COCONINO COUNTY — The frequency and severity of disasters continue to rise across the country. To prepare for, and reduce these risks, Coconino County is updating our Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP).
The purpose of this 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 at the heart of this planning process. Input from residents, business owners, and local organizations is essential to help planners understand local priorities, concerns, and historical knowledge. To kick off public involvement, the County has launched a Hazard Mitigation Planning Survey, available now at: www.coconino.az.gov/feedback.
“Mitigation starts with participation,” said Tim Carter, Coconino County’s Acting Director of Emergency Management. “The 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.”
In addition to helping reduce disaster impacts, having a FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan ensures the County and our partners remain eligible for state and federal funding. This includes both hazard mitigation grants, used for proactive projects like brush thinning and drainage improvements, and disaster relief funding to help communities recover from events more quickly and affordably.
“Mitigation 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,” said Carter.
Coconino County will offer multiple public engagement opportunities throughout the planning process, with updates and announcements shared online.
Stay informed and engaged by visiting Coconino County Emergency Management at www.coconino.az.gov/ready or on social media at:
Facebook: @CoconinoCountyEmergencyManagement
Instagram: @CoconinoEM
To support this effort, the County has partnered with EMPartners, LLC, a nationally recognized emergency management consulting firm. The updated MJHMP is expected to be completed by March 2026.