Floodplains by Design

FbD Lunch & Learn Series – Topics Updated Monthly
2025-04-03 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
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. If you would like to explore some of the topics and themes that emerged from our 2023 Input Gathering, you can view the themes here.
As always, we welcome feedback and ideas for upcoming topics so please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself (Allan Warren awarren@b-e-f.org), Carol MacIlroy (cmacilroy@gmail.com), Lisa Nelson, (lnel461@ecy.wa.gov) or Matt Gerlach, (mger461@ecy.wa.gov).
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2125469094
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Permitting Coordination Check-in
2025-04-16 10:00 - 10:50
Join permitting coordination every other Wednesday to track progress, share insights, and collaborate effectively.
Notes from previous meetings here.

Join Zoom Meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3424790936?omn=88416267344Passcode: [REDACTED]

FbD Permitting Priority Effort Meeting
2025-04-29 13:00 - 14:30
Please hold this time for a meeting related to the Floodplains by Design permitting priority effort. We will send out more information at least one week before the meeting.
Join the meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=89010559082
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Permitting Coordination Biweekly check-in
2025-04-30 10:00 - 10:50
Agenda:
1. State budget updates – HRPP status and next steps
2. FEMA R10 staffing updates
3. Whitepaper updates
Meeting agenda and previous meeting notes: https://app.box.com/s/t4fkxbjvrbxpztpebx1nqqe5dk6pqbso
Smartsheet: https://app.smartsheet.com/sheets/4C6w9Cxg6CVHQfQG4vpPJQRWwCq27FQX4v3G3jh1
Join the meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3424790936?omn=88416267344
Password: [REDACTED]

Tribal Perspectives on Flooding
2025-05-01 11:30 - 13:00
(Updated Speakers)
Join this 90-minute conversation featuring David Troutt, Anna Allen, Donella Miller, Jaime Pinkham, and facilitated by Bobby Whitener. Panelists will provide insights into their perspectives on flooding, flood dynamics in specific geographies, and reflections on cultural values.
Speaker Bios
David Troutt (Natural Resources Director, Nisqually Indian Tribe)
*
David has served as the Natural Resources Director for the Nisqually Indian Tribe since 1987. He heads a diverse department focused on salmon, shellfish, wildlife and the environment in general, with duties including management, legal, administration, budget development, research and monitoring. Throughout his career at the Nisqually Indian Tribe, he worked closely with late Billy Frank, Jr. He also serves as chair of the Nisqually River Council and president of the Nisqually River Foundation, and he is the chair of the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Council. David previously served on the Washington Biodiversity Council, the Executive Committee of the Tri-County Response to the Endangered Species Act, the Development Committee of the Shared Strategy for Puget Sound, the Steering Committee for the Hatchery Reform Project, and as a voting member of the Resource Advisory Committee for the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Mr. Troutt received his bachelor of science degree from the University of Washington School of Fisheries.
Anna Allen (Shoshone-Bannock, Regional Government Affairs Director, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission)
* Anna is the Regional Government Affairs Director at the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC), where she works on advancing the interests of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation, and the Yakama Nation. Her work involves navigating complex governmental landscapes, building relationships with regional entities, and ensuring that the voices of the Columbia River tribes are heard in policy decisions that affect their cultural resources. Prior to her work at CRITFC, Anna held a number of positions across regional governments, including Tribal Affairs Advisor, Senior Project Manager, and Policy Advisor at Multnomah County. And served as the Equity and Inclusion Director with the City of Bend.
Jaime Pinkham (Nez Perce, Former Principle Deputy Assistant, Army Corps)
* Jaime A. Pinkham (Nez Perce) served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works for the Biden Administration from April 2021 to January 2025. Prior positions include Executive Director for the Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission and Vice President of the Bush Foundation in St. Paul, MN. From 1990 to 2002, he worked for the Nez Perce Tribe where he was elected twice to the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee. He was also a department manager responsible for Tribal fisheries, forestry, wildlife, cultural resources, and agriculture programs. He has served on various conservation boards including The Wilderness Society, American Rivers, Defenders of Wildlife and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. He has a forestry degree from Oregon State University.

