​Mitigation Planning Divisions

The California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has two divisions focused on mitigation planning: the State Mitigation Planning Division and the Local Mitigation Planning Division. These divisions are responsible for a comprehensive local and state planning program. Mitigation requires the coordinated effort and participation of a wide range of stakeholders and the public in the planning process. Hazard mitigation is the cornerstone of every communities approach to reducing vulnerability to disasters. Hazard mitigation is the only phase of emergency management specifically dedicated to breaking the cycle of damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage. 

The planning process is as important as the resulting plan because it creates a framework for the State of California to reduce the negative impacts from future disasters on lives, property, and the environment.

If you already have a Hazard Mitigation Plan and are seeking information or assistance with a Hazard Mitigation Grant, please go to the page for the 404 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program within Cal OES.

Areas of responsibility for the two Mitigation Planning Divisions include:

1. Developing and maintaining the State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP). This includes climate-related planning.

2. Implementing and administering, in cooperation with local governments and communities, training and technical assistance on Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) development. 
   

3. Assessing and reviewing LHMPs in a fair and consistent manner and ensuring approved LHMPs meet the requirements of the Stafford Act and Title 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §201.6 prior to their submittal to FEMA for approval.

Mitigation Planning Contacts

State Mitigation Planning:

Local Mitigation Planning:

Victoria LaMar-Haas, Division Chief

Karen McCready-Hoover, Emergency Services Coordinator

Kelly Riley, Emergency Services Coordinator

Program Support:

Nan Russell

Special Projects:

Ken Worman, Retired Annuitant (former State Hazard Mitigation Officer)

Miles Gordon, Civic Sparks Climate Fellow

Email: Miles.Gordon@CalOES.ca.gov
Desk phone: 916.845.8236

Mitigation and Dam Safety Branch:

Jose Lara, Branch Chief

Email: Jose.Lara@caloes.ca.gov
Desk phone: 916.845.8883