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Welcome to the Hazard Mitigation Partners Virtual Workshop

Date: February 5-8, 2024

Location: Virtual

The Hazard Mitigation Partners Virtual Workshop will bring together over 800 federal, states, local communities, tribes and territories, as well as private sector entities, private non-profit organizations, and individuals who work in emergency management, floodplain management and hazard mitigation positions.

The focus of the workshop is All Together for Climate Resilient Communities. The conversations throughout the workshop will focus on building mitigation champions, driving community resilience, providing technical assistance for grant programs, and supporting community resilience and hazard mitigation.

Agenda

Agenda

time iconFebruary 5, 2024 12:00 pm

Day 1

Equity: Whole Community Successes Through Working Together

February 5, 2024, Noon to 3:45 p.m. ET

time iconFebruary 5, 2024 12:00 pm

Opening Remarks | Words of Inspiration Plenary Session: Moving Towards More Equitable Mitigation

This session will explore the relationship among stakeholder experiences, equity, and FEMA’s policies and programs. Panelists will discuss how we can achieve a shared understanding of equity beyond the current climate; how we can develop public-private partnerships that promote resilience; and how we can foster a sense of collective responsibility to build a prepared and resilient nation.

speaker headshot Derrick Hiebert
FEMA, Hazard Mitigation Assistant Administrator
speaker headshot Deanne Criswell
FEMA Administrator
speaker headshot Andy Beshear
Kentucky Governor
speaker headshot Marcus Coleman
Department of Homeland Security, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Director
speaker headshot Nikki Cooley
Panelists: Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals Co-Director
speaker headshot Maggie Dunn
FEMA Region 3, Mitigation Division, Supervisory Emergency Management Spec
speaker headshot Kelbie Kennedy
FEMA Office of External Affairs, National Tribal Affairs Advocate
time iconFebruary 5, 2024 01:10 pm

Break

time iconFebruary 5, 2024 01:25 pm

Session 1

Session 1A: Overview of the Community Disaster Resilience Zones (CDRZ)

Session 1B: Climate Resilience

The changing climate is a force multiplier – increasing the number of storms, floods, fires, and extreme temperatures that threaten the well-being of people across our nation. When emergency managers plan for and strategically invest in climate adaptation measures, the effects from disasters are less severe and the road to recovery starts sooner for survivors.

speaker headshot Jeanine Petterson
FEMA, Office of Resilience Strategy, Senior Policy Advisor
speaker headshot Merissa Zuzulock
FEMA, Office of Resilience Strategy, Climate Resilience Integration Branch, Acting Branch Chief
time iconFebruary 5, 2024 01:25 pm

Session 2

Advancing Equitable Planning and Resilience Through Solutions-Based Federal Partnership: FEMA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation

FEMA, Community Planner (Tribal) Felicity Selvoski Join us for an informative session where the EPA and FEMA Region 8 discuss how they supported the Assiniboine and Sioux tribes in updating their tribal hazard mitigation plans (HMPs). Updated plans include climate projections, cultural knowledge, and designs for three green infrastructure projects that the community identified using Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Direct Technical Assistance (DTA).

speaker headshot Felicity Selvoski
FEMA, Community Planner (Tribal)
time iconFebruary 5, 2024 01:25 pm

Session 3

Session 3A: Applying CISA’s Infrastructure Resilience Planning Framework to Hazard Mitigation for Rural Water and Wastewater Systems – A Kentucky Case Study

Learn how to protect your community’s critical infrastructure from hazards! Join us for a presentation on the CISA Infrastructure Resilience Planning Framework (IRPF). This powerful tool helps you understand and address the impact of hazards on public and private infrastructure. Discover the benefits of the IRPF, how it is being used, and how you can plan for resilience. Do not miss this opportunity to safeguard your community’s essential services.

Session 3B: Sustainable Post-Typhoon Merbok Mitigation Efforts in Underserved Western Alaska

This session will cover Typhoon Merbok’s impact on indigenous communities. Panelists will discuss how to integrate indigenous ways of living into feasible and sustainable mitigation strategies for the continued survival of Alaskan coastal villages. Learn from their experiences and contribute to the discussion on planning for resilience.

speaker headshot Spencer Whitaker
CISA/IAA, Resilience Services Branch Analyst
speaker headshot Daryl Schaffer
The University of Alaska Fairbanks, Masters in Homeland Security and Disaster Management, retired USCG Captain
speaker headshot Dr. John Pennington
The University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Center for Arctic Security & Resilience Deputy Director
time iconFebruary 5, 2024 01:25 pm

Session 4

Mitigation Planning Policy Changes: Planning for Climate Change and Equitable Outcomes

