Back to the Future: Floodplain Management 50 Years Past and 50 Years Hence

One of the most talked-about sessions at the 2026 ASFPM Annual Conference, this plenary brings together four respected voices to reflect on where floodplain management has been—and where it needs to go over the next 50 years.

During Back to the Future: Floodplain Management 50 Years Past and 50 Years Hence, two ASFPM Pioneer Award recipients who were instrumental in the association’s formative years, ASFPM Co-founder French Wetmore and CBOR President Mark Riebau, provide a fascinating look back at the origins of the profession, sharing firsthand stories about the creation of ASFPM, the evolution of the National Flood Insurance Program, the development of flood mapping, and the policies and partnerships that have shaped modern floodplain management. Their historical perspective offers valuable context for understanding how today’s practices came to be and the challenges that remain.

Building on that foundation, Annie Mack Vest, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, explores how states and communities can strengthen local leadership and resilience in an evolving policy landscape, while Lori Peek, Director of the Natural Hazards Center, reminds attendees of the importance of a people-first approach to flood risk reduction— one that integrates technical expertise with an understanding of the social, natural, built and economic environments that shape people’s flood risk.

Whether you’re new to the profession or have decades of experience, this conversation offers rare institutional knowledge, practical lessons, and forward-looking ideas from leaders who have helped define—and continue to shape—the field. It’s a valuable resource for anyone committed to reducing flood risk and building more resilient communities.