Status board
Program by program
Federal disaster policy has moved a great deal since 2025. Most of the movement has been in how programs
are delivered rather than in what the regulations require. The distinction matters, because a nation can lose
eligibility by assuming a requirement went away with a program.
Tribal mitigation plan requirement
Unchanged44 CFR 201.7 still requires a federally recognized tribe to have a FEMA approved Tribal Mitigation Plan as a condition of receiving non emergency Stafford Act assistance and FEMA mitigation grants as a recipient, and still requires review and update at least every five years. Nothing proposed to date removes that requirement.
Source: 44 CFR 201.7Tribal Mitigation Plan Review Guide
2017 version operativeThe 2017 guide remains FEMA's official tribal mitigation planning policy. FEMA has been updating it through government to government consultation since 2023 to align it with newer programs and strategies. Plans submitted now are reviewed against the 2017 guide. Check the policy update page before starting a plan.
Source: FEMA tribal mitigation planning policy updatesLocal mitigation planning policy
CurrentThe Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide, FP-206-21-0002, took effect April 11, 2025 and governs plans under 44 CFR 201.6. It applies where a tribe participates in a multi jurisdictional plan alongside local governments.
Source: FP-206-21-0002, effective April 11, 2025Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities
Restored, cycle closedBRIC was terminated in April 2025, challenged in court by a coalition of states, and ordered restored. FEMA published a Fiscal Years 2024 to 2025 notice of funding opportunity with roughly $1 billion available, including a $50 million tribal set aside. That application period ran from March 25 to July 23, 2026 and has closed. Schedules for the following cycles were to be filed with the court. Confirm current status on Grants.gov before planning around it.
Source: FEMA BRIC program page and Grants.govHazard Mitigation Grant Program
Operating, reform proposedHMGP continues to operate after major disaster declarations under 44 CFR Part 206 Subpart N, and up to seven percent of HMGP funding remains available for mitigation planning. The FEMA Review Council has recommended replacing HMGP with a rapid mitigation advance and a strategic mitigation allocation administered at the state level. That change would require action by Congress and has not occurred.
Source: 44 CFR 206.434 and the Review Council final reportTribal disaster declarations
Interim guidance in effectThe 2024 Tribal Declarations Interim Guidance, FP 104-009-025-001, took effect December 3, 2024 and replaced the 2017 Tribal Declarations Pilot Guidance. It is interim, meaning FEMA may revise it after reviewing comments filed under docket FEMA-2024-0035.
Source: FP 104-009-025-001, effective December 3, 2024Public Assistance policy
Version 5.0 AmendedPAPPG Version 5.0 Amended applies to incidents declared on or after January 6, 2025. Version 4 continues to govern incidents declared on or after June 1, 2020 and before that date. On any file, apply the version that matches the declaration date, not the current one.
Source: PAPPG V5.0 Amended, FP 104-009-2FEMA reform
Report issued, legislation pendingThe FEMA Review Council, established by Executive Order 14180, issued its final report on May 7, 2026 with ten recommendations. The Council's stated doctrine is that disaster response should be locally executed, state or tribally managed, and federally supported. Separately, H.R. 4669, the Fixing Emergency Management for Americans Act of 2025, was ordered reported by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in September 2025. The most consequential recommendations, including changes to Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, and the National Flood Insurance Program, would require acts of Congress.
Source: Review Council final report and CRS analysis