Floodplain Management as a Profession

Brief History of FPM 1940’s – studies to determine causes and risks in flooding hazards 1960’s – federal programs developed to address floodplain management (FPM) issues 1970’s further refinement of rules and regs 1990’s ASFPM founded, certification program developed 2000’s focus on advancement to professional status 2

Floodplain Management Needs 22,000 participating communities in National Flood Insurance Program 14,000 + members in the ASFPM Over 7,000 Certified Floodplain Managers requiring training to maintain certification 1,014 Community Rating System 1,100 participants at ASFPM National conference (average last three years) Federal, Tribal, State and local FPM Thousands of private sector jobs in floodplain management related topics 3

Floodplain Managers Knowledge Needs Sample needs:  Understand natural and beneficial functions of Floodplains  Understand and apply rules and regulations  Identify risk and hazards associated with a risk  Identify built environment issues  Apply knowledge of building codes and ordinance enforcement  Understand hydrology and hydraulics  Apply outreach skills 4

Floodplain Manager’s Advancement to True Professional Status Body of Knowledge formally adopted Certification program and testing reviewed for reliability and validity Association of 14,000 members Training required to practice FPM in four states Education programs currently under development Annual National conference with 1,100 participants (average) 5

What Higher Education Can Do Develop classes at undergraduate and graduate level Participate in ASFPM National Conference Join ASFPM Academic Committee Pursue grants from various sources for course development – Such as Federal Agencies: FEMA, Corps, and NOAA 6

A Floodplain Management Degree Courses already exist to fulfill this need Organize the studies that already exist into one Graduate or Undergraduate degree 7