​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Planning

Local Mitigation​ Strategy (LMS)

Local Mitigation Strategy​

The Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) is a unified, coordinated effort among County and municipal governments to reduce the county's vulnerability to the impacts of identified natural and man-made hazards. Among its primary missions, the Strategy serves as a basis for comprehensive mitigation planning, project identification and prioritization, and provides assistance to project sponsors in securing and allocating available federal, state, local, and other disaster mitigation assistance funds.

LMS projects cover a range of topics including major drainage improvement projects, hardening of public structures, Emergency Operation Center purchases, etc.

At any particular time, the LMS has approximately 100 community mitigation projects on its Prioritized Project List. While some of these projects may eventually be self-funded by sponsoring communities, many will require outside financial assistance in order to be completed. By virtue of being on the LMS Prioritized Project List, each project potentially qualifies for funding assistance consideration though a variety of mitigation assistance programs. Projects typically involve a combination of outside and local funding in line with matching guidelines established by the assistance program.

The LMS closely adheres to guidelines and criteria provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Florida Division of Emergency Management.

A Steering Committee made up of 15 representatives of county and municipal government, not-for-profit organizations, and the private sector serves as the policy body to advise and assist in the administration and oversight of LMS activities and initiatives. A Flood Mitigation Technical Advisory Committee comprised of public and private sector engineers and other flood experts, is charged with assessing flood risks and developing strategies and projects to reduce future losses. The committee focuses on flood basins without regard to jurisdictional boundaries and involves community interests as project recommendations are developed.

A seven (7) person Evaluation Panel comprised of combination of LMS Steering Committee members and community agency representatives is charged with reviewing and scoring projects as a basis for prioritization.

A Subcommittee of the LMS serves as the outreach, education, and mutual assistance arm of the Community Rating System focusing on flood awareness and education.

The Mitigation Coordinator in the Planning Section of Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management provides administrative and technical support to the LMS and serves as the primary liaison with state and federal offices on LMS matters.

The LMS Steering Committee meets quarterly to adopt updated prioritized project lists, discuss relevant mitigation issues, and plan and evaluate community initiatives and strategies. These meetings are open to the public. Schedules, agendas, and meeting summaries can be obtained by calling 561-712-6481.

The Palm Beach County LMS Working Group and sub-committees are coordinated by the Palm Beach County's Office of Emergency Management. The LMS Working Group is comprised of county, municipal, private sector, and community partners, including the general public that prepare and promote local strategies and projects to reduce long-term risks to life and property from natural, technological, and human caused disasters. The resulting pre and post disaster mitigation strategies and projects are supported by a variety of state and federal programs and funding sources, in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.

Mitigation projects carried on the LMS Prioritized Project List (PPL) may be eligible for funding under a variety of programs such as the Pre Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Program, Public Assistance (PA), Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program, and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The PPL is updated at least twice a year in anticipation of funding opportunities. 

LMS Working Group meetings serve as the primary mechanism and forum for exchanging information, planning implementation of updating the Palm Beach County Local Mitigation Strategy, and mobilizing the vast experience and resources of the community. Public attendance and comments are welcomed and encouraged. ​

LMS Corner:

LMS Times

​​​LMS Project Submission 

​Spring 2026 PPL

LMS Scoring Form

LMS Project Submission Guidance​

LMS Project Submission Guidance PowerPoint​

 Working Group Meeting Minutes

2/25/26  Working Group Minutes.pdf

​LMS Steering Committee Meeting Minutes

2/18/26 Steering Committee Minutes.pdf

​ Floodplain Management Planning Report​

Floodplain Management Plan Activity 510 Report CY2023

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