WASHINGTON, DC — The FEMA Review Council meeting headed by a council including Tampa Mayor Jane Castor will not offer expected recommendations on the agency’s future Thursday.
The meeting was canceled Thursday morning without explanation, according to the mayor’s office.
The 13-member council, co-chaired by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, includes state governors, emergency management directors, and local and state disaster response experts, including Castor.
The council has held multiple public meetings and field hearings since its formation and has received extensive written testimony from the public
Changes to FEMA resulting from the review council’s recommendations will directly affect how local and state leaders prepare for and respond to future disasters.
The group reportedly would not suggest the elimination of FEMA altogether, which is something President Donald Trump suggested.
However, significant cuts to the agency could be offered, with a shift of more responsibilities to states.
Also, the bar to qualify for federal assistance could be raised.
Still, Congress would have to weigh in on any FEMA changes.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor tweeted ahead of the meeting being canceled:
Floridians braving the DC cold! Had a great conversation with @SenRickScott today about improving transportation in Tampa and what to expect for Florida from the FEMA Review Council recommendations we’re releasing this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/lGMJmS2txo
— Jane Castor (@JaneCastor) December 11, 2025