Donella Miller (Yakama, Fishery Science Manager, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission)
* Donella is the Fishery Science Department Manager at the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC). With over 29 years of experience in Columbia River fisheries resource management, she previously served as the Yakama Nation Fisheries Program Manager. Donella has also held roles such as the Yakama Nation Fisheries White Sturgeon Project Manager and has contributed to various projects throughout the Columbia Basin.
As always, we welcome feedback and ideas for upcoming topics so please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself (Allan Warren awarren@b-e-f.org), Carol MacIlroy (cmacilroy@gmail.com), Lisa Nelson, (lnel461@ecy.wa.gov) or Matt Gerlach, (mger461@ecy.wa.gov).
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2125469094
Passcode: [REDACTED]

FbD Agriculture Priority Effort Meeting
2025-05-01 14:00 - 16:00
Please hold this time for our meeting of the FbD Agricultural Priority Effort. We will send more information at least one week ahead of the meeting.
Join the meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=81031999426
Passcode: [REDACTED]

FbD Grant Update Advisory Group Meeting #3
2025-05-27 10:00 - 12:00
Issue #3: Reduce, integrate, and refine focus of the full application.
Do to unforeseen circumstances, we are moving the Grant Update Advisory Group topic on the full application originally scheduled for April 17th to the May 27th Advisory Group meeting time slot.
Registration is now open: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/fmEq5dG5SfGmbcayjqOEew

Permitting Coordination Bi-Weekly Check-In
2025-05-28 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 Wednesday to track progress, share insights, and collaborate effectively.
Meeting agenda and notes: https://app.box.com/s/t4fkxbjvrbxpztpebx1nqqe5dk6pqbso
Smartsheet: https://app.smartsheet.com/sheets/4C6w9Cxg6CVHQfQG4vpPJQRWwCq27FQX4v3G3jh1
Agenda
1. Line item vetos by Gov. Ferguson, including HRPP:
https://app.box.com/s/k958eakgl8hjupm70odvm1g38n1au8zj
2. New FEMA Bill Discussion draft:
https://transportation.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=408626#:~:text=The%20FEMA%20Act%20of%202025%20establishes%20a%20Recovery%20Task%20Force,agencies%20involved%20in%20disaster%20recovery
3. Whatcom discussion item
4. White paper update
5. Other items

FbD FPAG Spring Meeting
2025-05-29 10:00 - 12:00
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3424790936?omn=83353379400
Meeting ID: 342 479 0936;
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Purpose of spending time together today: To share timely updates and provide a forum for information sharing and discussion among Washington’s integrated floodplain management community.
Agenda
10:00-10:05 – Welcome and networking – we will start promptly at 10:00
10:05-10:20 – 2025 Washington Legislative Updates
10:20-11:05 – The Development-Flood Risk Dilemma: What choices and trade-offs can we consider to best support WA communities now and into the future?
11:05-11:45 – Federal Policy and Funding – legal perspectives and conversation
11:45-12:00 – Federal Legislation and Local Integration
Information packet can be found attached or at this link: https://app.box.com/s/c8lto6aym8lh9xjhuap4xueoh399glir

