What factors influence the quality of hazard mitigation plans in Washington State?

Abstract

Hazard mitigation plans (HMPs) can help communities to reduce their losses of lives and property in the face of natural hazards, such as earthquakes and floods, and to qualify for federal funding if a disaster occurs. These plans are particularly important as climate change increases the risk of some types of hazards, including floods. Counties in Washington State (WA) have prepared HMPs, although literature is scarce regarding the quality of these plans and how they were developed. This study investigated the quality of county-level HMPs in WA, along with factors that may lead to higher- or lower-quality plans. Content analysis of 34 plans yielded plan quality scores, which were examined through principal component analysis and a multilevel model of statistical relationships with hypothesized predictor variables, such as indicators of collaborative dynamics (principled engagement and capacity for joint action) and vertical and horizontal diffusion; these indicators were measured through an online survey of 168 hazard planning professionals who had created the plans. Semi-structured interviews qualitatively explored these collaborative dynamics and potential diffusion processes, through a purposive sample of 20 emergency managers and planners. Significant predictors of plan quality included indicators of vertical (state-to-county) and horizontal (county-to-county) diffusion, as well as economic capacity. The study found evidence of indicators of collaborative dynamics, although they did not significantly predict plan quality. Some survey respondents and interviewees expressed that important stakeholders were missing from their planning processes, raising concerns about HMPs’ ability to reflect their respective communities’ needs. This study has implications for contributing to the literature on collaborative governance and policy diffusion and for increasing decision makers’ understanding of the processes that lead to higher-quality plans, which are more likely to be implemented.