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environment with uncontrolled development costs money, hurts people, and increases the incidence of destructive weather events. Floodplain management must be a partnership of government at all levels. "Washington" must lead, but the most innovative ideas are often generated at the local level. Michael J. Armstrong, Associate Director for Mitigation, Federal Emergency Management Agency Mr. Armstrong thanked those who came to this meeting to provide valuable input and encouragement, as they have many times in the past. The views and suggestions presented will be used not only by this administration but also by permanent FEMA staff members, who will continue the efforts into the future. He thanked David Holst ofFEMA for taking the lead on the development ofthis Forum and the background paper. Mr. Armstrong stated that his greatest frustration has been the failure of the Federal Government to orchestrate a common goal and that the Federal Government should be better at coordinating, sharing information, creating a unified sense of urgency, and centralizing efforts to avoid duplication. He recommended Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and Haw It Changed America, by John M. Barry, and Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History, by Erik Larson, as inspirational examples of how a Government official can make a difference in the Nation's policies. Mr. Armstrong stressed the importance of creating tools and incentives to encourage local and State land use laws that promote beneficial uses of floodplains. It is important to market livability and smart growth concepts. Floodplain management policy must be integrated with economic development, environmental protection, historical preservation, energy conservation, and public health and safety; sound floodplain management practices can be economically profitable. He challenged attendees to address the effectiveness of the following standards: 100- year versus SOD-year flood elevations, freeboard, coastal erosion, alluvial fans, coastal flooding, and high-velocity flooding. He requested feedback about minimum standards that do not work at the local level, instilling a sense of ownership of the NFIP in local communities, promoting integration with other planning activities, marketing best practices and economic benefits, promoting partnerships, and developing maps that accurately reflect areas at risk and multiple hazards. He stressed that poor floodplain management disproportionately affects the poor; how can diversity and disenfranchisement be addressed? Michael Moye, President, Bank of America Insurance Services and the National Lenders' Insurance Council (representing regulated lenders) Mr. Moye reiterated that most people will not buy insurance unless it is required by mandate. Flood insurance is for a low-probability, high-severity event, whereas fire is the opposite. He recommended that the program: . Expand the Mandatory Purchase Requirement beyond the A and V zones. Floodplain Management Forum 18