ASFPM at 50: Stories, Milestones and Memories

The Association of State Floodplain Managers began in 1976 when a group of state floodplain managers from the Midwest, all with strong state programs, grew concerned that the current federal policies and programs were not effective at reducing flood losses. They set out to create a national association focused on educating policy makers, coordinating with federal agencies, providing a peer exchange of ideas, and promoting the science underpinning effective floodplain management and mapping to reduce flood losses to life and property — and those ideals remain at the heart of the association today.

This year, as we celebrate ASFPM’s 50th anniversary, we want to reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate what we’ve accomplished together, and look ahead to what’s next. Explore these resources to revisit our history, recognize the people who made it possible, and join us in celebrating five decades of impact.

ASFPM Retrospective: 50 Years of Impact (1976-2026)

Take a look back at five decades of ASFPM Conferences through the faces, places, and moments that helped shape the association and the floodplain management profession. From humble beginnings to a nationwide community, this 20-minute photo slideshow celebrates 50 Years of Impact.  Watch on YouTube

Association Milestones

From the first meeting that started it all to the present day, this timeline of association activities and accomplishments features well over 100 milestones that helped share the ASFPM story. Go here to view the timeline as well as the ASFPM Wall of Honor, which recognizes people who have made significant, substantial, and enduring contributions to flood risk management and the floodplain management profession as a whole.  

50 Years of Floodplain Management: Stories, Lessons and a Look Ahead

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.

Watch the recording:

Digital Greeting Card

There’s still time to help us celebrate 50 years of progress by adding a message to our digital greeting card (Kudoboard). Whether you’re a longtime member with a favorite conference memory or a new practitioner inspired by this community, we’d love to hear from you. Share a photo, short video, or a simple “Happy 50th” message and help us capture the relationships and shared experiences that have shaped ASFPM over the past five decades. Visit the Kudoboard and add your message—no sign-in required.   

Board Chairs Through the Years

Since ASFPM’s founding, dedicated volunteer leaders have helped guide the association through moments of tremendous growth, major policy changes, devastating flood events, evolving science, and an ever-changing national conversation around flood risk and resilience.  We thank the following professionals for their leadership in helping shape ASFPM and advance the floodplain management profession.

To Be Continued

Our history is more than a collection of milestones—it’s the story of thousands of professionals, volunteers, partners, and advocates working together to make a difference.

The first 50 years tell the story of where we’ve been. The next 50 will be written by the people who continue advancing floodplain management and helping communities reduce flood risk. Thank you for being part of the journey.