FEMA seeks feedback on updated Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide
Author

Brett Mattson

Naomi Freel
Upcoming Events
Related News

Key Takeaways
FEMA is inviting county leaders to provide feedback on the newly updated Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG) Version 5. This public comment period opened on June 18, 2024, and closes on August 19, 2024.
The PAPPG Version 5 aims to:
- Increase assistance eligibility
- Streamline and simplify processes
- Enhance accessibility
- Support community resilience
Key updates include allowing applicants to submit cost summaries for projects instead of detailed itemized costs and reducing documentation requirements by grouping projects with similar damage.
County stakeholders are encouraged to review the guide and submit comments via the Federal Register Portal and FEMA.gov. The feedback collected during this period will help shape the final version of the guide, ensuring it meets the needs of all stakeholders.
Read the PAPPG Submit Comments
Impact on counties
Counties are on the front lines of disaster response and recovery efforts. The PAPPG Version 5 directly impacts how counties navigate FEMA's Public Assistance program, ensuring smoother and more efficient recovery processes for their communities. By providing feedback during this public comment period, NACo and county leaders can help shape policies that better meet the unique needs of our communities.
Informational webinar
To help stakeholders understand these updates and encourage participation, FEMA is hosting four informational webinars. These sessions will provide a comprehensive overview of the changes and offer a platform for participants to ask questions. Webinars are open to all, with specific sessions available in Spanish and targeted consultations for Tribal Nations. Advanced registration is not required.
Advocacy
Congress passes bill aligning FEMA disaster assistance deadlines
On Monday, March 11, the Disaster Assistance Deadlines Alignment Act was passed out of Congress with robust bipartisan support.

Related News

County Countdown – June 30, 2025
Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership. This week features the Senate reconciliation debate, transparency on sanctuary designations and more.

DHS releases list identifying sanctuary jurisdictions; includes nearly 400 counties
NACo, along with the National League of Cities, and the International Municipal Lawyers Association, requested additional clarification on the methodology used to create the list, and noted concerns around the legal challenges that localities face when complying with ICE detainers. As of this time, NACo has yet to hear of a county receiving a formal notification that they were included on the list.

U.S. House of Representatives introduces legislation to expand Medicaid coverage for behavioral health treatment facilities
On June 20, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the Increasing Behavioral Health Treatment Act in the U.S. House of Representative. This bill aims to improve access to behavioral health care nationwide by removing long-standing Medicaid funding restrictions for behavioral health treatment in certain facilities, providing new flexibility for states and counties to meet growing behavioral health needs.