LA County Board

14. Strengthening Emergency Preparedness by Evaluating the Role of Disaster Management Areas Recommendation as submitted by Supervisors Horvath and Barger: Direct the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), in consultation with key stakeholders, to retain a consultant, under the CEO’s delegated authority, with demonstrated expertise in emergency management to conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of the Disaster Management Area (DMA) system, and to report back to the Board within 45 days on the scope of work, consultant selection, identification of key stakeholder participants and initial progress. Direct the CEO to report back 180 days thereafter, with the consultant’s comprehensive review and recommendations, which shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (Continued from the meeting of 6-16-26) Assessment of Functions and Roles of DMAs and Disaster Management Area Coordinators: Analyze the current functions, day-to-day roles, responsibilities, and continuity capabilities of the eight DMAs in supporting Los Angeles County’s emergency preparedness, response, and recovery operations. Governance and Oversight Structure: Evaluate the existing governance and oversight framework of the DMAs, including Los Angeles County’s role and participation in each DMA, and the effectiveness of the 1998 Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) on Inter-Agency cooperation in major disasters. Operational Performance: Assess the performance of Area A, B, C, D, and H during the January 2025 wildfires, as well as the engagement and coordination of all DMAs with the County during other recent disasters. Recommendations for System Strengthening: Develop recommendations to strengthen the emergency management system for the Los Angeles County Operational Area, including: Enhancing DMA integration with County emergency response operations; Reviewing and, as appropriate, updating County and DMA cost-sharing agreements; Reviewing and, as appropriate, updating County and DMA participation in preparedness grant programs; Evaluating DMA staffing levels and the capacity of Disaster Management Area Coordinators (DMACs) to support Emergency Operations Center activations; Assessing preparedness activities across all DMAs; and Identifying opportunities to realign responsibilities and funding to improve countywide outreach, training, communications, and operational support during emergencies. (26-3615) Motion by Supervisors Horvath and Barger (Updates Following Cluster)