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Anoka County, MN - Anoka County Emergency Management is inviting residents, community organizations, and local stakeholders to review and provide public comment on the county’s draft Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP), a critical document designed to reduce long term risks to life, property, and infrastructure from natural hazards.
Like all counties in Minnesota, Anoka County faces exposure to a range of natural hazards, including tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, high winds, flooding, extreme winter storms, drought, and periods of extreme heat and cold. These events can result in significant economic losses, infrastructure damage, service disruptions, and personal hardship for residents and businesses.
The Hazard Mitigation Plan serves as a proactive blueprint to identify risks, assess vulnerabilities, and outline mitigation strategies that can lessen the impact of future disasters. Mitigation planning is a federally recognized best practice and is required for communities to remain eligible for certain state and federal disaster assistance and mitigation grant funding administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Public Review Period Open Through December 26
The public review and comment period for the draft plan is open for 15 days and will remain available through December 26, 2025. During this time, community members are encouraged to review the plan and provide feedback on proposed mitigation actions, priorities, and identified risks.
The draft plan and supporting materials are available online:
- Anoka County Hazard Mitigation Plan website homepage, which includes a public feedback form
- Anoka County Mitigation Action Charts, also accompanied by a public feedback form
Both feedback forms are accessible at the bottom of their respective webpages.
Countywide and Multi-Jurisdictional Planning
The Anoka County Hazard Mitigation Plan is a multi-jurisdictional plan, meaning it encompasses the entire county, including all cities and townships within Anoka County. The plan also reflects the needs and concerns of a broad range of stakeholders, including school districts, public agencies, critical infrastructure operators, nonprofit organizations, and participating businesses.
By incorporating local data, historical hazard information, and stakeholder input, the plan aims to strengthen community resilience and support coordinated mitigation efforts across jurisdictions.
How to Submit Comments
Residents and stakeholders with comments, concerns, or suggestions for mitigation projects may submit feedback in one of the following ways:
- Through the online public feedback forms available on the Hazard Mitigation Plan webpages
- By contacting Anoka County Emergency Management directly at 763-324-4740
- By email at RS-EmergencyManagement@anokacountymn.gov
County officials emphasize that public participation is a vital component of the planning process and helps ensure the final Hazard Mitigation Plan reflects local priorities, lived experiences, and community needs.
Once finalized and approved, the plan will guide Anoka County’s disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts for years to come, helping reduce future losses and improve community safety across the county.
