In order to prepare for and reduce the risks of disasters, Coconino County is updating its聽Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP).
The purpose of the plan is to evaluate the risk posed to the community by natural and man-made hazards and to identify actions that can reduce or eliminate those risks. This update is a joint project between Coconino County, the cities and towns of Flagstaff, Fredonia, Williams, Tusayan and Page, as well as Northern Arizona University.
Community participation is key to the planning process as input from residents, business owners and local organizations is essential to help planners understand local priorities, concerns and historical knowledge. To begin public involvement, the county has launched a Hazard Mitigation Planning Survey, which is available at .
鈥淢itigation starts with participation,鈥� said Tim Carter, Coconino County's acting director of Emergency Management. 鈥淭he more input we receive from our communities, the better we can shape a plan that truly reflects the needs and values of the people we serve.鈥�
In addition to helping reduce disaster impacts, having a FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan ensures the county and its partners remain eligible for state and federal funding. This includes both hazard mitigation grants, used for proactive projects such as brush thinning and drainage improvements, and disaster relief funding to help communities recover from events more quickly and affordably.
鈥淢itigation activities directly increase our resilience to natural disasters. By reducing the impacts of disasters, it allows us to respond to, and recover from, incidents more quickly,鈥� Carter said.
Coconino County will offer multiple public engagement opportunities throughout the planning process, with updates and announcements shared online. The updated MJHMP is expected to be completed by March 2026.