This session will cover recently approved local mitigation plans. Panelists will share trends and how communities are leveraging data and tools to incorporate equity and climate data into their plans.

speaker headshot Lorena Reyes
FEMA, Planning and Safety Branch Emergency Management Specialist
time iconFebruary 5, 2024 02:25 pm

Break

time iconFebruary 5, 2024 02:35 pm

Session 1

Building Better Buyouts: Perspectives from Lived and Learned Experience

This session will cover outcomes from buyout practitioner and recipient conversations. Panelists will share recommendations, highlight areas of alignment, and discuss plans to build on participants’ connections.

speaker headshot Anna Weber
Natural Resources Defense Council, People & Communities Program Senior Policy Analyst
time iconFebruary 5, 2024 02:35 pm

Session 2

Tribal Mitigation Planning Policy Update – Tribal Feedback Session

This session gives tribal members and representatives a chance to discuss their unique challenges and opportunities with FEMA. This discussion will help inform updates to the Tribal Mitigation Planning Policy (Tribal Mitigation Plan Review Guide).

speaker headshot Cathleen Carlisle
FEMA, Planning and Safety Branch Community Planner
time iconFebruary 5, 2024 02:35 pm

Session 3

Session 3A: Climate Resilience for an Aging Nation

This session highlights the importance of considering older adults in climate resilience planning. It addresses underserved populations and equity in mitigation planning. As a we face an older populace and climate change, adapting and prioritizing resilience planning is crucial. Learn more about the book here: https://islandpress.org/books/climate-resilience-aging-nation.

Session 3B: Shelter from the Storm: Flood Resilience with and for Unsheltered Communities

This presentation will review the challenges and risks associated with flood resilience for infrastructure and unhoused communities. Participants will hear about workshop outcomes and tangible actions that flood risk managers can take to build care-informed flood resilience.

speaker headshot Danielle Arigoni
National Housing Trust, Policy and Solutions Managing Director
speaker headshot Lindsay Floyd
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Water Resources Planner
speaker headshot Jessica Ludy
USACE, Flood Risk Program Manager
time iconFebruary 5, 2024 02:35 pm

Session 4

Equitable Resilience Through Beyond-Code Construction

Join us for an informative session where you will learn about equitable resilience and how communities can apply FEMA's new P-804 recommendations. Discover the benefits of a beyond-code approach and how it can lead to lower insurance premiums and longer service lives. You will also learn about the FORTIFIED Home™, Commercial™, and Multifamily™ building standards that can help you develop disaster-resilient structures that exceed code requirements.

speaker headshot Julie Shiyou-Woodard
Smart Home America, President and CEO
time iconFebruary 5, 2024 03:35 pm

Daily Wrap Up

speaker headshot Eric Letvin
FEMA, Mitigation Deputy Assistant Administrator
time iconFebruary 6, 2024 12:00 pm

DAY 2

Partnerships Come Together in Climate Resilience

February 6, 2024, Noon to 3:45 p.m. ET

time iconFebruary 6, 2024 12:00 pm

Opening Remarks | Words of Inspiration | Plenary Session: Leveraging Partners to Build Whole Community Resilience

This session will discuss partnerships to increase resilience through mitigation investments, including public-private resilience partnerships, innovation to improve practices, and developing cross-sector funding partnerships.

speaker headshot Justin Knighten
FEMA Office of External Affairs, Director of External Affairs
speaker headshot Samantha Medlock
FEMA, Resilience Strategy Assistant Administrator
speaker headshot Denver Applehans
Moderator: FEMA, Community and Private Partner Outreach
speaker headshot Panelist: John Allen
FEMA, Director of Strategic Communications and Partnerships
speaker headshot Jennifer Gerbasi
Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, Mitigation Planning Director
speaker headshot Kristiane Huber
Pew Charitable Trusts, Officer, State Resilience
time iconFebruary 6, 2024 01:10 pm

Break

time iconFebruary 6, 2024 01:25 pm

Session 1

Creative Sector Collaboration: The Key to Achieving Equity in Mitigation Planning

This session covers techniques for training and community coaching to develop mitigation projects using a whole community approach. It emphasizes skill-sharing for safety, accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement, as well as building inventories of local assets and knowledge.

speaker headshot Jan Newcomb
National Coalition for Arts Preparedness & Emergency Response, Executive Director
speaker headshot Beth Flowers
Air Collaborative, Executive Director
time iconFebruary 6, 2024 01:25 pm

Session 2

Leveraging Department of Defense (DOD) Funding as a Non-Federal Match for Mutually Beneficial Nature-Based Solutions

