Napa County 2026 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Adopt a Resolution adopting the Napa County 2026 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, including Volume 1 and the Volume 2 City of American Canyon Annex.

Erica Ahmann Smithies, P.E., Public Works Director

The Napa County 2026 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update (Plan) provides a five-year framework for reducing risks from earthquakes, wildfires, flooding, drought, severe weather, and other natural hazards. The Plan coordinates mitigation efforts among the City of American Canyon, Napa County, and the other participating jurisdictions. The City previously adopted hazard mitigation plan updates in 2009, 2014, and 2020.

Adoption maintains the City of American Canyon’s eligibility for Federal Emergency Management Agency hazard mitigation funding, including the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and Flood Mitigation Assistance program, and satisfies the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 planning requirements.

The Plan includes a countywide risk assessment and mitigation strategy, 136 mitigation actions for the Napa County planning area, and a jurisdiction-specific annex identifying the City’s hazards, vulnerabilities, priorities, and implementation actions.

Hazard Mitigation Planning

Hazard mitigation consists of sustained actions—such as infrastructure improvements, regulatory updates, natural resource protection, and preparedness initiatives—that reduce long-term risks to people and property. Federal regulations require an approved hazard mitigation plan for local governments to remain eligible for FEMA mitigation funding.

Multi-Jurisdictional Planning Effort

Led by the Napa County Sheriff’s Office, the planning process included 13 participating jurisdictions: Napa County; the cities of American Canyon, Calistoga, Napa, and St. Helena; the Town of Yountville; the American Canyon Fire Protection District; the Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District; the Napa County Office of Education; the Napa Sanitation District; the Napa Valley Unified School District; the Napa County Resource Conservation District; and the Lake Berryessa Resort Improvement District. Participants assessed hazards and vulnerabilities, gathered public and stakeholder input, and developed regional and jurisdiction-specific mitigation strategies. 

Following City Council consideration, the Plan will be presented separately to the American Canyon Fire Protection District Board of Directors for adoption of the District’s jurisdictional annex.

PLAN STRUCTURE

The Plan consists of:

• Volume 1 – Base Plan: Countywide hazard identification, risk and vulnerability assessment, mitigation goals, and implementation and monitoring procedures.
• Volume 2 – Jurisdictional Annexes: Local hazards, vulnerabilities, mitigation actions, and implementation strategies for each participant. The City is responsible for adopting and implementing its annex.

PUBLIC AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Public and stakeholder engagement included a hazard-risk survey, workshops, outreach events, opportunities to review and comment on draft materials, and coordination with local agencies and planning partners. This process satisfied FEMA public-involvement requirements and informed local priorities and feasible mitigation actions.

FEMA REVIEW AND APPROVAL
Cal OES reviewed the Plan and forwarded it to FEMA Region IX for final approval. After participating jurisdictions adopt the Plan, FEMA will issue a formal approval letter, and the jurisdictions will remain eligible for FEMA mitigation funding.

GENERAL PLAN INTEGRATION (AB 2140)
Adoption also allows the City of American Canyon to integrate the Plan into the General Plan Safety Element under California Government Code Sections 65302, 65302.6, and 8685.9, improving eligibility for post-disaster hazard mitigation funding and aligning mitigation and land-use policies. Staff will bring forward a General Plan amendment at a future Planning Commission meeting for consideration, followed by City Council.

STRATEGIC PLAN / POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
Adoption supports the City of American Canyon’s goals to improve disaster resilience; protect critical facilities, infrastructure, and services; reduce long-term recovery costs; and strengthen interagency coordination.

There is no direct fiscal impact associated with plan adoption. However, adoption of the Plan maintains eligibility for FEMA hazard mitigation funding, which may support future infrastructure improvements and resilience projects across participating jurisdictions.