Field and Flow Day 1: Strengthening Community & Statewide Collaboration
2025-06-09 12:45 - 19:00 | Northern Quest Resort & Casino (100 N Hayford Rd, Airway Heights, WA 99001, United States)
We’ve got some fresh updates to help you prepare for Field and Flow!
Event Webpage: https://floodplainsbydesign.org/field-and-flow-fbd-convening-2025/
Check out the latest info on speakers, site tours, and more.
Full Event Program:
The full program is now attached to this calendar invite as a PDF. It includes the venue map, keynotes speakers, presentations, and site tour information. We can’t wait to connect, learn, and see you all soon!
————————————————————————-
Join us for Field and Flow, a free two-day, in-person convening of partners working to restore and protect Washington’s floodplains. This collaborative event will bring together Tribal staff, Washington Department of Ecology, floodplain managers, ecological restoration specialists, and community leaders to connect, learn, and advance shared solutions for resilient watersheds. Together, we’ll strengthen the relationships needed to move this work forward.
Agenda, Monday, June 9:
Welcome to the Flow
12:45 – 1:30PM
Opening remarks from DR Michel (Upper Columbia United Tribes) and Curt Holmes (Kalispel Tribe Vice Chairman)
In the Field
1:30 – 2:30PM
Speakers from around the state share insights on their integrated Floodplain Management projects at different stages of implementation.
Stevens County (MJ Braley & Adam Cares),
Pierce County (Kristin Williamson, Kathleen Berger),
Okanogan (Lee Webster) and Columbia County (Catherine Billor)
Break
2:30 – 3:00PM
Defunking the Flow
3:00 – 3:30PM
Brief presentation on the development of the Columbia County CFHMP, with a focus on challenges and opportunities to use integrated floodplain management strategies to reduce the need for dredging within the City of Dayton’s Touchet River levee system (Marjorie Wolfe).
Permit Me to Restore
3:30 – 4:00PM
Breaking down barriers to habitat restoration and hazard mitigation.
For the Fish
4:00 – 5:00PM
A conversation about the Intertribal Effort to Restore Fish Passage in the Upper Columbia (John Sirois, Tom Biladeau, Conor Giorgi, and Jake Brown)
Evening Reception
5:00 – 7:00PM – Remarks from Director Sixkiller and Senator Riccelli and Friends of Floodplains Award
Location: Northern Quest Casino, Spokane Washington
Cost to Attend: Free.
RSVP: https://wkf.ms/3EzHb46
Rideshare Sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AkEZkrS4_q5w2WU4KCViMVvPIo07_iao24nLxsIXOYM/edit?usp=sharing
————————————————————————-
We’ve secured discounted room rates at Northern Quest Casino for attendees of Field and Flow: Strengthening Community and Statewide Collaboration. There is limited availability, so please book ASAP.
*
$139/night
*
Call (509) 481-6000 to book
*
Mention Bonneville Environmental Foundation or Booking ID 33121
Important: You must book by phone to receive the discounted rate – online bookings cannot apply the discount. If you are interested in receiving government per diem rate rooms, please email Austin (abernales@b-e-f.org).
————————————————————————-
We are proud partners with Alaska Airlines and gladly offer a 5% discount using meeting code: ECMO328 for flights to and from Spokane between June 7-11.

Field and Flow Day 2: Strengthening Community & Statewide Collaboration
2025-06-10 07:30 - 15:00 | Northern Quest Resort & Casino (100 N Hayford Rd, Airway Heights, WA 99001, United States)
We’ve got some fresh updates to help you prepare for Field and Flow!
Event Webpage: https://floodplainsbydesign.org/field-and-flow-fbd-convening-2025/
Check out the latest info on speakers, site tours, and more.
Full Event Program:
The full program is now attached to this calendar invite as a PDF. It includes the venue map, keynotes speakers, presentations, and site tour information. We can’t wait to connect, learn, and see you all soon!
————————————————————————-
Join us for Field and Flow, a free two-day, in-person convening of partners working to restore and protect Washington’s floodplains. This collaborative event will bring together Tribal staff, Washington Department of Ecology, floodplain managers, ecological restoration specialists, and community leaders to connect, learn, and advance shared solutions for resilient watersheds. Together, we’ll strengthen the relationships needed to move this work forward.
Agenda, Tuesday, June 10:
Continental Breakfast
7:30 – 8:30AM
Fresh fruit display Daily selection of breakfast pastries Assorted muffins Yogurt, and house-made granola.
Table Discussions
8:30 – 9:00AM
Opening Plenary
9:00 – 9:15AM
Joenne McGerr, Ecology, delivering day two opening remarks.
WA Department of Ecology
9:15 – 10:30AM
Floodplains by Design Overview, Grants, and the Flood Control Account Assistance Program.
Site Tours
11:00AM – 3:00PM
Option A: Grouse Creek Ranch, A Unique Reach Scale Project on Hangman Creek The Grouse Creek Ranch restoration project on Hangman Creek is a reach-scale project that has unique potential in the watershed. The project site is located approximately 13 miles south of the City of Spokane and is just upstream from Rock Creek, which is a major tributary of Hangman Creek.
Option B: Waikiki Springs Nature Reserve, Little Spokane River. After consulting with experts in forest management, wildlife habitat, water resource management, and cultural history, Spokane Tribe, WDFW, and Inland Northwest Land Conservancy have created an extensive, multi-year management plan for the area that will help restore areas that have been damaged by overuse.
Location:
Northern Quest Casino, Spokane Washington
Cost to Attend: Free.
RSVP: https://wkf.ms/3EzHb46
Rideshare Sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AkEZkrS4_q5w2WU4KCViMVvPIo07_iao24nLxsIXOYM/edit?usp=sharing
————————————————————————-
We’ve secured discounted room rates at Northern Quest Casino for attendees of Field and Flow: Strengthening Community and Statewide Collaboration. There is limited availability, so please book ASAP.
*
$139/night
*
Call (509) 481-6000 to book
*
Mention Bonneville Environmental Foundation or Booking ID 33121
Important: You must book by phone to receive the discounted rate – online bookings cannot apply the discount. If you are interested in receiving government per diem rate rooms, please email Austin (abernales@b-e-f.org).
————————————————————————-
We are proud partners with Alaska Airlines and gladly offer a 5% discount using meeting code: ECMO328 for flights to and from Spokane between June 7-11.

