Floodplains by Design

FbD Funding & Policy Action Group: Spring Meeting
2026-03-26 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=85807630080
The Funding & Policy Action Group serves as the go-to convenor for floodplain funding and policy efforts across the state and to leverage current momentum for integrated floodplain management into innovative approaches that can better position partners for funding, address barriers to implementation, and improve coordination across all levels of government.
Meeting Agenda (packet and Flow & Flourish menu attached)
1:00-2:10PM – Welcome; Policy and Practice Updates
FUND IMMEDIATE NEEDS
*
Anne-Marie Marshall-Dody, Update from Emergency Management Division
*
Scott Richards, 2026 Legislative Session Recap and Reflections
BUILD CAPACITY
*
Casey Kramer, Gil Gepte, Maegan Torres, Floodplain Regulations Map (revisit from November 2025 meeting)
*
Nancy Crespo, Community Rating System funding pause
STOP THE PROBLEM
*
Mike Cerbone, HB 1337: ADU Mandates and strategies to limit or preclude ADUs as necessary to meet critical areas protection, shoreline protection or to minimize impact to emergency services
SPEED SOLUTIONS
*
Anna Weber, Better Buyouts Working Group, some good news
*
Kas Guillozet and Austin Bernales, Permitting Portal
2:10-3:00 – Flow & Flourish: Washington Acts for Integrated Floodplain Resilience
A two-day gathering in Olympia this November. This event brings tribal partners, local governments, state agencies, advocates, scientists, farmers, businesses, and community leaders into the same room to celebrate what works and forge what’s next.
*
Break out rooms to create, inform and vet “menu” of topics
Apologies for the delayed update and thank you for your patience as we ran into a few small delays in pulling this agenda together. We look forward to seeing you all!
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=85807630080
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Permitting Coordination Meetings
2026-04-02 10:00 - 10:50, 2026-04-16 10:00 - 10:50, 2026-05-14 10:00 - 10:50, 2026-05-28 10:00 - 10:50, 2026-06-11 10:00 - 10:50, 2026-06-25 10:00 - 10:50, 2026-07-09 10:00 - 10:50, 2026-07-23 10:00 - 10:50 and 3 more dates
There are pulses of activity and different forums where permitting efforts are taking place, making it challenging for people to track and engage effectively. Join our permitting coordination check-ins every other Thursday to track progress, share insights, and collaborate effectively.
Running agenda and notes can be found here:
Permitting Efficiencies

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3424790936?omn=88676126947&jst=2
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Flood Impacts on Agriculture - FbD Lunch & Learn Series
2026-04-02 12:00 - 13:00
Please join us next Thursday, April 2nd from 12-1pm, for a panel discussion about the Flood Impacts on Agriculture. We will be joined by Emmett Wild, District Manager of the Skagit Conservation District and farmer along the Stillaguamish River, Jeff DeJong, a third generation dairy farmer in the Nooksack Floodplain, and Fred Likkel, Executive Director Whatcom Family Farmers, who will share stories of how their farms, and the farmers they work with were impacted by the December 2025 floods. The facilitated discussion will highlight what the major impacts of floods are on agriculture, what unique vulnerabilities agriculture is exposed to, what post-flood recovery looks like, and what mitigation and resiliency actions farmers can take. As always, we will provide plenty of time for questions from the audience and discussion.
While we update the specific details of the Lunch & Learn sessions monthly, the topics are informed by feedback from the Floodplains by Design network of practitioners and partners.
As always, we welcome feedback and ideas for upcoming topics so please don’t hesitate to reach out to Allan Warren awarren@b-e-f.org, Carol MacIlroy (cmacilroy@gmail.com), or Austin Bernales (abernales@b-e-f.org)
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84542310435
Passcode: [REDACTED]

FbD Flow & Flourish Planning Kick-off
2026-04-22 14:00 - 15:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=83565485020
You are receiving this invitation because you indicated interest in helping shape Flow & Flourish in its early planning stages. Your perspective is appreciated, and we’re glad to have your voice as planning begins.
This kick-off meeting is intended to bring together early planners to begin shaping the goals and possibilities for the event. We will use this time for initial framing, discuss priorities and opportunities, and begin identifying areas of momentum, voices, and outcomes that could make this event meaningful.
Agenda for today:
*
Welcome, Intros (15 minutes)
*
General Housekeeping, Venues and Sponsorship (10 minutes)
* Collaborative Goals Mural Input (20 minutes)
* Advisory Groups Scheduling (10 minutes)
Flow & Flourish is being developed as an event that brings together the integrated floodplain management (IFM) network, shared learnings, relationship building, and bold thinking for the future of Washington floodplains.
Join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=83565485020
Passcode: [REDACTED]

