Texas communities looking for help with disaster planning just got a deadline. The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has announced that applications for two critical resilience programs will close on December 31, 2025, giving eligible local governments limited time to secure funding for hazard mitigation planning and building code improvements.
The GLO is urging communities to apply quickly for the Local Hazard Mitigation Plans Program (LHMPP) and the Resilient Communities Program (RCP) before the application window permanently closes. Both programs offer substantial grants to help Texas communities prepare for and mitigate against future disasters.
“Knowledge of vulnerabilities and planning at the local level are key to minimizing disaster damage,” said Commissioner Buckingham, according to a statement released by the GLO.
Millions Available for Disaster Planning
The LHMPP, backed by a hefty $25 million allocation from HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Mitigation funds, provides grants ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 for eligible local governments. These funds can be used to develop or update FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plans or to cover cost shares for other planning activities, as detailed in program documents.
Why does this matter? An approved hazard mitigation plan isn’t just paperwork — it’s a mandatory requirement for accessing several FEMA grant programs. These plans must be updated every five years to maintain eligibility, making the LHMPP funding particularly valuable for resource-strapped communities.
The Resilient Communities Program offers even larger grants — up to $300,000 per applicant — focused specifically on implementing modern building codes, zoning ordinances, and land use plans. The GLO states that the program can also fund community outreach efforts about best practices, flood insurance, and risk mitigation strategies. There’s one catch: applicants must have the authority to enforce building codes within their jurisdiction.
First-Come, First-Served Approach
Time is of the essence. Applications for both programs must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CST on December 31, 2025, but that deadline could become irrelevant if funds run out sooner. The GLO is processing eligibility on a first-come, first-served basis until all allocated funds are exhausted.
Not every Texas community qualifies, however. Applicants must be located in HUD-designated eligible areas for CDBG-MIT funds and meet FEMA’s definition of a local government under federal regulations. This typically includes counties, municipalities, and certain other governmental entities with specific disaster mitigation responsibilities.
“The Resilient Communities Program give Texas communities the tools to build more resilient futures,” notes program documentation, highlighting the preventative approach these initiatives take.
What’s the long-term benefit? These hazard mitigation plans help communities identify risk reduction strategies, integrate with other community planning efforts, and focus resources on the areas facing the greatest risks from natural disasters. In a state regularly facing hurricanes, floods, and other climate challenges, this strategic planning can significantly reduce future damages.
While the application deadline extends to late 2025, local officials familiar with the process recommend starting early. The application requirements are substantial, and developing a comprehensive hazard mitigation plan can take months of community engagement and technical analysis.
For Texas communities still recovering from past disasters while trying to prepare for future ones, these programs represent a rare opportunity to build resilience with federal dollars — but only if they beat both the clock and their neighboring communities to the remaining funds.
