CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
                 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA



  Agenda Date:          June 21, 2022

  Action Required:      Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC) Hazard
                        Mitigation Plan Update Presentation – Information Only, No Action
                        Required

  Presenter:            Ian Baxter, Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission

  Staff Contacts:       Emily Pelliccia, Deputy Chief; Charlottesville Fire Department
                        Jeremy Evans, Captain; Charlottesville Fire Department

  Title:                Charlottesville Natural Hazard Mitigation Presentation


Background

This presentation provides an overview of the planning process undertaken and the work to date
for the 2023 update to the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Included in the update is
information regarding hazard mitigation goals, objectives, and mitigation action items. The
“Mitigation Strategy” is five broad categories with corresponding goals and objectives. The
mitigation strategy was developed through a cooperative effort of the Hazard Mitigation
Working Group, consisting primarily of planners and emergency operations coordinators
including City staff from Neighborhood Development Services, Public Works, Public Utilities
and the Fire Department.


Discussion

Goals and objectives were identified through the planning process, and each jurisdiction
developed actionable directives or “mitigation action items” to further the mitigation strategy
before the next Hazard Mitigation Plan update.

Mitigation actions are discrete projects, programs, or policies that are recommended for
implementation in this plan. The action items differ from objectives in that they are measurable,
have a party responsible for completion, and typically can be completed within a given
timeframe. The action items presented in this plan represent the aspirations of the various
localities in the region, with the understanding that they may be completed as resources are made
available from a variety of sources. Mitigation actions are to be implemented by the lead party,
as identified in the plan, often in partnership with other agencies and organizations.

Each action item in the plan is prioritized as high, moderate, or low to reflect the mitigation
value of the action or the urgency it requires. Priorities were determined based on several
criteria. Items that were included in the 2018 plan generally maintain the same priority. Locality
staff considered the severity and urgency of the issue to be addressed, the locality’s capacity to
complete the action, and the benefit to be realized compared to the estimated cost of completion.

Localities were encouraged to communicate cross-departmentally to accurately measure costs,
timeline, and priority of each action item. TJPDC staff encouraged an iterative and collaborative
process within each locality, as well as with other localities concerning shared hazards or
facilities.

The Mitigation Strategy document is included as an attachment to accompany the presentation
which outlines the elements of the planning process, and provides a project timeline and plan for
finalization, adoption, and submission of the plan.


Alignment with City Council’s Vision and Strategic Plan

The Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Update supports City Council’s America’s Healthiest City
vision, specifically, “Our emergency response system is among the nation’s best,” as well as
Goal 2 of the City’s Strategic Plan, specifically sub-elements 2.1 (Provide an effective and
equitable public safety system) and 2.4 (Ensure families and individuals are safe and stable).


Community Engagement

N/A


Budgetary Impact

N/A


Recommendation

N/A


Alternatives

N/A


Attachments

TJPDC - Charlottesville Presentation Materials
TJPDC - Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2023