USA - Community Disaster Resilience Zones
Community Disaster Resilience Zones will build disaster resilience across the nation by driving federal, public and private resources to the most at-risk and in-need jurisdictions.
The Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act was signed into law by President Joe Biden on December 20, 2022. The Act amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and requires FEMA to utilize a natural hazard risk assessment index to identify census tracts which are most at risk from the effects of natural hazards and climate change.
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Initial Zone Designations
FEMA announced the first 483 Community Disaster Resilience Zones in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. A map and a list of designated census tracts are available on the Community Disaster Resilience Zones platform. Additional information is also available on the methodology and criteria used to select the zones.
This fall, FEMA will announce additional designations that include tribal lands and territories.
Using the National Risk Index’s datasets, FEMA has identified the most at-risk and in-need communities to create resilience zones. These designated zones will provide geographic focus for financial and technical assistance from public, private and philanthropic agencies and organizations for the planning and implementation of resilience projects.
This support is for the planning and implementation of resilience projects that will help communities reduce the impact of climate change and other natural hazards. The Act will also enable communities to strengthen their community resilience by working with a range of all levels of governmental and private sector partners.
Community Disaster Resilience Zones Platform Tools
The Community Disaster Resilience Zones platform provides users the opportunity to view information on the census tracts designations included in the first selections of disaster resilience zones.
The Community Disaster Resilience Zones platform provides users the opportunity to view information on the census tracts designations included in the first selections of disaster resilience zones.
Access the CDRZ Platform
Mapping Tools
An interactive map provides the opportunity to find if you are in a a location and determine whether it is in a Community Disaster Resilience Zone. The map includes a drop-down menu for each state and the census tract designations within each county.
If a user wants to review more layers on how zones were determined, you can review, filter and add additional layers of data.
Designation Methodology
Information is available on FEMA’s methods for designating these zones. This tool describes the steps used to determine the initial designations for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Data Download
Users can download the datasets involved in the these initial selections and view by state, county, tract and geocode location.
Review Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Disaster Resilience Zones.
Designation Requirements and Process
FEMA has consulted with other federal agencies, supporters and contributors from the public and private sectors, and the general public to refine the methodology for designating these initial resilience zones.
With the legislation as guidance, individual census tracts with the highest natural hazard risk assessment as determined by the National Risk Index are eligible for designation. The Act requires the following:
- The 50 census tracts assigned the highest individual hazard risk ratings.
- Include at least 1% of the census tracts with the highest individual risk rating.
- Achieve geographic balance and consider coastal, inland, urban, suburban, rural areas and tribal lands with these designations.
