the implementation of policies, including the department or institution that is responsible for
the implementation of that policy, an explanation of the financial resources for the
implementation, and a clear term by which the policy should be fully implemented. Glendale
even went one step further by providing a schedule with the fore mentioned information plus a
prioritization of policies in case of conflicting interests or a change in the administrative or
financial situation of the city. The city of Orange shows a peculiarity that seems mysterious.
Some policies are accompanied by a clear implementation guide, while others are not. One
could wonder how important the last category of policies is, considering the fact that obviously
some policies should be implemented and others do not necessarily.
4.4 Conclusion
From the foregoing it can be concluded that especially the mutual adjustment of the different
parts of an hazard mitigation plan is problematic. Some cities provide a detailed factual basis
but then do not use that in their policy formulation. Others have defined clear and strong
policies, but those are based on a poor factual basis. The fact that implementation schedules
are so often absent indicates that many local governments do not relate policies to the day-to-
day work of, for example, the planning commission. In other words, plans are perceived as
mere plans, not as a roadmap to a desirable future situation. More interconnectedness of those
different aspects of mitigation planning (as well as of planning in general) would probably
increase the effectiveness of the plans, but in order to achieve this local planners would first
have to realize the importance of hazard mitigation plans.
The fact that so many cities do not include mandated aspects such as evacuation routes creates
doubts concerning the determination and commitment of the State of California in reviewing
the local plans. Showing more authority through a strict enforcement of general plan mandates
might improve the overall quality of local natural hazard mitigation plans.
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