Santa Cruz County and its local partners have released a draft update of the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) and are seeking public comment through Oct. 20.
The plan serves as a roadmap for reducing risks from natural hazards such as floods, wildfires, earthquakes, coastal erosion, drought and landslides. Officials said the update incorporates lessons from recent disaster events, new climate science and changing development trends.
The MJHMP outlines strategies to protect residents, neighborhoods and infrastructure from repetitive damage while ensuring the county and its jurisdictions remain eligible for federal funding under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs.
“The community’s input is essential to make sure the plan reflects local priorities and concerns,” county officials said in a statement. “By participating, residents can directly shape how we prepare for, respond to, and reduce risks from natural hazards.”
The plan represents a joint effort between the County of Santa Cruz and the cities of Capitola, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and
Watsonville. Other partners include the Soquel Creek Water District, Scotts Valley Water District, Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency, Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz Port District and Cabrillo College.
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The draft plan is available online at mitigatehazards.com/santacruzmjhmp/santacruzmjhmp-public-draft/.