ASFPM State Chapter Formation Assistance

Chapter Membership in the Association of State Floodplain Managers

The Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) was founded in 1977 by professionals in state government. As is true of many organizations, the reasons for founding the ASFPM are centered in its goals and objectives.


To provide national representation for state and local Flood Hazard professionals with regard to policies and actions occurring in areas of flood hazard management;


To facilitate cooperation and exchange of information among state, local, federal and private sector officials on innovative ideas and trends in floodplain management, and


To provide a forum for the education of those involved in floodplain management.

Every existing state association was formed for the same general purposes. And that leads us to our main topic:

State Associations: An idea whose time has come

Forming a state association is not an easy task. You will run into many road blocks and dead ends, but the benefits far outweigh the frustrations. Let’s look at the benefits of a state association:

  • Helps members to gain a better perception of the state’s floodplain management efforts and to develop a more cooperative and harmonious relationship through participation in association activities.
  • Expedites the process of gathering and dispersing current and new information to intelligently and efficiently conduct the business of floodplain management.
  • Brings together those individuals who are experiencing the same types of problems in dealing with floodplain management, and provides them with a variety of possible solutions to their problems.
  • Gives its members the ability to transmit a uniform position on current concerns, rule changes, local programs, and other issues impacting floodplain management.
  • Gives its members one loud voice to communicate the collective views of the communities to the state legislature.
  • Promotes fellowship between groups and individuals which, on the job, may represent opposing viewpoints, leading to negotiation on issues regarding floodplain management, not deadlock.
  • Provides collective input to state legislators interested in or proposing legislation regarding floodplain management issues.
  • Provides a means to address specific flood hazard issues unique to each state.
  • Provides for a unified leadership role in future floodplain/ flood mitigation activities in each state.
  • Serves as a unified state voice on National Flood Insurance Program issues.
  • Provides a means to broaden the public’s awareness of the state’s flood hazards.

This list was compiled from comments provided by members of associations in those states which have put forth the effort to form state floodplain management associations. They know firsthand the benefits that your state can receive by forming a state association, as they have reaped them already and are sure they will enjoy many more in the future.

Forming a state or multi-state association

While there is no blueprint or “How To” book to use to shape a state association, here are a few helpful hints which may assist you. These hints were gathered from the current associations.

  1. Review the links to formation resources found here.
  2. Assemble a nucleus group of statewide individuals committed to sound floodplain management.
  3. Determine a central focus and purpose for existence.
  4. Prepare articles of incorporation and bylaws and have them signed, dated, and notarized. Many of our ASFPM Chapters have theirs posted on their websites.
  5. Consult legal counsel with nonprofit experience and check the rules and regulations for organizations particular to your state.
  6. Get your association incorporated in your state (generally through the state’s Secretary of State office).
  7. Create and maintain and up-to-date association website including information about the association’s mission, activities, how to become a member, membership dues, board members with contact information, committees, resources and links to aid floodplain managers in your state, events/training/conference information, sponsorship information, floodplain management job opportunities in your state, and post your organizing documents (articles, bylaws).
  8. Publish a newsletter and/or other publications to keep your members informed.
  9. Hold at least one conference or workshop annually, addressing the specific concerns of the membership (preferably more).
    Hold board of director elections.
  10. For more information on forming an association, please email ASFPM Chapters Coordinator.

Is your association an ASFPM Chapter?

Thirty-eight floodplain management associations are currently chapters of ASFPM. The Chapters and Associations page shows which states have an ASFPM chapter and provides links to the chapter websites.

How can your association become an ASFPM Chapter Member?

Does your association:

  • Have as its main purpose: the promotion of the common interest in flood damage abatement?
  • Articles of incorporation and bylaws?
  • A general election of officers?
  • Regular meetings (at least one/year)?
  • Membership representing no fewer than 25 OR 10% of the communities in the state participating in the National Flood Insurance Program?
  • A minimum of 25 members?
  • Support of a variety of floodplain management activities?
    • Support of a variety of floodplain management activities?
    • Charge fees adequate to cover the cost of doing business (member benefits & administration, website, insurance, incorporation, legal/tax assistance, hosting events/conferences, etc.)?
    • Have active corporate status in good standing within your state?
    • Have an active, up-to-date website including information about your association’s mission, conferences, training, activities, board member contacts, how to join with fees/application, and CFM certification information?

Then you may qualify to join as a Chapter of the Association of State Floodplain Managers, Inc.

To apply, email Chapters to request a chapter application. Your association must submit evidence of the above qualifications in writing, along with your articles of incorporation, bylaws, proof of active/good standing as a corporation in your state, and membership list to ASFPM. Following verification that the requirements are met, the Board of Directors may then grant chapter membership to your association at their next scheduled meeting.

For more information on
becoming a Chapter of ASFPM