Agriculture & Floodplains - Opportunities and New Resources - FbD Lunch & Learn Series
2025-06-12 12:00 - 13:00
Update: Hilary Aten is no longer able to attend and Paul D’Agnolo will be joining us to speak about the Office of Farmland Preservation.
Join us for a conversation with Paul D’Agnolo (Office of Farmland Preservation Specialist) and Mike Poteet (Voluntary Stewardship Program Coordinator) from the Washington State Conservation Commission, as we explore how agricultural land use and floodplain management intersect and where we’re seeing new opportunities.
With new staff and program expansions at the Commission, this session is a chance to get up to speed on how the Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) and the Office of Farmland Preservation (OFP) are evolving, and what opportunities they present to partners throughout the Floodplains by Design network.
Mike and Paul will lead a discussion about:
*
The intersection of agriculture and farmland preservation with floodplain resilience
*
How VSP tracks stewardship progress across counties and where it’s facing criticism and potential
*
Current challenges and innovations in farmland conservation policy, and how WA can learn from other states
*
Where funding is constrained and how collaboration is essential to move forward
This session will also help bridge knowledge gaps, clarify common misconceptions, and lay the groundwork for stronger, more strategic partnerships between floodplain managers and agricultural stakeholders. This is the first session of a 2-part agricultural series, “How to Get Farmers to the Table.”
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. If you would like to explore some of the topics and themes that emerged from our 2023 Input Gathering, you can view the themes here.
As always, we welcome feedback and ideas for upcoming topics so please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself (Allan Warren awarren@b-e-f.org), Carol MacIlroy (cmacilroy@gmail.com), Lisa Nelson, (lnel461@ecy.wa.gov) or Matt Gerlach, (mger461@ecy.wa.gov).
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2125469094
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Permitting Coordination Bi-Weekly Check-In
2025-06-25 10:00 - 10:50, 2025-07-09 10:00 - 10:50, 2025-08-06 10:00 - 10:50, 2025-08-20 10:00 - 10:50, 2025-09-03 10:00 - 10:50, 2025-09-17 10:00 - 10:50, 2025-09-18 10:00 - 10:50, 2025-10-02 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 Wednesday to track progress, share insights, and collaborate effectively.