FbD Steering Group Meeting
2026-04-29 10:00 - 12:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=84059120643
Meeting agenda to come.
We envision a future in which partnerships, policies and practice collectively encourage integrated management of Washington’s floodplains, leading to strong community relationships, healthy salmon runs, vibrant agriculture and infrastructure out of harm’s way. Individuals in the Steering Group bring their expertise to the table to understand, link, and support the broader needs across the State of Washington necessary to achieve the vision above. In doing so, their needs are also met.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=84059120643
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Permitting Coordination Meetings
2026-04-30 10:00 - 10:50
There are pulses of activity and different forums where permitting efforts are taking place, making it challenging for people to track and engage effectively. Join our permitting coordination check-ins every other Thursday to track progress, share insights, and collaborate effectively.
1. Round robin updates
2. FEMA Review Council Meeting Scheduled May 7, 2026 from 11-12:30 EST. Register to attend virtually here: https://forms.office.com/g/UWunQR0WBE
3. Whitepaper context and invitation to edit. Box version: https://app.box.com/s/wluosf0eu642jlqup772nnma88g78vqv
Google doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10edtBBrwfvz8Fu2JyRA7EatJn2NeDzLJ/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107974689075849540250&rtpof=true&sd=true
Running agenda and notes can be found here:
Permitting Efficiencies

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3424790936?omn=88676126947&jst=2
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Flood Impacts on Salmon - FbD Lunch & Learn
2026-05-07 12:00 - 13:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84542310435
Join us for an upcoming Lunch & Learn exploring how floodplain restoration can support juvenile salmon before, during, and after high-flow events. Presenters will share local research findings from the Snoqualmie River that demonstrate how restored habitats provide dynamic growth and foraging opportunities for juvenile Chinook salmon, as well as broader lessons from South Prairie Creek on floodplain connectivity, redd scour, and salmon survival. These presenters will highlight the importance of adaptive management and why restoring rivers at scale matters for resilient salmon populations.
Presenters
Josh Kubo (Senior Ecologist with King County Water and Land Resources Division)
Steve Winter (Principal Hydrologist with Natural Systems Design)
As always, we welcome feedback and ideas for upcoming topics so please don’t hesitate to reach out to Allan Warren awarren@b-e-f.org, Carol MacIlroy (cmacilroy@gmail.com), Austin Bernales (abernales@b-e-f.org), or Amelia Petersen (amep461@ecy.wa.gov).
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84542310435
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Leader Summit on Floodplain Restoration Permit Streamlining
2026-05-12 10:00 - 14:00 | Harbor House (217 Thurston Ave NW, Olympia, WA 98501, United States)
Meeting Agenda:
Date: May 12, 10am-2pm Location: Harbor House, Olympia, Washington
(Please find attached the Floodplain Permitting Efficiency Brief, and the detailed agenda)
9:30–10:00 AM – Coffee and Gathering Time
10:00–10:15 AM – Introductions, Summit Flow, and Conditions for Success
10:15–10:30AM – Purpose and Intent and High-Level Summary of Six Recommendations
10:30–11:15AM – The Ideas: “Tech Talks” About Each Recommendation
11:15–12:00PM – The Opportunity & The Need
12:00–12:30PM – Lunch
12:30–1:00PM – The Space Between Opportunity & Need
1:00–1:50PM – The How: Sustaining Momentum
1:50–2:00PM – Facilitator Synthesis, Closing Remarks
This summit will bring together leaders to explore key permitting challenges affecting floodplain restoration and public benefit projects in Washington. Grounded in shared learning and open dialogue, the summit will highlight current constraints, include a variety of perspectives, and identify recommendations that could advance more effective, coordinated permitting processes.
Lunch will be provided at this meeting.
Please fill out this form to indicate any dietary restrictions to be aware of.

FbD Flow & Flourish Event Planning
2026-05-27 14:00 - 15:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=89218596438
Meeting Agenda:
*
Venue Update
*
Build-a-Session Activity
*
Call for Abstract Discussion
Flow & Flourish is being developed as an event that brings together the integrated floodplain management (IFM) network, shared learnings, relationship building, and bold thinking for the future of Washington floodplains.
Planning documents and meeting notes can be found here: https://app.box.com/s/xzqaeu1tvn36i99p9d8eh60jznsgrkxf
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=89218596438
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Acquisition Coffee Chats
2026-06-01 15:00 - 16:00
Join us for a monthly virtual coffee chat focused on acquisition strategy, best practices, and shared challenges. Open to anyone interested in learning, connecting, and exchanging ideas in an informal setting.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83375229918

