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

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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A Floodplain Management Degree• Courses already exist to fulfill this need• Organize the studies that already exist into

one Graduate or Undergraduate degree

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