2.9 minute read
May 19, 2025
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with CalOES, has announced Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) DR-4856, a major new funding opportunity in response to the recent Los Angeles Fires. Funding is directed toward mitigation rather than recovery so jurisdictions throughout California may apply. With a broad range of eligible project types and a tight timeline, now is the time for public agencies to start preparing.
Why This Grant Matters
Communities across California are facing increasing risks from wildfire, flooding, drought, and aging infrastructure—all while juggling limited budgets and stretched staff. HMGP DR-4856 offers a critical opportunity to secure federal funding for proactive mitigation and climate resilience projects.
This funding cycle is expected to be substantial, with categories that support everything from wildfire risk reduction to stormwater capture, AI-driven hazard prediction, and Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) updates.
The Notice of Interest is due May 29, 2025. This is a simple process; if approved, agencies will be invited to submit a full application to move their priority projects forward.
What’s Funded Under DR-4856?
This funding cycle supports a variety of hazard mitigation and resilience-focused activities, including:
- Phased and shovel-ready projects (requires a Benefit-Cost Analysis, BCA, by September 15, 2025)
- Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) updates (no BCA required; $165,000 max for single jurisdictions)
- Advanced Assistance to support planning for major projects (grant pays for BCA)
- Building code updates and standard improvements (no BCA required)
- 5% Initiative projects (e.g., early warning systems, AI-driven fire prediction, hazard mapping—no BCA required)
CalOES Priorities
CalOES is prioritizing projects that:
- Expedite rebuilding and permitting after disasters
- Reduce wildfire risk through retrofits, defensible space, and innovative technology
- Strengthen infrastructure against fire, flood, and drought
- Address interconnected hazards through multi-benefit mitigation projects
- Advance integrated water resource management
Key Deadlines
- Notice of Interest (NOI): Due May 29, 2025
- Final Application + BCA (if required): Due September 15, 2025
- Cost Share: 25%
With limited time to prepare, a proactive strategy will be essential for securing funding.
How Harris Can Help
Applying for an HMGP grant—especially with a required BCA—can be complex and resource-intensive. That’s where Harris & Associates comes in.
Our Grants + Funding Services team brings deep experience supporting California public agencies through every step of the process. We help with:
- Project eligibility review
- NOI and full application development
- BCA preparation and documentation
- Coordination with FEMA and CalOES
- Strategic alignment of local goals with state and federal funding priorities
We tailor every application to maximize competitiveness while reflecting each agency’s unique priorities and constraints.
Why Choose Harris?
Harris has helped public agencies secure millions of dollars in grant funding through HMGP and similar programs. These awards have advanced critical infrastructure, public safety, and climate resilience projects statewide.
Our success comes from more than just grant writing—we bring a cross-disciplinary team that includes grant strategists, civil engineers, environmental planners, and program managers. This integrated approach ensures agencies are not only well-positioned to win funding but also prepared to deliver results once the grant is awarded.
Whether you're planning wildfire mitigation, climate adaptation, or infrastructure hardening projects, Harris is ready to help you seize this opportunity.
Get Started Today
If your agency is interested in applying for HMGP DR-4856, now is the time to act. Harris & Associates can guide you through the process and help ensure your application stands out.
Contact us today to begin planning your grant strategy.
Authors
Authors
Markets
Services
Grants and Funding
Climate Change + Sustainability
Categories
Wildfires
Local Hazard Mitigation Planning
