Stepping Up Together: New Tools and Trainings to Meet the Moment
It is crazy to think it has already been three weeks since the ASFPM Conference in New Orleans. I want to publicly thank ASFPM’s Louisiana Chapter, LFMA, for being such a fun and gracious host! Of course, for anyone in attendance, one notable element of the event was the absence of our federal partners and colleagues. While there were a handful in attendance (you could literally count ‘em on one hand), the conference had a slightly different feel. One attendee told me that they weren’t sure what to make of not having our federal partners there; but, as the week went on, there were many important conversations about how states and communities could step up and take control of their own futures. And just like that, the idea for this month’s column was born.
For those of you who have been paying attention to the tortured path that FEMA is walking these days, one takeaway is becoming increasingly clear: states and communities must prepare for a future where FEMA — and likely the federal government as a whole — plays a much smaller role both before and after a disaster. We are already seeing this in the hazard mitigation space with the cessation of BRIC funding and the President’s refusal (so far) to approve new disaster declarations for HMGP.
So, the key question is: What can states and communities do today to help make up for the shortfall of resources at the federal level? I am excited to unveil three concrete actions ASFPM is taking to support our members and help fill the emerging gaps.
1. Free member access to ASCE 24-24. In today’s News & Views, you’ll see our announcement about the interactive digital version of ASCE 24-24 now being available at no cost to ASFPM members. If you are not familiar with it, ASCE 24-24 is the most significant update of floodplain management standards in over 50 years (since the creation of the NFIP minimums in 1973). It was developed through a rigorous consensus process and published this past January.
While not yet a reference standard for the NFIP, ASFPM is already working with other organizations to get it into the International Building Code for the 2027 update. But there’s no need to wait, many states and communities have the ability to adopt the new ASCE 24-24 standard directly into their state model floodplain management regulations and/or local floodplain management ordinances — in fact, some have already started the process. ASFPM is working on a multi-phased approach to get ASCE 24-24 adopted throughout the nation (much more information to come), but a first step we can take is to remove the cost barrier by making the standard available to members.
2. More frequent state mentoring calls. Based on feedback received at the conference in New Orleans, we are increasing the frequency of our state mentoring calls with state floodplain managers and state hazard mitigation officers. These sessions will focus on real-world examples and approaches of state-led efforts to reduce flood risk. It’s a chance to learn from one another and strengthen the network of professionals doing this vital work.
3. New in-person training for state NFIP coordinators. After several years of development, later this month we will be launching a two-day in-person training workshop for new state NFIP coordinators on the essentials of state floodplain management. We have had so much interest that we will be holding a second workshop in September. The workshops will be led by experienced state floodplain managers who understand the challenges and opportunities of this role better than anyone. We are thrilled to welcome the first class to our headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin in a few weeks.
Looking Ahead, Together
Without a doubt, these are challenging times. Federal uncertainty can feel like the ground is shifting beneath our feet. But at the end of the day, I am incredibly proud that ASFPM can help be part of the solution going forward. Together we will work to help determine how states and communities can become better equipped to handle a world with increased flood risk and decreased federal support. After all, building better state and local capacity has been part of our DNA for nearly 50 years.
As always, if there’s something you’re tackling in your state or community that you need help with or a resource you wish existed, please reach out. Your feedback helps us focus our efforts where they’re needed most. Please drop me an email at chad@floods.org.
Your partner in loss reduction,
