Hazard Mitigation Assistance News and Announcements

The 2024 HMA Guide update incorporates existing policies and guidance materials issued since March 23, 2023, and makes other policy updates and clarifications.

A full list of changes made since the 2023 version can be found in part 15 of the HMA Guide and in the 2024 Summary of Changes document. The 2023 HMA Guide may be found on the archived documents page. Visit the HMA Guide homepage for more information.

Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) is a method that determines the future risk reduction benefits of a hazard mitigation project and compares those benefits to its costs. FEMA is making it easier to demonstrate cost-effectiveness of hazard mitigation projects. We are streamlining the BCA requirements to address a long-standing barrier certain communities—particularly those that are underserved—have had accessing mitigation grants through the Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs.

Please review the FEMA Policy: Benefit-Cost Analysis Discount Rate and Streamlined Cost-Effectiveness for HMA and PA Programs. The BCA Toolkit has also been updated to reflect certain changes.

This policy aid provides important information on applying for funding for planning related and drought mitigation activities, including additional resources, such as links to partner websites.

Download the Aid

This year's virtual workshop, All Together for Climate Resilient Communities, is scheduled for Oct. 16-19.

The Hazard Mitigation Partners Workshop is the annual gathering of hazard mitigation experts and partners to share information about grants and floodplain management, and strengthening the relationships between stakeholders and FEMA.

The 2022 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Summer Engagement Series is a multi-part webinar series that will bring FEMA subject-matter experts and partners together to provide technical information, best practices, tools and resources regarding the HMA grant programs.