In this workshop, officials from the DOD REPI Program and the OLDCC’s Installation Resilience Program will discuss how FEMA partners can leverage DOD funding to satisfy FEMA’s non-federal cost-sharing requirement, enhance climate adaptation efforts, and protect key military capabilities.

speaker headshot Dan Glasson
Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, Community Investment Deputy Director
speaker headshot Margit Myers
Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation – Installation Resilience Program Activity Lead
speaker headshot Andy Porth
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Energy, Installations and Environment) REPI Projects and Resources Director
time iconFebruary 6, 2024 01:25 pm

Session 3

Session 3A: Promoting Equity and Partnerships in Mitigation: Opportunities Through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)

FEMA, Regional Support Team Program Analyst Melanie Perello The HMGP provides funding to help state, local, tribal and territorial governments mitigate losses after disasters, making it an important tool for disaster preparedness. Join this session to hear lessons from the program’s efforts to expand community engagement, build partnerships, reduce cost share barriers, and introduce new resources and technical assistance for developing applications.

Session 3B: Advancing Building Codes and Breaking Down Barriers

FEMA, Lead Physical Scientist, Building Science Branch, John Ingargiola FEMA, Program Analyst, Policy and Regulations Section, Cliona Roberts Federal funding incentivizes building code adoption for disaster risk reduction. Join this panel to learn about federal assistance programs that support community resilience by promoting collaboration among stakeholders.

speaker headshot Melanie Perello
FEMA, Regional Support Team Program Analyst
speaker headshot Cliona Roberts
FEMA, Policy and Regulations Section Program Analyst
speaker headshot John Ingargiola
FEMA, Building Science Branch Lead Physical Scientist
time iconFebruary 6, 2024 01:25 pm

Session 4

Session 4A: Coordinating Regional Resilience Partners to Integrate Future Climate Flood Risk in Vulnerable Coastal New Hampshire Communities

New Hampshire Coastal Program, Resilience Project Manager Jennifer Gilbert The New Hampshire Flood Smart Seacoast Project is a regional coastal capacity building initiative that provides direct assistance, training and outreach. Its pilot program focuses on flood-prone and socially vulnerable neighborhoods in one coastal community. Join this session to learn about the project’s technical assistance partnership, which helps communities make informed decisions using the best available coastal flood risk science and access FEMA funding for coastal resilience projects.

Session 4B: Incorporating Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) Compliance into Wildfire Mitigation Grants

This session will help participants prepare for EHP compliance for wildfire mitigation projects when applying for Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) funding. It will cover identifying potential EHP complexity, evaluating resources, and understanding time and cost implications. Attending this session is an excellent way to educate stakeholders on EHP compliance and better prepare for wildfire mitigation grants.

speaker headshot Jennifer Gilbert
NH Coastal Program, Resilience Project Manager
speaker headshot Caroline Walz
FEMA, Environmental Office, FEMA Grant Programs Liaison
time iconFebruary 6, 2024 02:25 pm

Break

time iconFebruary 6, 2024 02:35 pm

Session 1

Exceptions to the Rules: Growing Mitigation Partnerships and Opportunities Throughout Alaska

FEMA, Risk Analysis Branch Community Planner Jennifer N. Adleman This session offers new approaches to partnerships with tribes, underserved communities, and socially vulnerable populations. Attendees will learn about building trusted partnerships; climate change impacts and mitigation efforts; and a whole community approach. The session will cover both positive and negative impacts of these partnerships.

speaker headshot Jennifer N. Adleman
FEMA, Risk Analysis Branch Community Planner
time iconFebruary 6, 2024 02:35 pm

Session 2

Hazard Mitigation Assistance Branch Chief Roundtable

This roundtable discussion will address the overarching goals of the HMA program, particularly BRIC, HMGP, Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA), Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), and Public Assistance (PA).

time iconFebruary 6, 2024 02:35 pm

Session 3

Floodplain Management Branch Chief Roundtable

This roundtable discussion will feature a panel of experts who will address the overarching goals of the Floodplain Management Planning (FPM) Division.

time iconFebruary 6, 2024 03:35 pm

Daily Wrap Up

speaker headshot Gerilee Bennett
FEMA, Hazard Mitigation Assistance Director (Acting)
time iconFebruary 7, 2024 10:19 am

DAY 3

Building Skills to Foster Action: Capability and Capacity

February 7, 2024, Noon to 3:45 p.m. ET

time iconFebruary 7, 2024 12:00 pm

Opening Remarks | Words of Inspiration | Plenary Session: Capability & Capacity as Key Elements to Building Whole Community Resilience

