400,000 (13% of the total) properties in Washington face a 26% chance of flooding in the next 30 years (WA SEHMP). As climate increasingly accelerates the trajectory of risk, strategic acquisition and buyouts are a tool for breaking the disaster loop, preserving municipal and state solvency as flood impacts increase and creating space for floodwaters and salmon. A buyout and acquisition workgroup has been meeting for over a year and has identified a number of needs, opportunities and gaps in this space. One key concept is a statewide acquisition and buyout program; focus of this session will be what such a program could look like and what are some of the key pieces of information or communication needs that could catapult such an idea forward.

Washington faces critical water challenges, from aquifer replenishment and deteriorating infrastructure to climate impacts, salmon habitat restoration, and flood mitigation. Yet, we lack a unified institutional anchor with the dedicated authority to drive these solutions forward. Examining models like the Office of Columbia River, this session investigates its accomplishments and structural strengths. We will discuss what a statewide equivalent should focus on, the optimal operational scale, and how to establish meaningful influence without creating administrative drag.

Participants are invited to share insights on leveraging existing commissions, boards, and regional networks to evaluate local needs and effectively direct capital.

What if floodplain permitting became one of Washington’s most powerful tools for resilience? At a time when flood risks are rising faster than our capacity to respond, it has never been more important that floodplain policies, permitting processes, and capital investments work together to deliver meaningful resilience outcomes. Yet too often, floodplain permitting processes consume scarce time, expertise, and public trust without proportionate benefit to people, fish, or place. This highly interactive session convenes leaders and practitioners to challenge assumptions, explore bold alternatives, and reimagine how floodplain policies and permitting practices can better support flood risk reduction, floodplain restoration, and thriving communities.

Together, we’ll move beyond “What Is” toward “What If?”, identifying practical improvements and transformative reforms that can turn floodplain permitting from a source of friction into a platform for action.