On September 6, 2023, FEMA announced the designation of 483 census tracts as Community Disaster Resilience Zones under the Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act of 2022, signed into law by President Biden on December 20, 2022. These zones are in every state of the union and are composed of disadvantaged communities with high natural hazard risks based on annualized estimated losses to buildings, people, and agriculture from natural hazards, social vulnerability, and community resilience.

TCS submitted a letter in support of the Federal Supplier Climate Risk and Resilience Rule on February 13, 2023. It highlights our commitment to promoting policies that reduce climate-related financial risks and support resilience-building efforts.

The designated zones will receive targeted federal support to become more resilient to natural hazards and extreme weather worsened by the climate crisis. FEMA is authorized to provide additional assistance for mitigation projects that reduce natural hazard risk in, or primarily benefit, a designated zone, including a cost share adjustment under certain FEMA mitigation grant programs.

The Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act aligns with TCS’ goal of effective government spending by targeting assistance and support to areas that need it most, thereby reducing the financial burden on taxpayers due to climate-related disasters. The Act also encourages collaboration between federal agencies, the private sector, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, and private equity partners to invest in resilience projects.