This session will explore ways for communities to reduce the risk of loss of life and property by using available programs, tools and resources. It will cover strengthening mitigation in every phase of the disaster cycle; using requirements and incentives to influence decisions; and utilizing funding across programs to address mitigation investment priorities.

speaker headshot Derrick Hiebert
FEMA, Hazard Mitigation Assistant Administrator
speaker headshot Victoria Salinas
FEMA, Resilience Deputy Administrator
speaker headshot Eric Letvin
FEMA, Mitigation Deputy Assistant Administrator
speaker headshot Kristin Baja
Urban Sustainability Directors Network, Direct Support & Innovation Director
speaker headshot Ryan Colker
International Code Council (ICC), Innovation Vice President
speaker headshot Ryan Janda
FEMA, Non-Disaster Grants Implementation Branch Chief
speaker headshot Mari Radford
FEMA, Region 3 Floodplain Management and Insurance Branch Supervisory Community Planner
time iconFebruary 7, 2024 01:10 pm

Break

time iconFebruary 7, 2024 01:25 pm

Session 1

FEMA Partners Driving Change in Hazard Mitigation

Panelists will discuss how public sector and private sector entities are partnering to strengthen mitigation.

speaker headshot Derrick Hiebert
FEMA, Assistant Administrator, Hazard Mitigation Directorate
speaker headshot Chad Berginnis
ASFPM, Executive Director
speaker headshot Gary O’Neal
National Hazard Mitigation Association, Chairman, Board of Directors
speaker headshot Chasity Schmelzenbach
Buckeye Hills Regional Council, Executive Director, Buckeye Hills Regional Council
speaker headshot Russell J. Strickland
Maryland Department of Emergency Management, Secretary
time iconFebruary 7, 2024 01:25 pm

Session 2

Putting Mitigation Plans into Action

The State of Pennsylvania and FEMA will discuss the Plan Implementation and Grants Develop Workshop (PIGD) approach. PIGD workshops have helped local communities develop HMPs and turn them into effective projects. This session will provide insights into the PIGD approach and its impact on local stakeholders.

speaker headshot Sarah Cobelli
FEMA Region 3, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Branch Section Supervisor
speaker headshot Tom Hughes
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) State Hazard Mitigation Officer
speaker headshot Meesh Zucker
FEMA Region 3, Hazard Mitigation Planning Unit Supervisor
time iconFebruary 7, 2024 01:25 pm

Session 3

Session 3A: Documenting Compliance with the Build America, Buy America Act

The Community Official Toolkit (2019) provides resources for officials and mitigation champions to engage communities in building resilience.

Session 3B: Designing Approachable, Accessible, and Adaptable Flood Risk Communications: Updates to the Community Officials Toolkit

The Community Official Toolkit (2019) provides resources for officials and mitigation champions to engage communities in building resilience.

speaker headshot Nielsen R. Leon
FEMA, Policy Branch Supervisory Program Specialist
speaker headshot Flor Manzanares
FEMA, Policy Branch Program Specialist
speaker headshot Lisa Messano
Resilience Action Partners, Senior Technical Specialist
time iconFebruary 7, 2024 02:25 pm

Break

time iconFebruary 7, 2024 02:35 pm

Session 1

Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF: Applicant Experience Roundtable

The Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF is the first HMA program offering capitalization grants for revolving loan funds. In this panel, first-round Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) applicants will share insights on setting up revolving loan funds, meeting fund entity match requirements, and maximizing program benefits.

speaker headshot Melissa Gallegos
FEMA, Hazard Mitigation Assistance Division Program Analyst
time iconFebruary 7, 2024 02:35 pm

Session 2

Applying Climate Information to Risk Management

Historical data are no longer enough for risk management. Federal agencies offer a wealth of climate information resources, like the Climate Mapping for Resilience and Adaptation (CMRA) and the Climate Risk and Resilience (ClimRR) portals, the Climate Resilience Toolkit, and the NOAA Sea Level Rise Viewer. This panel will discuss their applications and new tools in development, as well as funding for regionally tailored climate information.

speaker headshot Sarah Abdelrahim
FEMA, Engineering Resources Branch Emergency Management Specialist
speaker headshot Quentin Cummings
FEMA, Resilience Offices Supervisory Physical Scientist
speaker headshot David Herring
NOAA, Communication, Education & Engagement Division Chief
speaker headshot Josh Murphy
NOAA, Learning Product Development Program Manager
speaker headshot Summer Morlock
NOAA, Programs Assistant Director
speaker headshot Julian Reyes
White House Office of Science and Technology, Policy Services Deputy Director and US Global Change Research Program Climate Services Assistant Director
speaker headshot Shubha Shrivastava
FEMA, Planning and Safety Branch Emergency Management Specialist
time iconFebruary 7, 2024 02:35 pm

