Council adopts Kittitas County 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan annex for Ellensburg

The Ellensburg City Council on Aug. 18 approved Resolution 2025‑21 adopting the Ellensburg annex to the 2025 Kittitas County Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Arden Thomas, Kittitas County water resources manager and the county’s plan lead, presented the multi‑jurisdictional plan and emphasized the role of mitigation: “Mitigation is any sustainable action that reduces or eliminates long term risk to people and property from future disasters,” he said. The county’s plan ranks hazards by probability and consequence and identifies mitigation actions, responsible parties and potential funding sources.

Thomas told the council the plan process included outreach (surveys, fair booth, two open houses) and coordination with participating jurisdictions and regional stakeholders. He said the county added wildfire smoke and pandemic as hazards in the 2025 update and that wildfire was elevated from a medium to a high ranking, citing discussions and data from partners.

The plan’s approval is a prerequisite for eligibility for certain federal hazard‑mitigation funding programs administered by FEMA through the state. Thomas noted recent federal funding wins for the county including fuels‑reduction grants and generators for fire districts; he encouraged jurisdictions to coordinate annually to prioritize projects for grant cycles.

During council discussion, members acknowledged the heightened wildfire risk and the need for funding. Staff and council said adoption keeps the city positioned to seek mitigation grants and coordinate with county and district partners on prioritized actions.

The council moved and approved the resolution by roll call vote. The plan will be posted and staff said they will pursue coordination for annual implementation reporting and grant project timing.