CSA Planning specializes in offering all-hazards mitigation planning and emergency management services to state and local governments. We strive to create deliverables customized to the particular needs of the community and provide opportunities for education to local government staff, elected officials, and the public. Hazard mitigation and emergency management planning are continually evolving as government funding increases and technology advances in this burgeoning field. CSA views every project in this field as an opportunity to advance the art and provide a model for other communities. We are proud to have worked with many Florida communities, as this state has grown to become a leader in emergency management and mitigation.

Local Mitigation Plans
In 1997, the State of Florida began encouraging counties to create Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) plans to progress towards the development of more hazard-resilient communities and reduce the spiraling costs of disasters, such as those seen to result from the effects of Hurricane Andrew. CSA prepared these original mitigation plans for four counties. The plans were multi-jurisdictional, including all municipalities within the county, and covered all identified hazards. The current Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA2K) used the Florida LMS as a model for its new planning standards. DMA2K requires that a community have an approved mitigation plan in place in order to be eligible for federal pre- and post-disaster mitigation funding. CSA Planning is familiar with these federal regulations, as we have updated four LMS plans to be DMA2K compliant and assisted several communities with implementation of these plans. We also have been active in educating communities about local mitigation planning requirements and best practices through presentations, workshops, and training exercises.

Hazard Mitigation Grants
As mentioned above, communities with approved mitigation plans are eligible to apply for funding for hazards planning and implementation of projects listed in the mitigation plan. Available funding sources include the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program as well as Florida’s Emergency Management Preparedness and Assistance Program (EMPA). CSA Planning has prepared successful applications for all of these programs.

Emergency Management Planning
CSA Planning has also assisted local governments with emergency management planning and training. We have brought a county’s comprehensive emergency management plan (CEMP) into compliance with changes to Florida standards and reviewed many CEMPs for consistency with the land development goals of those communities. All counties in Florida are required to have a CEMP, but municipalities are also encouraged to prepare a plan in order to clearly distinguish their emergency management responsibilities from those that the county will provide. We have produced a guidebook to assist municipalities in creating an emergency management plan curtailed to their needs. In addition, CSA has developed and facilitated emergency planning workshops for disadvantaged communities.

Past Clients – All-Hazards Planning & Emergency Management Projects

• Palm Beach County
  Countywide Local Mitigation Strategy
• Indian River County
  Countywide Local Mitigation Strategy and DMA2K update
• Martin County
  Countywide Local Mitigation Strategy and DMA2K update
• St. Lucie County
  Countywide Local Mitigation Strategy and DMA2K update
• Martin County Division of Emergency Management
  Flood Mitigation Assistance Program
• Palm Beach County
  Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Update
• American Planning Association
  Local Mitigation Plan Training Course
• Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council
  Local Emergency Planning Committee District X Workshops
• Union County
  Countywide Local Mitigation Strategy DMA2K update
• Alabama Association of Regional Councils
  Disaster Resistant Community Workshops
• Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council
  Regional Approach to Implementing Hazard Mitigation Initiatives
• Indian River County Council on Aging
  EMPA and Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant applications
• St. Lucie Settlement Neighborhood
  HMGP elevation project application
• West Florida Regional Planning Council
  Sustainable Emerald Coast Initiative
• Westgate/Belvedere Homes Community Redevelopment Agency
  HMGP drainage project applications