Dynamic Planning + Science partnered with the Santa Barbara Unified School District to prepare its 2026 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, establishing a data-informed strategy to protect students, staff, educational facilities, and district operations from natural hazards. The plan assesses risks across 25 sites and approximately 460 buildings, identifies campus-specific vulnerabilities, and integrates hazard mitigation into facility planning, maintenance, and capital improvement decisions.
Building on the District’s previous mitigation plan, the update incorporates current facility data, revised hazard information, climate resilience considerations, stakeholder input, and implementation-focused mitigation actions. FEMA approved the plan in June 2026, restoring the District’s eligibility to pursue federal Hazard Mitigation Assistance funding for priority resilience projects.
- Evaluated natural hazard risks affecting 25 sites and approximately 460 buildings
- Assessed earthquake and liquefaction, wildfire, flood, extreme weather, slope failure, drought, and climate-related impacts
- Used GIS and facility data to identify vulnerable campuses, buildings, infrastructure, and operational assets
- Developed 13 prioritized mitigation actions addressing seismic resilience, wildfire protection, drainage, communications, backup power, slope stability, and water conservation
- Evaluated how changing precipitation, wildfire conditions, drought, high winds, and other climate trends may affect District facilities
- Connected mitigation priorities with the District’s Facilities Master Plan, maintenance programs, capital investments, and operational decision-making
- Achieved FEMA approval in June 2026, positioning the District to pursue federal and state funding for hazard mitigation projects
