Home > Strengthening LA’s Wildfire Recovery

When disasters strike, the City of Los Angeles relies on the City Administrative Officer (CAO) to coordinate federal and state funding to support large- scale recovery projects. As the lead administrator for FEMA’s Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant programs, the CAO helps ensure the city recovers efficiently, strategically, and with long-term resilience at the core.
Every day counts. This office actively pushes recovery forward by cutting through delays, aligning partners, and turning funding into real progress on the ground. Securing recovery dollars can take time due to required state and federal reviews, approvals, and compliance steps. Even so, we are focused on moving fast, staying accountable, and delivering results for Los Angeles.

Our Approach

We help Los Angeles locate and manage federal money after a disaster to support large-scale public infrastructure recovery projects. We work with state and federal partners to secure funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance program, which helps pay the city back for emergency and recovery costs. We also apply for money from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides separate funding to support projects that make the city safer and better prepared for future disasters. We’re actively working to secure funding from both grant programs, as well as other funding sources beyond government.
Our focus is on execution. We help City departments build strong recovery and resilience projects, meet federal requirements, and stay eligible for critical reimbursements. Our job is to keep federal funding moving, meet key deadlines, and support City departments in getting major recovery projects off the ground.

We’re One Piece of LA’s Citywide Recovery

Effective recovery at this scale takes the full force of the City, its departments, and community partners working together. Citywide disaster recovery is being led by various City Departments, City Hall, and local partners working directly with communities. CAO supports key areas of this recovery tied to federal funding and large-scale projects, while others lead community programs and oversee all aspects of the City’s recovery.

Our Impact + Progress

All public right of way damage-related and City infrastructure rebuilding costs due to the Los Angeles wildfire have been identified, along with major projects to reduce future risk and strengthen resilience citywide. The CAO is working closely with the State of California and FEMA to expedite these efforts, including the pursuit of over $360 million in reimbursements and approximately $3 billion in long-term hazard mitigation funding.
These resources provide a clear overview of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s ahead, including the full list of projects submitted for federal Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding.

Snapshot of CAO Impact + Progress
Public Assistance Projects
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

How Federal Disaster Funding Works

Disasters are expensive. Recovery is not just about rebuilding. It takes a people- centered and community-driven strategy, effective coordination, and sound and swift decisions that protect both people and public resources now and in the future. FEMA’s recovery programs bring critical dollars to Los Angeles. The CAO makes sure those dollars reach the right places, follow the rules, and support a stronger and safer future for all.

Fact sheet on FEMA funding for Los Angeles

Working with Us & Other Recovery Efforts

If you’re a City department or partner seeking guidance on disaster recovery projects or funding, the CAO’s Recovery Team is your first call. We work directly with our federal (FEMA) and state (Cal OES) to ensure your needs are represented and your projects are successful.

Contact the Recovery Team
FEMA PA
HMGP Resources

If you are a resident, community partner, or simply looking for information about how Los Angeles is recovering after the January 2025 wildfires, the links below offer helpful resources and updates from across the city and county.

• To help residents navigate the complex rebuilding process after a wildfire, Los Angeles County has set-up this website with resources and guidelines https://recovery.lacounty.gov/road/
• To help residents and partners track progress in the citywide recovery and available recourse and programs designed to support recovery, the City of Los Angelese has provided this website with updates https://recovery.lacity.gov/



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