Trump’s Executive Orders, FEMA, and ASFPM’s Role in Helping to Shape the Future

As we navigate the early days of the Trump Administration, ASFPM is focused on assessing recent actions affecting FEMA and other federal partners and their potential implications for floodplain management. While transitions can bring fear and uncertainty, they also present opportunities for ASFPM to advocate for practical improvements that enhance the safety and resilience of our communities.

FEMA Review Council

On January 24, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order establishing a FEMA Review Council. This Council is tasked with reviewing and recommending improvements to federal disaster assistance programs within 180 days.

ASFPM agrees there are systemic challenges to address, including reducing the complexity of disaster assistance, streamlining federal mitigation programs, incentivizing resilience, addressing severe repetitive loss, and building capacity at the state and local levels. 

Regardless of whether we get invited to be part of the 20-member FEMA Review Council, ASFPM stands ready to serve as a resource, drawing from decades of experience and member expertise to recommend actionable solutions. In addition, we are working with partner organizations to restart both the Stafford Act Coalition and The Flood Map Coalition, which had been dormant since the pandemic.  

The complexity of federal disaster programs has long been a concern for ASFPM and its members. Flooding continues to be the most common and costly natural disaster in the country, with more frequent and costly disasters on the rise. Between 2019-2023, there were 16 days on average between U.S. billion-dollar disasters, compared to 82 days in the 1980s, according to Climate Central. These numbers highlight the importance of building state and local capacity while ensuring federal programs are more accessible and effective for those that need them.

ASFPM will continue working to:

• Advocate for streamlined access to hazard mitigation programs, ensuring smaller communities can fully participate and benefit.
• Promote strong incentives for state and local governments to strengthen their capacity to manage and reduce flood risks.
• Push for significant reductions in the administrative burden placed on communities and disaster survivors, enabling faster and more effective recovery.
• Equip states and communities with the tools and resources needed to proactively address and mitigate flood risk, including robust funding for a National Flood Mapping Program, and meaningful support for and reforms of the National Flood Insurance Program.
• Integrate resilience as a cornerstone of federal flood policies to better protect communities and infrastructure.

Pause in Federal Aid 

Yesterday, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) ordered a temporary pause in grants, loans and other federal financial assistance, this includes both new awards as well as the disbursement of funds under existing awards. There are many uncertainties around the vaguely worded OMB memo, including the biggest, which is whether President Trump has the authority to unilaterally halt funding that has already been allocated by Congress. We are trying to learn more about this issue, which could impact state and local governments and nongovernmental organizations, including ASFPM. Earlier this afternoon we learned that a coalition of organizations filed a Motion for Temporary Restraining Order in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to block this effort by the OMB. 

FFRMS Remains in Effect for HUD and FEMA

The Administration’s Day 1 Executive Order rescinded the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS), which has become a ping-pong ball depending on who’s in office, however the rules finalized by FEMA and HUD last year remain in effect until we hear otherwise. We are still waiting on clarification from both agencies. These standards are critical for reducing long-term risk in flood-prone areas and must be upheld to protect communities and taxpayers alike.

Interestingly, and completely unrelated to the Administration’s first week of activities, the ASCE 24-24 was just released and it significantly raises the bar when it comes to floodplain management standards. We are working on numerous things related to this standard, and we will share those with members shortly. It’s important to note that as a consensus standard and the reference standard for flood design and elevation criteria in the International Building Code, its adoption is not subject to changes in federal policy.

Dismissal of Advisory Committees

A less reported activity from a busy first week was the dismissal of members from FEMA’s advisory council, including the National Advisory Council (NAC), on which I was currently serving, as well as the Technical Mapping Advisory Council and National Dam Safety Review Board, where we had members serving. This move is very disappointing. These councils have provided invaluable input on key issues, and ASFPM recognizes and deeply appreciates the significant contributions many of you have made in these roles.

Budgets Remain Unclear

Federal budgets for FY25 and FY26 remain in flux. Ongoing negotiations, the debt ceiling, and disaster aid supplemental funding are all part of the complex discussions that could significantly influence multiple agencies’ resources and priorities. ASFPM is closely monitoring developments to ensure floodplain management programs, flood hazard mapping/data programs, and flood hazard mitigation are adequately supported.

Looking Ahead

ASFPM is committed to working with the Administration, Congress, and the FEMA Review Council to advance solutions that improve the safety and security of all communities across the nation. Our focus remains on reducing flood risk, increasing disaster resilience, and ensuring that federal programs support local and state efforts effectively.

For a deeper dive into these issues, join us this Thursday for the ASFPM’s National Policy briefing. During the webinar, we’ll discuss these topics in detail and share updates on our advocacy efforts.

We know this is a lot to digest and there are still many unknowns. We will continue to share information on these and other items as we learn more. As always, thank you for your continued dedication to flood resilience and your support of ASFPM’s mission. Together, we can navigate these new challenges and ensure a stronger, more resilient future. 

Your partner in loss reduction,