Kent County, Ottawa County, and City of Grand Rapids Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Kent County, Ottawa County, and the City of Grand Rapids are working together to update the regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP).  This plan was last updated in 2022 and identifies natural, technological, and human-caused hazards that may impact our communities and develops long-term strategies to reduce risks to people, property, infrastructure, and community resources.

The updated plan will reflect current conditions, recent hazard events, updated data, and community priorities to guide future mitigation efforts throughout the region.

Hazard mitigation is the process of taking action before disasters occur to reduce future impacts. Unlike emergency response, which focuses on actions taken during and immediately after an event, mitigation focuses on long-term solutions that make communities safer and more resilient.

Examples of hazard mitigation actions may include:

• Improving stormwater systems to reduce flooding
• Protecting critical infrastructure and community facilities
• Improving emergency communications and warning systems
• Reducing risks from severe weather, extreme temperatures, and other hazards
• Updating plans, policies, and programs to better prepare for future conditions

HMPs are updated regularly to maintain compliance with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements and reflect changes within local communities.

This update will:

• Maintain eligibility for certain FEMA hazard mitigation funding opportunities
• Evaluate progress made since the previous plan was completed
• Incorporate new hazard information, mapping, and available data
• Review recent events that have affected Kent County, Ottawa County, and the city of Grand Rapids
• Identify updated mitigation priorities and projects
• Support coordination between local governments, emergency managers, infrastructure providers, and community partners

Since the previous plan update, communities throughout the region have continued to experience changes that influence hazard risk, including population growth, new development, changing infrastructure needs, and significant weather events. Updating the plan helps communities prepare for current and future challenges.

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