The Quality of Mitigation Plans in Large Jurisdictions in the Upper Midwest

Abstract

This study sought to evaluate the plan quality of Hazard Mitigation plans of 30 larger jurisdictions counties in the upper Mid-West. Better plans serve as better guidance for communities to choose better actions and inflict fewer damages. The planning research literature was reviewed to identify important plan components and the plan characteristics that determined the plan quality. The fundamental evaluation characteristics were identified, and those, along with recommended components, were put into an evaluation form. This evaluation form was used to evaluate the county plans, and the findings of the evaluation were discussed. It was found that the quality of the plans was moderate to good. Also, rooms for improvement for plan quality were also identified. The implications of the findings were discussed, and recommendations were made to improve their future quality.