Floodplains by Design

Permitting Coordination Meetings
2026-01-22 10:00 - 10:50, 2026-03-05 10:00 - 10:50, 2026-03-19 10:00 - 10:50, 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 (America/Los_Angeles) and 1 more date
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]

FbD Funding & Policy Action Group: Special Meeting Recovery and Resilience in the Wake of December 2025 Flooding
2026-01-28 13:00 - 15:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=88053638300
Agenda Attached
Dear FbD community,
We are reaching out to share an invitation to a special Funding and Policy Action Group (FPAG) meeting on Wednesday, January 28 from 1-3pm. This calendar invite will be updated with a detailed agenda and packet to follow.
This special FPAG meeting will have two complementary but distinct parts:
1) 1:00-2:00pm – RESPONSE AND RECOVERY: Flash descriptions + scoping of interest in future focused flood recovery conversations, including but not limited to:
* Re-Mapping after floods
* Substantial damage enforcement
* Elevations and buyouts
* Helping overwhelmed communities
* Considerations for placing temporary housing
We will be joined by Ecology staff, Derrick Hiebert, Luis Rodriguez, Dale Meck (AECOM); and Adrienne Sheldon (Tidal Basin Group). This hour would by no means provide time for deep conversation, but will provide space to prioritize topics, share specific requests and shape potential future, more in depth conversations.
2) 2:00-3:00pm – NEED And VISION – aligning our messaging and strengthening the case for recovery and resilience. We have a unique opportunity to rebuild and unbuild back smarter. The integrated floodplain network is poised in new ways to respond and act in poignant and hopefully powerful ways. We will take time to walk through an emerging needs list and vision and talk about how we can work together to support this important work.
Please see this vision for flood recovery and resilience and an emerging needs dashboard.
For additional reference the previous FPAG meeting notes from December 3rd can be viewed here.
Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=88053638300
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Acquisition Coffee Chats
2026-02-02 15:00 - 16:00, 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

Permitting Coordination Meetings
2026-02-05 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. Casten Blumenauer Bill
3. Flood Hub Map and Discussion
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]

FbD Lunch & Learn - Condemned: The Transformation of Race and Swampy Spaces in South Carolina
2026-02-05 12:00 - 13:00
This talk by Dr. Morgan P. Vickers, Assistant Professor of Race/Racialization in the Department of Law, Societies & Justice at the University of Washington, brings listeners on a journey through the history of Black swampland inhabitation in Lowcountry South Carolina. Introducing attendees to concepts like “racialization” and “the invention of nature,” Dr. Vickers will demonstrate how the transformation of “wasted” wetland space and the denigration of “undesirable” people was and continues to be an explicitly social and racial project. This talk will highlight the role of average citizens, large-scale farmers, businesses, and policymakers in the social and material transformation of the Lowcountry, ultimately resulting in the drying of floodplains, the rerouting of rivers, and the construction of dams, levees, and other public works projects. The talk will conclude with a brief discussion around the present legacies of channelization and racialization, identifying how we might address the avulsions and crises of the present and future.
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), or Austin Bernales (abernales@b-e-f.org).
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84542310435
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Permitting Coordination Meetings
2026-02-19 10:00 - 10:50
Meeting Agenda
1. Welcome and notes access
2. Round Robin Updates
3. Permitting Portal potential software for discussion, and continuation of Flood Hub website conversation.
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]

FbD Steering Group Meeting
2026-02-25 13:00 - 15:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=86855620214
Meeting Agenda and Packet Attached
1.
Welcome and 2027-2029 FbD Pre-Applications Received
2.
Fall Gathering Vetting
*
Table Setting
*
Breakout Rooms
*
Advisory Group Structure, Recommendations and Roles
3.
Next Steps, Closure and Celebration
*
Recognition of venues where projects that are at least partly funded by FbD are being celebrated
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.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5653221882?omn=86855620214
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Topics Updated Monthly - FbD Lunch & Learn Series
2026-03-05 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 Lunch & Learn: REET - A Unique Tax Supporting Conservation and Affordable Housing
2026-03-05 12:00 - 13:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84542310435
Join us for a conversation about how San Juan County has used the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) to fund both land conservation and affordable housing. Lincoln Bormann, Director of the San Juan County Land Bank, will explain how the REET was established and how it has supported land conservation over the past 25 years. Ryan Page, the Affordable Housing Coordinator for San Juan County, will then showcase a second REET that was established to work alongside the land conservation efforts to support affordable housing.
Often thought of as competing priorities, this talk will highlight how conservation and affordable housing, two of the most pressing needs in our region, can work together when the political will exist to meet these dual priorities. As always, we’ll have plenty of time for discussion and ideas around what to consider for whether or not this might be a replicable approach for other communities.
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 Funding & Policy Action Group: Spring Meeting
2026-03-26 13:00 - 15:00 | 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]

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]

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]
