On May 7, 2026, the FEMA Review Council approved its final report and recommendations to President Trump regarding the future structure and mission of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Public comment is open through June 8. The report proposes a major shift in federal disaster policy by increasing state and local responsibility while reducing FEMA's direct operational role.
The report now moves to the Trump administration for review with some recommendations implemented administratively through FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security, while others likely require congressional or regulatory action. GMA will keep Georgia cities informed as these potential legislative and administrative changes are considered.
Final Report Recommendations
During the final meeting, council members repeatedly emphasized that disaster response should be "locally executed, state managed and federally supported." The council’s recommendations focus on accelerating disaster funding, streamlining FEMA assistance programs, reducing administrative burdens, expanding state flexibility and strengthening state and local emergency management capacity.
Additional recommendations include:
- Simplifying individual and public assistance programs
- Accelerating mitigation funding
- Expanding use of direct funding models
- Increasing reliance on mutual aid, nonprofit and private-sector partnerships
- Reviewing FEMA staffing and organizational structure
While many recommendations align with longstanding concerns regarding FEMA reimbursement delays and administrative burden, several proposals may create concerns for local governments in Georgia.
One of the most consequential recommendations involves the future of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The report recommends gradually shifting more flood insurance responsibility from the federally managed NFIP toward the private insurance market. While council members argued this would improve long-term financial stability and risk pricing, it could create affordability and coverage concerns for coastal, riverine and flood-prone communities that rely heavily on NFIP availability to support property owners, mortgages and local economic stability.
The report also recommends reassessing and increasing FEMA disaster declaration thresholds, including adjustments to per-capita indicators and greater consideration of state and local capacity before federal assistance is approved. While intended to reserve federal assistance for more catastrophic events, higher thresholds could make it more difficult for smaller and mid-sized communities in Georgia to qualify for federal disaster assistance following moderate or localized disasters.
Public comment on the final report is open until Monday, June 8, 2026. Please reach out to Federal Relations Manager Molly McLoughlin if your city has any feedback or concerns about the recommendations.