Modernizing HUD’s Consolidated Planning Process to Narrow the Digital Divide and Increase Resilience to Natural Hazards

This final rule updates the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) Consolidated Plan planning process to require states and local governments to consider two additional concepts: 1) the availability of broadband access, and 2) the vulnerability of housing occupied by low- and moderate-income households to natural hazards risks, many of which may be increasing due to climate change. Consolidated Plans are used by state and local governments receiving HUD funds to assess their affordable housing and community development needs, so that they may make place-based investment decisions. 

The natural hazard component of the plan requires that states and local governments incorporate hazard mitigation and resilience into community planning when low- and moderate-income communities are at risk.  It also specifically requires that planning anticipates the effect of climate change on expected hazards. To fulfill this requirement, states and local governments may rely upon the National Climate Assessment, the Climate Resilience Toolkit, the Community Resilience Planning Guide for Buildings and Infrastructure Systems, or other climate risk-related data published by federal, state, or local governments. HUD commits to providing technical assistance and training to assist jurisdictions in meeting the new requirements. 

Publication Date: December 16, 2016

Related Organizations:

  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

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Sectors:

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Resource Types:

  • Agency guidance/policy

Impacts:

  • Socioeconomic

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