ASFPM Foundation Releases Report on Harnessing AI for Flood Risk Management
The ASFPM Foundation is proud to release Harnessing AI for Flood Risk Management: Integrating People, Data, and Action—a new summary report from the 7th Assembly of the Gilbert F. White National Flood Policy Forum – Floodplain Management in the Era of Big Data & Artificial Intelligence, held in Washington, DC in 2025.
This report captures insights from nearly 90 floodplain management, policy, and AI experts who came together to explore how artificial intelligence can responsibly support flood risk management—while preserving transparency, technically defensible analysis, and professional judgment.
“Floodplain management depends on transparent, defensible flood risk data that can withstand technical, professional, and legal scrutiny, given the direct implications for public safety, financial risk, and property rights,” said ASFPM Foundation President, Dale Lehman, PE, CFM. “AI offers important opportunities to enhance this work, particularly through automation and administrative support that improve efficiency while preserving scientific rigor. However, in a regulatory environment, AI must complement rather than replace explainable, reproducible methods grounded in hydrologic, hydraulic, and coastal science.”
Through a series of presentations, panel discussions, and breakout sessions, the Forum resulted in three key takeaways:
- The effectiveness of AI hinges on the quality and governance of data;
- AI is a powerful tool, but human expertise and ethical oversight remain essential; and
- Realizing AI’s promise requires robust guardrails.
Following the Forum, the ASFPM Foundation—working in coordination with the ASFPM AI Subcommittee—synthesized Forum presentations and participant insights into a report. This report equips floodplain professionals with a foundational understanding of AI—its potential benefits and limitations—to support effective application in floodplain management. It also provides policymakers, including legislators and government agencies, with a clear starting point for understanding the key issues and tradeoffs that should inform national policy on the use of AI in flood risk management.
The report also distilled these discussions into 11 actionable recommendations to support both near- and long-term decision-making and help agencies, practitioners, and partners responsibly integrate AI into floodplain management. The recommendations focus on strengthening data governance; improving coordination across sectors; promoting transparency, trust, and professional oversight; building workforce capacity; and advancing practical AI applications that can be implemented today while preparing for future innovation.
Key actions discussed include expanding education and dialogue through webinars and forums; compiling and sharing AI use cases; establishing governance frameworks and professional standards; promoting data quality and accountability; fostering collaboration and co-development; piloting AI applications—particularly for communication—and exploring regulatory sandbox approaches.
along with moderator Phetmano Phannavong, PE, PMP, CFM
In 2026 and beyond, the ASFPM Foundation will continue working with ASFPM and external partners to advance these recommendations and support the careful, constructive use of big data and AI across floodplain management. If you work at the intersection of flood risk, resilience, data, or public policy, this report offers valuable perspective on where the field is headed and how we can move forward responsibly.
Read the full report on ASFPM Foundation’s website
This report is dedicated to the memory of Jenni Evans, PhD, a nationally respected meteorologist, educator, and champion for responsible innovation in floodplain management. As a panelist at the Forum, Dr. Evans brought an extraordinary depth of expertise to the intersection of artificial intelligence, advanced computation, and societal resilience. Her commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, mentorship, and ethical science continues to inspire the ASFPM Foundation and the broader floodplain management community.
ASFPM Foundation gratefully acknowledges the critical financial support and subject-matter expertise provided by the Forum sponsors:
