This resource page is dedicated to providing information, how-to guides, and best practices for how Colorado's communities can become more resilient by reducing risks to hazards and preparing for and recovering from natural disasters.
Hazard Planning Tool
The Department of Local Affairs developed the Planning for Hazards: Land Use Solutions for Colorado guide and website with a Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Planning Grant. It is intended to enable Colorado communities to prepare for and mitigate multiple hazards by integrating resilience and hazard mitigation into plans, codes, and standards related to land use and the built environment. The guide provides detailed, Colorado-specific information about how to assess a community’s risk level to hazards as well as specific land use planning tools and strategies for reducing a community’s risk. Review the Executive Summary or explore the guide and website at www.planningforhazards.com.
Resilience and Hazard Mitigation Resources
- Planning for Hazards: Land Use Solutions for Colorado – Department of Local Affairs
- Colorado Resiliency Framework – Colorado Resiliency Office
- Colorado Climate Plan – Governor’s Office
- 100 Resilient Cities – Rockefeller Foundation
- How to Create a Municipal or County Hazard Mitigation Plan– FEMA
- Hazards Planning Center- American Planning Association
- Integrating Hazard Mitigation into Local Planning: Case Studies and Tools for Community Officials – FEMA
- Practice Safe Growth Audits (Zoning Practice Issue Number 10, 2009) – American Planning Association
Local Government Planning Example
The City of Manitou Springs has been featured as a part of FEMA’s National Recognition Program for their proactive approach towards hazard mitigation, resiliency, and preparedness. FEMA identified thirteen success stories that illustrate community mitigation planning efforts that exceed FEMA’s minimum requirements and support integrated planning that results in fewer losses during disasters. The Manitou Springs case study highlights Plan Manitou, the city’s integrated Community Master Plan and Hazard Mitigation Plan, which was completed with DOLA funding.