HMSW 2019

The purpose of the 2019 Hazard Mitigation Stakeholder Workshop is to bring hazard mitigation professionals together in a welcoming environment to discuss success stories and challenges associated with the delivery of the Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) programs. The goal is to advance mitigation strategies nationwide and improve capacity to: address the impacts of natural hazards, effectively manage floodplains, implement HMA program requirements; and to provide tools and guidance to support decision-making at all levels.

The workshop includes 5 days of plenary and breakout sessions devoted to sharing program best practices and project case studies. Topics include:

-Panel discussions that encourage in-depth discussion of critical issues related to mitigation
-Mitigation best practices
-A Keynote address from Katherine Fox
-HMA subject area and Regional meetings with State partners
-Partnership building and process enhancement exercises
-Hot topics and challenges with the HMA grants process
-Mitigation approaches from Other Federal Agencies
-The Community Rating System (CRS) in the post-disaster environment
-Elevation, insurance, grants and mitigation
-Use of available flood hazard information to guide recovery
-Enhancing the customer experience

This workshop will provide an invaluable opportunity for Federal, State, Territorial, and Tribal officials to come together to advance mitigation opportunities by: promoting floodplain management, adding value to existing partnerships, forging new strategic relationships, and enhancing HMA credibility, all of which are critical to reducing risks from natural hazards nationwide.