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2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Planning With Our Communities to Reduce Future Risk
The Douglas County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) is our blueprint for reducing long-term risk from natural hazards. The HMP guides projects that protect people, homes, infrastructure, and our economy—before disasters happen.
We’re updating the plan to reflect new data and community priorities and to remain eligible for FEMA mitigation grants. Your experience and ideas will shape the projects we pursue next.
Participants include Douglas County, the cities of East Wenatchee, Bridgeport, Rock Island, Waterville, Mansfield, and Coulee Dam as well as participating special-purpose districts and partner agencies.
Quick facts:
- Updated at least every 5 years, last updated in 2020
- Supports funding for risk-reduction projects
- Covers Douglas County and partner cities and districts
- Your input directly informs priorities
What is a Hazard Mitigation Plan?
An HMP identifies our hazards, assesses who and what is most vulnerable, and lists actions to reduce future damage. It coordinates efforts across Douglas County; the cities of East Wenatchee, Bridgeport, Rock Island, Waterville, Coulee Dam, and Mansfield; unincorporated areas in the county; and participating special districts and partners.
The plan helps us focus limited resources on the most effective, locally supported projects and keeps partners and jurisdictions eligible for state and federal mitigation funding.
Why are we updating the plan now?
FEMA requires communities to update their HMP at least every five years to reflect new data, development, completed projects, and lessons learned. Washington State Emergency Management Division reviews the plan before FEMA approval.
This update will:
- Refresh hazard profiles and maps
- Reassess facilities and populations that are vulnerable to hazards
- Update and prioritize a fundable project list
What’s in the plan
- Hazard profiles: wildfire, dam failure, flooding, drought, severe storms, landslides, earthquakes, and tornadoes
- Vulnerability assessment: people, housing, critical facilities, infrastructure, economy, environment
- Mitigation strategy: goals and a prioritized action list with lead agencies, timelines, and potential funding
- Implementation and maintenance: how the plan is used and kept current
Public participation
Douglas County’s HMP update will be most effective when it reflects the knowledge, needs, and priorities of the people who live, work, farm, study, and do business in the county. The public participation plan guides how we inform, invite, and incorporate public and stakeholder input throughout plan development, adoption, and ongoing maintenance.
Public participation provides value to the hazard mitigation planning process by:
- Incorporating people's experiences, historical impacts, and community-specific risks.
- Building legitimacy and trust, strengthening support for adopted actions and future investments.
- Engaging populations most at risk and others who may face disproportionate hazard impacts.
- Creating partnerships with neighboring jurisdictions, tribes, businesses, utilities, nonprofits, and academia that are essential for multi-jurisdiction coordination and project implementation.
- Public participation timeline
Late Winter 2026
Spring 2026
Summer 2026
Fall 2026
Initiate process with County Commissioners and Planning Commission
Countywide press release and website launch
City workshops (locally hosted events)
Informational webinar (virtual event)
Event tabling
Event tabling
Open house with Comprehensive Plan
Public comment period
Public comment review
Second informational webinar (virtual event)
Final briefing with County Commissioners and Planning Commission
Public Engagement
Events and engagement opportunities will be promoted through Douglas County communication channels, social media, and local jurisdictions. Stay informed about Hazard Mitigation planning updates and opportunities to participate. Subscribe through Notify Me to receive email or text notifications.
Outreach Materials and Recordings
Steering Committee Meetings
Steering Committee Meetings-Agendas
Timeline
This project is on a fast timeline so the HMP can be part of the Comprehensive Plan. We expect to work hard throughout the spring and summer and have the plan adopted by October.
2026 | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct |
Existing Plan Audit & New Plan Priorities |
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Vulnerability Assessment |
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Hazard Mitigation Plan Draft |
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Goals & Policies for Comprehensive Plan |
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Outreach & Public Participation |
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The Douglas County Hazard Mitigation Plan update is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.