Innovative Ways to Support Ag Viability and Build Trust With Farmers - FbD Lunch & Learn Series
2025-07-10 12:00 - 13:00
Join us on Thursday, July 10th for a discussion with Linda Neunzig, Division Manager of Snohomish County’s Agriculture Office, and Ty Meyer, Ag Manager at Spokane Conservation District exploring how innovative technologies and practices can support agricultural viability and lead to greater engagement with farmers.
Linda will highlight the Ag Tech Program, an initiative to bring leading-edge technology and data-driven insights to farmers, which is reducing their costs for irrigation, fertilizer, and labor, while leading to direct conservation outcomes. Funded by Floodplains by Design, this pilot program is bringing these benefits to farmers at no cost to them and is something that could be replicated in other watersheds to support the ag community and build trust with conservation partners.
Ty will give an overview of various programs his program has deployed with farmers over the last 20-years including a state revolving loan program, no till technologies, and most recently an effort to create a Pacific Northwest Regenerative Ag Network. Ty is currently working with 22 large scale farms implementing BioFarming techniques on over 150,000 acres. He’ll highlight efforts to build a peer-to-peer network of farmers to shift practices away from high cost, soil depleting industrial ag.
This discussion will be full of insights and tips for how to strategically engage the farming community in ways that put the farmer first, helping build trust, engagement, and long-term partnerships.
As a follow up to this Lunch & Learn, we will also be hosting an Ag Tech Field Day on July 22nd at Swan Trail Farm in Snohomish County, where attendees will get to see and demo some of the technologies Linda will feature in her talk. Click here for more information and to RSVP, or email Allan at awarren@b-e-f.org.
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 myself (Allan Warren awarren@b-e-f.org), Carol MacIlroy (cmacilroy@gmail.com), Lisa Nelson, (lnel461@ecy.wa.gov) or Matt Gerlach, (mger461@ecy.wa.gov).
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2125469094
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Ag Innovation Demo Day
2025-07-22 10:00 - 16:00 | 7301 Rivershore Rd, Snohomish, WA 98290
Join us at Swans Trail Farm for a field demonstration of innovative agricultural technology that is supporting local farmers and leading to multi-benefit outcomes. Farmer and Snohomish County’s Agricultural Office Division Manager, Linda Neunzig will highlight the Ag Tech Program, an initiative to bring leading-edge technology and data-driven insights to farmers, which is reducing their costs for irrigation, fertilizer, and labor, while leading to direct conservation outcomes. Funded by Floodplains by Design, this pilot program is bringing these benefits to farmers at no cost to them and is something that could be replicated in other watersheds to support the ag community and build trust with conservation partners. We invite you to come join us to learn more about how this program might be replicated in your own watershed or on your local farms. As a farmer first approach, we see opportunities to replicate this model in other watersheds to help engage farmers, build trust, and ultimately help lead to better multi-benefit outcomes and we look forward to discussion with partners throughout the region to explore the scalability of the program.
RSVP: https://forms.monday.com/forms/69f8ee88284c3eb8ea4a8adce32deed4?r=use1

Permitting Coordination Bi-Weekly Check-In
2025-07-23 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 Wednesday to track progress, share insights, and collaborate effectively.

Permitting Coordination Meeting 7.23.25 and Box Link
1. Updates – all

2. There is opportunity to add commitments to the Salmon Recovery Plan Addendum: 2025-27 Implementation Plan section on permitting and we will be joined by Melissa Speeg and Ashley Bagley from PSP to learn more. We will discuss:

– Background, purpose, and strategy: A commitment as a one sentence statement on an activity that is measurable, is bold yet achievable, and is timebound to be completed by or before 2030. Providing commitment statements regarding the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Plan Addendum provides a fuller picture of the work advancing the 20 implementation actions enabling PSP to identify implementation gaps and barriers. Commitments will help inform adaptive management. By providing commitment statements, your organization is agreeing to stay in communication with the Partnership to track the implementation of each commitment annually as well as its overall effectiveness over time.

– Is this an opportunity to refine or at least spur discussion regarding how to better work as a team?

– Are there additions this group, agencies, tribes, orgs may want to make? Other notes from PSP regarding what would be most supportive?

3. Reminder about Doodle to schedule fall meetings and Permitting Brief open for review

4. Short term FEMA comment alert: ASFPM has been alerted to a last-minute opportunity for members to share their knowledge, experiences, and expertise with the FEMA Review Council through a survey. The Council, which has already met twice, is now gathering input from state and local experts on what FEMA should look like in the future. Your on-the-ground perspective is essential to ensuring flood mitigation and floodplain management remain strong priorities.

