Hazard Mitigation Plans (HMPs) are essential for counties in the United States to reduce the risk of natural disasters and to be eligible for federal funding. However, counties often face resource constraints and a lack of enthusiasm for hazard mitigation planning, which can impact the quality of HMPs. To overcome these obstacles many counties turn to consultants for assistance in updating their plans. This professional report discusses the hazard mitigation planning process and evaluates the effectiveness of HMPs. It specifically looks at the case of Chautauqua County, NY, which selected Barton & Loguidice to update its HMP. The report suggests that integrating HMPs into other community plans can enhance their effectiveness, and recommends using the most recent data to inform these plans. By improving the quality of HMPs, communities can better protect themselves against natural disasters and increase their chances of receiving federal funding after a disaster.