A Note From The Chair

Michael Nowlan

I promised in the previous newsletter that I would provide an overview of the outcomes and decisions from our FMA Board retreat, which was held in early April. We actually held our retreat in person, in Sacramento! The main topics included; 1) board expansion/definition, 2) diversity/equity/inclusion position, 3) growth of emerging professionals, 4) luncheons, 5) operating budget, 6) learning management system considerations, 7) conference structure/costs, and 8) strategic plan updates. So, what is FMA doing? That can be a loaded question. FMA’s primary reason for existing has been to provide a platform/forum for individuals to share information and ideas related to floodplain management, no matter who they represent. As George Booth has so often put it, we are all about associating, allowing people from all sectors to have a voice. To foster the associating aspect of our association, FMA has avoided advocating any official special interest positions as an association. As an association we have purposely chosen not to lobby, for legislation, policy, or projects. So, how are we working toward associating better? First, we are looking to better define the minimum qualifications, roles and duties of each of the board positions, including advisors to the board, to clarify expectations and promote involvement on the board in the future. Our vice-chair will be leading that effort, and gathering input accordingly, in order to eventually/potentially modify our bylaws and “job descriptions”. Our hope is to promote involvement and remove any real/perceived stumbling blocks. As one might guess, several of these topics are ongoing “living” issues that will require much more thought and definition than a portion of a one-day retreat can address. For two of these topics we have now formed board subcommittees to explore the details and nuances of each issue. We cannot avoid diversity/equity/inclusion, or unhoused populations, or whatever the current/next big identified injustice is, because our FMA community is part of a much larger community. However, while social issues will always be important to our mission, we cannot lose sight that our association is founded on floodplain management, and understanding and communicating primarily about that, while listening and incorporating overlapping issues. The board believes it is important to think deeply on issues relating to diversity/equity/ inclusion, and strategic planning, and will be making more informed decisions in the months to come.

To optimize efforts moving forward, we need to communicate, honestly and openly, and never be afraid of any question. As we come out the other side of this pandemic, we must again interface floodplain management issues with societal issues. Honestly, this interfacing never went away during the pandemic, did it? Who better to join the fray on these issues than our emerging professionals. We need to mentor our EP’s better, to encourage them to join where they feel led, and to contribute their best, without overwhelming them. In order to do that better we need to create openings to serve, on our committees, and everywhere that supports the mission. There will be a big push for that in September at the conference and we will need everyone’s contribution. Our work on the strategic plan should also help in that regard. Our luncheons are back! We held our first in-person luncheon in Sacramento at the Buca Di Beppo restaurant with a great presentation on Risk Rating 2.0. People really missed associating, as the session went a little bit longer than planned. We have lined up two more luncheons in May and June and are working hard to fill the docket for 2022. We are also trying to jumpstart the luncheons at other locations throughout our region. It may take a little longer, but we’ll get there!

It is my pleasure to report that our FMA operating budget has been very healthy moving into 2022, primarily due to our pandemic years giving us a bit of a reserve in funds. We were riding a very uncertain wave through COVID and had never run a successful virtual conference prior to that. Thanks to all of you supporting us, we have weathered this one fairly well. Of course, we have some uncertainty moving forward with in-person conferencing returning in September. We will steward the support you’ve entrusted to us and are looking into options for adding things that will enhance the mission, including opportunities for various scholarships to strengthen and build the broader floodplain management community. One of these opportunities may involve investment in software that enables us to store and share presentations and training, like a Learning Management System (LMS). There is a wide array of options, most of which have a significant cost. Details will be shared as they come to fruition. Last, but not least, the Board discussed our conference structure and related costs. For 2022 and likely 2023, we will be holding a live in-person only conference. There has been a lot of inquiry regarding hybrid options and we have been working to identify all the benefits and costs associated with this. We are stating our current position in more detail for the coming year on the conference registration page. If you have an interest in contributing to the conversation, by all means, speak with any one of us on the Board. Our priority is to provide the most meaningful and affordable conference experience to our membership.

SAVE THE DATE

California Extreme Precipitation Symposium (CEPSYM) June 21, 2022 Lake Natoma Inn, Folsom CA

Floodplain Management Association Annual Conference September 6-9, 2022 Sacramento Hyatt Regency 5