We apologize for the short timeframe established by the FEMA Review Council. If you are able, please respond to the survey by tomorrow, July 23, at 5 p.m. EST (2 p.m. PST).
The purpose of this survey is to evaluate the 32 core capabilities outlined in the National Preparedness Goal and explore the potential for transferring certain responsibilities currently managed at the federal level.
Please review each capability, considering both how FEMA currently supports your organization/jurisdiction and the potential for transferring responsibilities. Using the core capabilities sheet, assess the existing roles and responsibilities, and then propose how these responsibilities could be accomplished by your organization/jurisdiction if FEMA support was no longer available.
The survey is broken out by FEMA’s four mission areas:
Mitigation: https://forms.office.com/g/yB1cxbFGXW
Preparedness: https://forms.office.com/g/HNQ4exGcRP
Response : https://forms.office.com/g/2DpSirWm9q
Recovery: https://forms.office.com/g/X5x1ht0TaU
We recognize this is an extremely tight window, but your expertise matters. Please take a few minutes today or early tomorrow to share your perspective using the survey links above. Your input could help shape how FEMA supports communities in the years ahead.
5. Attached, FYI: EPIC’s letter regarding Nationwide Permits

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3424790936?omn=88416267344
Pwd: [REDACTED]
Permitting Coordination Meeting 7.23.25 and Box Link

FbD Grant Update Advisory Meeting #4
2025-07-24 13:00 - 15:00
Issue #4: The Floodplains by Design (FbD) grant program scoring includes several components under review during this update cycle: guidance to applicants on scoring criteria (Funding Guidelines), guidance to evaluators (evaluator scorecard), and the point allocation. The FbD grant program has been functioning well for more than 10 years and through seven application cycles; however, a review and tightening up of the scoring components for clarity and consistency was flagged as a need during the 2023-25 round. Some areas of scoring seemed to overlap, while others appeared they could benefit from additional detail. A few changes were made for the 2025-27 round, though applicants and evaluators expressed that there was still some confusion.
Goal: Improve the clarity and relevance of program scoring criteria to better guide applicants and evaluators.
Registration is now open: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Rq0d_Rf2SR6aDGcTbeLssA

Topics Updated Monthly - FbD Lunch & Learn Series
2025-09-04 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 myself (Allan Warren awarren@b-e-f.org), Carol MacIlroy (cmacilroy@gmail.com), Lisa Nelson, (lnel461@ecy.wa.gov) or Matt Gerlach, (mger461@ecy.wa.gov).
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2125469094
Passcode: [REDACTED]

FbD FPAG Summer Meeting
2025-09-04 13:00 - 15:00
The Funding & Policy Action Group serves as the go-to convenor for floodplain funding and policy efforts across the state. This meeting leverages 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.
High Level Agenda Last Updated 9.3.25 (Updated Packet with detailed agenda, prereading attached)
Join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3424790936?omn=83142097693&jst=2
Password: [REDACTED]
1.
Welcome & Networking
*
Breakout Rooms
*
Brief Updates on HRPP – Don Gourlie, Puget Sound Partnership
2.
Local Ordinance Revisions; Rulemaking
*
Updates on Recent Ecology Rulemaking – Jonathon Loos, Ecology Flood Policy Lead
*
Flood Code and Ordinance Revisions – Amanda Richardson, Ecology NFIP Coordinator
3.
State Policy/Issues
*
Flood Disclosure Laws: How Washington Compares & Lessons from Other States – Joel Scata, Senior Attorney, Environmental Health, NRDC
4.
Federal Policy
*
UPDATE: Derrick’s wife just had twin girls and we are honored and pleased to welcome: Tony Hake, Senior Resilience Program Advisor, AECOM, and Luis V. Rodriguez, PE, Program Director, Flood Risk Solutions, AECOM
*
Derrick Hiebert, AECOM – FEMA Independence Act of 2025
5.
Buyouts & Acquisitions Upcoming Opportunities and Resources

