Building nature-based solutions requires collaboration among governmental and non-governmental organizations. The departments that may need to be involved include, but are not limited to:
- Parks and Recreation
- Public Works
- Planning and Economic Development
- Environmental Protection
- Utilities
- Transportation
- Floodplain Administration
- Emergency Management
Non-governmental partners like civic associations, watershed groups and nonprofits also add value to the planning process.
Mitigation Planning
FEMA’s hazard mitigation assistance programs provide grants to eligible state, local, tribal, and territorial partners to reduce risk from many hazards. In some cases, an approved mitigation plan is required to apply for and receive certain FEMA non-emergency assistance.
Learn more about mitigation planning and the requirements for applying to certain types of grants.
Building Community Resilience with Nature-Based Solutions: A Guide for Local Communities
The guide offers tips on which officials to engage, which types of nature-based solutions to consider and how to update plans, policies and ordinances to drive these solutions.
View the Nature-Based Solutions guide.
Environmental and Historic Preservation Compliance
Like any other project, nature-based solutions must comply with local, state and federal environmental and historic preservation laws, executive orders and regulations.
Contact environmental and historic preservation authorities early in the design phase of your project so they can help identify benefits and limitations. This step should avoid delays in applying your nature-based solution.
Learn more about the environmental and historic preservation review process.