An Overview of Local Floodplain Administrators and Training Needs in FEMA Region 6

Abstract

Abstract The management of flood risk poses significant challenges for communities across the United States. At the forefront of managing flood risk in the U.S. are local floodplain administrators (FPAs). Despite the importance of their role in addressing flood hazards at the local level, little is known about those who serve in this capacity. Using survey data gathered from local floodplain administrators in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, this study provides an overview of floodplain administrators in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 6. Specifically, this research examines perceived strengths and challenges of floodplain administrators in their ability to carry out their roles and responsibilities, and explores how perceived strengths and challenges in ability vary based on location, experience, and previous floodplain management training. This study provides new insights into the strengths and challenges individuals experience in this role and analyses suggest that significant differences exist in the perceived abilities of floodplain managers based on whether they work in an urban and rural setting, their years of experience, and previous training. Based on the findings, this study offers recommendations about training needs and strategies that would benefit current floodplain administrators as they enhance resilience to floods in their communities.