Topics Updated Monthly - FbD Lunch & Learn Series
2025-09-11 12:00 - 13:00
Reminder that today’s Lunch & Learn was rescheduled to today.
Join us on Thursday, September 11th for a discussion with Judy Blanco, the Cedar River Basin Steward for King County’s Water and Land Resources Division. Judy will highlight the Riverbend Levee Setback and Floodplain Restoration project and the complex challenges it presented with relocating 90 families, half of whom were non-English speakers. This project was a huge endeavor, but ultimately ensured that the County not only help get people out of harm’s way, but that they were treated fairly and equitably in the process.
Judy will highlight the process, the partners and people involved, how it was informed by data, and the lessons learned, which has helped create an approach to large scale acquisitions and relocations that didn’t exist for the County prior to this project. Judy will also highlight a post project survey and report conducted by the relocation consultant, in which the residents reported being in a better situation, with a nicer home, and in less debt.
This discussion will be full of insights and tips for how to thoughtfully plan for and implement acquisitions and relocations with at-risk communities, and we welcome members throughout the FbD network to join us and share their efforts and insights with similar projects.
This discussion builds off of the 4-part Acquisition and Buyouts series we hosted in the summer of 2024, links to which can be found here for those interested in additional resources:
1.
Flood Risk: A Need for Acquisitions and Buyouts
2.
Crafting and Funding a Local Acquisition/Buyout Strategy
3.
Implementing a Local Acquisition/Buyout Strategy
4.
Exploring the Creative Roles States Are Playing to Get People out of Harm’s Way
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 myself (Allan Warren awarren@b-e-f.org), Carol MacIlroy (cmacilroy@gmail.com), Lisa Nelson, (lnel461@ecy.wa.gov) or Matt Gerlach, (mger461@ecy.wa.gov).
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2125469094
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Permitting Coordination Bi-Weekly Check-In
2025-09-18 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 Wednesday to track progress, share insights, and collaborate effectively.
Agenda
1. Quick updates /agenda items (all, 5 mins)
2. USACE Regulatory Request System (RRS) (Dan Krentz, USACE, 15 mins)
3. High level update on HRPP efforts (all, 5 mins)
4. Cassidy RFI follow ups (Kas, 5 mins)
5, Other items (all, 15 mins)
(US) +1 646-931-3860‬
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Meeting host: kguillozet@b-e-f.org
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3424790936?omn=88676126947&jst=2

Getting Help During a Flood through Mutual Aid Agreements - FbD Lunch & Learn Series
2025-10-02 12:00 - 13:00
Join us on Thursday, October 2nd, for a special Flood Awareness Month session exploring how the Washington Intrastate Mutual Aid System (WAMAS) helps communities respond to floods and other natural disasters. This session will help floodplain managers, habitat restoration practitioners, Tribal staff, and local governments understand how mutual aid can protect communities, infrastructure, and restoration investments and what steps to take before an emergency happens.
Mark Douglas from WA Emergency Management Division will share the nuts and bolts of how WAMAS works, who can participate, how to sign up, and why it matters. Kirk Holmes will then share his perspective with real-world examples from his past experience as a Public Works Director. As always, we encourage attendees to come ready to ask questions and share any insight into WAMAS or how you’ve used it to gain support in an emergency response crisis.
Speaker Bios
Mark Douglas is the Logistics Program Supervisor for the Washington Emergency Management Division. His portfolio includes emergency communications for the State EOC, logistics, WebEOC incident software, and the management of mutual aid responses for WA State EMD using International, Interstate, and Intrastate mutual aid compacts for emergency response.
Kirk Holmes is the Director of Public Works in the Emergency Management Division at Perteet. He is the co-chair of the Emergency Management Council and Past-president of the Washington Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA-Wa). He leads the annual Emergency Management for Public Works Professionals workshop hosted by the Northwest Public Works Institute.
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 myself (Allan Warren awarren@b-e-f.org), Carol MacIlroy (cmacilroy@gmail.com), Lisa Nelson, (lnel461@ecy.wa.gov) or Matt Gerlach, (mger461@ecy.wa.gov).
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2125469094
Passcode: [REDACTED]