FbD Acquisitions/Buyout Core Group Discussion
2026-06-03 10:00 - 11:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=86805382082
Join us for a focused discussion on where there may be timely opportunities to advance conversations, panels, or policy work around acquisition, buyouts, and broader flood risk reduction needs.
We’ll explore:
*
What is the State’s strategy given the known scale of risk and unmet need?
*
Managed retreat and buyouts
*
Voluntary buyout programs: lessons/needs
*
Elevations and flood-proofing pathways
*
Equity-centered approaches for mobile home residents, renters
*
Flood Risk Disclosure
*
Sharing projects that prevented flood damage/saved money – comparisons that demonstrate the real outcomes
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=86805382082
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Site Tours and Sustaining Support for Flood Resilience - FbD Lunch & Learn
2026-06-04 12:00 - 13:00
This Lunch & Learn will explore how site tours, relationship building, and sustained legislative outreach have helped garner support for integrated floodplain management, and what it will take to maintain momentum during a period of legislative transition.
Joining us will be Representative Steve Tharinger, a longtime champion of Floodplains by Design and Jasmine Zimmer-Stucky of the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership to share different perspectives of how FbD site tours helped build support for the program and local projects. Together, this conversation will highlight the importance of local partners hosting site tours and how outreach is an ongoing practice of education, relationship building, and storytelling that helps decision-makers understand the value of multi-benefit investments in the floodplain.
As always, we welcome feedback and ideas for upcoming topics so please don’t hesitate to reach out to Allan Warren awarren@b-e-f.org, Carol MacIlroy (cmacilroy@gmail.com), or Austin Bernales (abernales@b-e-f.org).
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84542310435
Passcode: [REDACTED]

FbD Flow & Flourish Event Planning
2026-06-24 14:00 - 15:00
Meeting Agenda Updated
*
Framing the Event Program
*
Dialogue Across Perspectives
Flow & Flourish is being developed as an event that brings together the integrated floodplain management (IFM) network, shared learnings, relationship building, and bold thinking for the future of Washington floodplains.
Planning documents and meeting notes can be found here: https://app.box.com/s/xzqaeu1tvn36i99p9d8eh60jznsgrkxf
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=89218596438
Passcode: [REDACTED]

FbD Funding & Policy Action Group: Summer Meeting
2026-06-25 10:00 - 12:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=81638494725
Floodplains by Design Funding and Policy Group Agenda (Packet Attached)
1.
10:00-10:50 – Welcome, Funding IFM to Reduce Fiscal Risk
*
State Funding Outlook (Scott Richards, BEF Contract Lobbyist)
*
Recent budget news
*
Funding and policy implications for IFM
*
Strengthening the investment case and messaging (Kas Guillozet and all)
*
The Real Circumstances We Are Operating In: Guillaume Mauger, State Climatologist and Research Scientist, UW Climate Impacts Group, will present results from his work modeling future peak flows on Skagit County rivers as a backdrop to the significance of the future conditions we face.
*
Natural hazard fiscal risk and fiscally smart IFM investment
*
Who do we work with to build the story?
*
Improving Flood Response: Emerging Insurance Products to Capitalize Flood Recovery Solutions (David Forte)
*
Emerging Insurance Products for Recovery (David Forte, Senior Policy Advisor, Property & Casualty, Policy & Legislative Affairs Division, Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner)
2.
10:50-11:50 – Structuring a Buyout and Acquisition Fund
* Brief overview of Coalescing Vision for Establishing and Acquisition and Buyout Fund
* Navigating the economic case for floodplain buyouts as state policy – Todd BenDor, Distinguished Professor of Sustainable Community Design; Chair, Department of City and Regional Planning, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
*
Acquisition and Buyout Fund Policy Resources informed by regional and national perspectives: Kaitlin Strange, Policy Lead; and Mimi Tran, Design and Research Associate; with the Urban Oceans Lab.
3.
11:00-12:00 – Wrap up
The Funding & Policy Action Group serves as the go-to convenor for floodplain funding and policy efforts across the state and to leverage current momentum for integrated floodplain management into innovative approaches that can better position partners for funding, address barriers to implementation, and improve coordination across all levels of government.
Meeting Info
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=81638494725
Passcode: [REDACTED]

FbD Flow & Flourish Event Planning
2026-07-20 14:00 - 15:00
Meeting Agenda Update:
1.
Event Goals and Outcomes
2.
Review of Agenda Flow: Moving from “What Is” to “What If”
Flow & Flourish is being developed as an event that brings together the integrated floodplain management (IFM) network, shared learnings, relationship building, and bold thinking for the future of Washington floodplains.
Planning documents and meeting notes can be found here: https://app.box.com/s/xzqaeu1tvn36i99p9d8eh60jznsgrkxf
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=87907873482
Passcode: [REDACTED]

FbD Steering Group Meeting
2026-07-29 10:00 - 12:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=88927503200
Agenda
1
10:00-10:20 – Welcome, 2027-2029 Floodplains by Design cycle update, FbD Ecology, NGO and Steering Group updates
2
10:20-10:50 – Permitting Priority Effort: May 12 Leaders Summit
● Highlights from May 12 Leader Summit
● Two emerging priorities: 1) reauthorize a version of the Habitat Recovery Pilot Program (HRPP), and 2) establish a strategic, flexible voluntary acquisition fund and technical assistance program.
3
10:50-11:50 – Flow & Flourish Planning (November 5–6)
● Progress to Date and Event Goals
● Talking Points, Key Messaging
● Brief update on “content creation”
4
11:50-12:00 – Wrap-up and next steps
We envision a future in which partnerships, policies and practice collectively encourage integrated management of Washington’s floodplains, leading to strong community relationships, healthy salmon runs, vibrant agriculture and infrastructure out of harm’s way. Individuals in the Steering Group bring their expertise to the table to understand, link, and support the broader needs across the State of Washington necessary to achieve the vision above. In doing so, their needs are also met.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=88927503200
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Acquisition/Buyout BenDor Discussion and Establishing a Statewide Fund/Program
2026-07-30 09:30 - 11:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2599636609?omn=85869268687
We are convening a meeting to continue discussion about establishing a statewide acquisition and buyout fund/program in prep for the November 5-6 FbD Flow and Flourish event.
To this end, Dr. Todd BenDor provided a very thought-provoking presentation (1:01:23) at the Summer Floodplains by Design Funding and Policy meeting and set of referenced and follow-up materials. Even in the meeting people were asking for continued discussion! This is an opportunity to do that.
We’d also like to discuss with you, building and expanding upon Todd BenDor’s insights:
* What would we need to be able to say to build a case for establishing a statewide fund/program? What are the key pain points, sets of information, stories – needing to be told?
* What should we be thinking about now? Such as: Where would such a program/fund be housed? What would be the bounds of its focus? What money would it seek to use (public, private, bond, etc)? How would funding be distributed?
Watch the talk by Dr. Todd BenDor (starts at 1:01:23): https://vimeo.com/1204985622
Review the PPT from the Dr. BenDor talk if you don’t want to watch: https://app.box.com/s/07mcck4yrcduyftv1me99bmcxxwz5okl
Read materials Dr. BenDor compiled: https://app.box.com/s/qjol3pu9i5ywbhs2r0qmnec8c9nnxjnh
Please note that there is no need to prepare to come to the meeting. Please reach out to Carol (cmacilroy@gmail.com) or Austin (abernales@b-e-f.org) if you have questions or any difficulty accessing any of the materials. Feel free to invite others!

Topics Updated Monthly - FbD Lunch & Learn Series
2026-07-30 12:00 - 13:00
We are moving the July Floodplains by Design Lunch & Learn to Thursday, July 30th. Thank you for your flexibility as we adjust the schedule. Additional details and information to be provided soon. While we update the specific details of the Lunch & Learn sessions monthly, the topics are informed by feedback from the Floodplains by Design network of practitioners and partners.
As always, we welcome feedback and ideas for upcoming topics so please don’t hesitate to reach out to Allan Warren awarren@b-e-f.org, Carol MacIlroy (cmacilroy@gmail.com), or Austin Bernales (abernales@b-e-f.org)
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84542310435
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Topics Updated Monthly - FbD Lunch & Learn Series
2026-08-06 12:00 - 13:00
While we update the specific details of the Lunch & Learn sessions monthly, the topics are informed by feedback from the Floodplains by Design network of practitioners and partners.
As always, we welcome feedback and ideas for upcoming topics so please don’t hesitate to reach out to Allan Warren awarren@b-e-f.org, Carol MacIlroy (cmacilroy@gmail.com), or Austin Bernales (abernales@b-e-f.org)
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84542310435
Passcode: [REDACTED]

FbD Flow & Flourish Event Planning
2026-08-27 14:00 - 15:00
Meeting Agenda:
*
Welcome and Purpose
*
General Program Arc
*
Initial Reflections
*
Is it inspiring? Does this progression feel appropriate for the current audience list? Does it feel balanced? Who is missing from the current audience that would make this event powerful?
*
Where could Friday take us?
*
Wrap up, next steps
Attached Documents for Reference:
Flow & Flourish General Program
Flow & Flourish Audience List (as of 8.25.26)
Planning documents and meeting notes can be found here: https://app.box.com/s/xzqaeu1tvn36i99p9d8eh60jznsgrkxf
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=85260684838
Passcode: [REDACTED]
