Dynamic Planning + Science partnered with the City of McFarland to complete a comprehensive update of its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP), building on the 2015 plan and reinforcing the city’s commitment to reducing long-term risks from natural hazards. The 2023 HMP meets FEMA and DMA 2000 requirements and maintains the city’s eligibility for key hazard mitigation grant programs, including HMGP, BRIC, and FMA.
The updated plan reflects the city’s proactive stance on climate adaptation and resilience, integrating new GIS-based risk analysis, a publicly accessible Risk Assessment Mapping Platform (RAMP), and the Mitigation Action Support Tool (MAST) to better identify vulnerabilities and track mitigation progress. The planning process incorporated public engagement, a multi-disciplinary Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee, and updated mitigation strategies tailored to current hazard profiles including flooding, drought, extreme heat, geologic hazards, severe weather, and climate change.
- Comprehensive update of 2015 HMP to meet FEMA and SB 379 requirements
- Focused risk assessment on six priority hazards: flooding, drought, extreme heat, geologic hazards, severe weather, and climate change
- Integrated interactive Risk Assessment Mapping Platform (RAMP) and Mitigation Action Support Tool (MAST)
- Re-evaluated and updated mitigation actions based on new vulnerability data and implementation strategies
- Strengthened interagency partnerships and community outreach, including 8–10 public events annually
- Formalized a new Office of Emergency Services with dedicated staff and the launch of the ReadyMcFarland outreach platform
- Leveraged federal and state funding opportunities through updated mitigation goals and eligibility compliance
- Used GIS data and online tools to improve hazard modeling, exposure mapping, and mitigation tracking
