Carson City Council set to approve 2024 local hazard mitigation plan

The City of Carson Planning Commission convened on March 25, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding the local hazard mitigation plan. The meeting began with an overview of the agenda, which included a general plan amendment and a timeline for the local hazard mitigation plan.

The discussion highlighted the importance of the local hazard mitigation plan, which is essential for reducing risks from natural hazards and is a prerequisite for local governments to qualify for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding. The plan identifies potential risks and outlines long-term strategies to protect the community. The City of Carson's first plan was adopted in 2013, with the most recent update approved by FEMA on January 27, 2025.

The proposed general plan amendment involves changes to the community services education and safety element, which were presented to the public through notices posted in six locations across the city. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review indicated that the proposed amendment is exempt from further environmental review, as it does not result in significant physical changes to the environment.

Staff recommended the adoption of a resolution endorsing the 2024 local hazard mitigation plan and the associated amendments to the general plan. This recommendation is in line with Assembly Bill 2140, which allows the city to access additional state funding for eligible public assistance projects.

During the meeting, a commissioner raised concerns about potential impacts from federal funding changes under the previous administration, questioning whether these changes might affect the city's funding opportunities. The meeting concluded with an invitation for further questions from the commissioners, emphasizing the collaborative approach to ensuring community safety and preparedness.

Overall, the Planning Commission's discussions underscored the city's commitment to enhancing its hazard mitigation strategies and securing necessary funding to protect its residents and infrastructure. The next steps will involve presenting the recommendations to the City Council for final approval.