Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Professional Service Agreement with Atlas Planning Solutions for the City of Westminster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update.
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From: Darin Lenyi, Chief of Police
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Karla Santillan, Business Services Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
A. Approve the Professional Services Agreement with Atlas Planning Solutions for the City of Westminster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update in the amount of $123,079; and
B. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
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BACKGROUND
A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) is a city's proactive, long-term roadmap designed to reduce vulnerability to disasters. It assesses risks from natural and human-caused hazards (earthquakes, floods, wildfires, etc.) and outlines specific strategies to minimize injuries, property damage, and community disruption. Cities are responsible for preparing, maintaining, updating, and adopting an LHMP. Additionally, the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires a community to have an approved LHMP to be eligible to apply for and receive FEMA hazard mitigation funds for disaster relief.
On March 3, 2025, the City of Westminster was awarded a Hazard Mitigation Grant administered by California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to update the City’s LHMP. The grant provides financial assistance to local jurisdictions to proactively identify local disaster risks and outline strategies to minimize damage before emergencies occur. Having a FEMA-approved LHMP is required for cities to qualify for federal disaster mitigation and recovery grants, and it significantly improves community safety and infrastructure resilience
On April 9, 2026, the Westminster Police Department issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit qualified consultants to update the City of Westminster LHMP. The RFP was publicly advertised and widely distributed to promote a competitive and transparent selection process.
By the submission deadline, a total of nine responsive proposals were received. A selection panel evaluated each proposal based on the following criteria:
• Qualifications & Experience
• Organization & Approach
• References & Familiarity
• Financial Management and Account System Requirements
• Conformity
Following a comprehensive evaluation process, Atlas Planning Solutions (APS) was identified as the top-ranked proposer. Their submission demonstrated a strong understanding of the project, extensive industry experience, and a history of completed FEMA approved plans.
APS was founded in 2018 and is a women-owned Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise headquartered in Riverside, California. Their core expertise in LHMP includes FEMA compliance, Risk and Vulnerability Assessments, Emergency Preparedness, and Stakeholder Engagement. APS has completed LHMP projects with local jurisdictions, including the Cities of Brea, Laguna Beach, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, and Irvine.
Community engagement is a vital part of the LHMP update and APS recognizes the needs of our community. They will conduct two in-person community meetings with translation services available. APS will provide all written communication in English, Vietnamese, and Spanish. They will also provide the Westminster Police Department with informative social media graphics and website information in English, Vietnamese, and Spanish.
The comprehensive update of the City’s current LHMP will not only ensure that the City is eligible to receive future FEMA hazard mitigation funds, but will also guide the City towards building a safer, more sustainable community.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds in the amount of $123,079 are available in the Cal OES HMGP Grant account (Account No. 252-39450). No additional appropriation is required for this action.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
Updating the City of Westminster’s LHMP is essential to maintaining eligibility for FEMA funding and ensuring continued preparedness for natural, human-caused, and technological hazards. Through a competitive and transparent procurement process, APS was identified as the most qualified firm to lead the LHMP update. Their demonstrated expertise, proven track record, and commitment to inclusive community engagement make them well-suited to support the City in this critical effort.
Approval of the agreement with APS will initiate the comprehensive update process, enabling the City to advance its long-term hazard mitigation strategies and strengthen community resiliency. Completing this update will further support Westminster’s goal of fostering a safer, more sustainable, and better-prepared community.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Request for Proposal - Single Jurisdiction Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
2. Draft Agreement with Atlas Planning Solutions
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager