation plans. The policy helps FEMA officials review tribal mitigation plans in a fair and consistent way. It also informs tribal governments about what the plan must include to receive FEMA approval.

About Tribal Mitigation Planning

A hazard mitigation plan can be a road map to resilience. Tribal nations can use them to plan for and reduce the risk of natural disasters. In addition, a FEMA-approved mitigation plan is a condition for receiving certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance, including funding for mitigation projects.

Resources for Tribal Mitigation Planning

For more information on tribal mitigation planning, view the Introduction to Tribal Mitigation Planning webinar recording.  This webinar covers basic mitigation planning concepts, types of mitigation plans, steps to create a mitigation plan and available resources.  

FEMA’s tribal mitigation planning handbook provides information for tribal nations to help develop and update their hazard mitigation plan. Additionally, the tribal mitigation planning fact sheet provides an overview of hazard mitigation planning for Tribal Nations and governments. It includes information, resources, and links related to mitigation planning and action.

Opportunities to Provide Feedback

FEMA strives to enhance a nation-to-nation partnership with tribal governments that recognizes tribal sovereignty and self-governance. It is reflected in the 2022-2026 FEMA National Tribal Strategy. It is also consistent with the FEMA’s Tribal Policy (Rev. 2) (FEMA Policy #305-111-1). FEMA will gather feedback and collaborate with Tribal Nations on the mitigation policy update as described in the FEMA Tribal Consultation Policy (FEMA Policy #101-002-02).

You can find upcoming tribal consultations and events on FEMA’s Tribal Consultations page.

Written comments in response to the tribal consultation are due by March 6, 2024, and may be submitted to fema-tribal@fema.dhs.gov. Please include the subject line "Tribal Mitigation Planning Guidance - Written Comments."