Session 3

Delivering Direct Technical Assistance: Lessons Learned from the Field

The BRIC DTA team will moderate this panel with FEMA staff and two DTA communities. They will discuss two case studies, one involving the Chippewa Cree tribal nation’s micro-grid/solar array project, and the other evaluating flood-prone Eastwick’s mitigation measures.

speaker headshot Katherine Baum
FEMA, Mitigation Division Emergency Management Specialist
speaker headshot Josh Human
FEMA, BRIC TEAM 3 Management Analyst
speaker headshot Hailey Stern
FEMA, Mitigation Division Community Planner
time iconFebruary 7, 2024 02:35 pm

Session 4

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Compliance Audit Update

FEMA is redesigning the Community Assistance Contact / Community Assistance process to increase compliance and resilience. The new NFIP Compliance Audit Program will improve transparency and accountability. FEMA will share audit scenarios and rollout plans in this session.

speaker headshot Sarah Owen
FEMA, Floodplain Management Division Emergency Management Specialist
time iconFebruary 7, 2024 03:35 pm

Daily Wrap up and Knowledge Exchange Roundtables

The Knowledge Exchange Lounge is a virtual space where event attendees can socialize and share organizational resources. Once in the lounge, participants can join one of several knowledge exchange roundtables to discuss specific topics and share their unique perspectives and insights.

speaker headshot Rachel Sears
FEMA, Floodplain Management Division Director
time iconFebruary 8, 2024 11:00 am

DAY 4

State Training Day: Floodplain Management 

Participation in this training is by invitation for FEMA HQ and Regional Staff and State partners only. If you are a State or FEMA staff and would like an invitation, please contact Heidi M. Carlin, CFM at heidi.carlin@fema.dhs.gov 

Hazard Mitigation Assistance Training 

February 8, 2024, Noon to 3:45 p.m. ET

time icon

An Overview of the National Hazard Mitigation Association Courses Related to HMA Grants

The NHMA HMA Grants course provides practical training to improve community resilience in hazard mitigation. This session covers five core areas and has been updated with current policy updates.

speaker headshot Nickey Bradley
National Hazard Mitigation Association (NHMA), Senior Director, Emergency Preparedness
speaker headshot Tom Hughes
Pennsylvania State Hazard Mitigation Officer
time iconFebruary 8, 2024 12:55 pm

Assessing Hazard Mitigation Projects for Cost-Effectiveness

This presentation will demonstrate how a local project owner compiles the benefits of mitigation projects. It will include methods that a local professional can use to quantify and document the benefits. Other considerations include project cost estimates to easily assess cost-effectiveness using the FEMA Benefit-Cost Analysis Toolkit.

speaker headshot Michelle Buckley
FEMA, Program Analyst
speaker headshot Brian Iwaniuk
FEMA, Program Analyst
time iconFebruary 8, 2024 01:45 pm

Break

time iconFebruary 8, 2024 01:55 pm

FEMA GO – Tips and Tricks

This is a brief introduction for new users of the FEMA Grants Outcomes (GO) grants management system. It will cover lessons learned, and there will be time for questions and answers. The intended audience for this training is current FEMA GO users, as well as state, local, tribal and territorial representatives interested in applying for BRIC or FMA grants.

This session will be repeated at 2:45 p.m.

Shawn will only be discussing system-related issues.

speaker headshot Matthew Hinton
FEMA, Supervisory Program Analyst
speaker headshot Shawn Servoss
FEMA, Emergency Management Specialist
time iconFebruary 8, 2024 02:45 pm

FEMA GO – Tips and Tricks

This session is a repeat of the session at 1:55 p.m.

This is a brief introduction for new users of the FEMA Grants Outcomes (GO) grants management system. It will cover lessons learned, and there will be time for questions and answers. The intended audience for this training is current FEMA GO users, as well as state, local, tribal and territorial representatives interested in applying for BRIC or FMA grants.

Shawn will only be discussing system-related issues.

speaker headshot Matthew Hinton
FEMA, Supervisory Program Analyst
speaker headshot Shawn Servoss
FEMA, Emergency Management Specialist

Frequently Asked questions


Absolutely nothing! This Virtual Event is completely FREE for you.
Yes, you will be provided login credentials to test the system and get familiar with the interface.
Your login details will be emailed to you ahead of the event. You can use these details to access the online event.
We recommend Chrome and Firefox.
Good internet connectivity will ensure high quality video streaming.