How Communities Are Using Digital Tools to Strengthen Flood Resilience: Highlights from the 2025 Forerunner Summit

At the 2025 Forerunner Summit, government leaders from across the country gathered to share how they use digital tools to support disaster recovery, engage the public, and build long-term resilience. From streamlining damage assessments to improving Community Rating System (CRS) compliance, their stories highlight the critical role technology can play in local floodplain management.

Rapid Response in Longboat Key, FL

Following two major hurricanes, the Town of Longboat Key needed to quickly assess damages and guide residents through the recovery process. Neal Mazzei, the town’s Lead Structural and Floodplain Plans Examiner, shared how his team used Forerunner to conduct Substantial Damage Estimations more efficiently and streamline the permitting process. With digital tools in place before the storm, Longboat Key was able to make faster decisions, communicate more clearly with residents, and pave a smoother path to rebuilding – demonstrating the importance of preparedness and proactive planning. Read more about Longboat Key and Forerunner’s partnership.

Scaling Emergency Response in Hernando County, FL

After Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck Hernando County, the local government faced a massive volume of damage assessments in a limited timeframe. Hernando County’s Floodplain Manager, Cassie Harmon, collaborated with Forerunner to help streamline their damage assessment workflows and improve coordination across departments. The shift away from manual processes accelerated data collection and enabled more accurate reporting. Hernando County’s experience underscores how digital solutions can help communities scale their emergency response operations effectively and efficiently. Learn more about Hernando County’s hurricane recovery process with Forerunner.

Supporting CRS Improvement in Bellaire, TX

When Bellaire experienced a CRS retrograde, Christian Somers, Bellaire’s Assistant Director of Development Services and Building Official, knew the city needed to improve their internal documentation and processes. Bellaire partnered with Forerunner to streamline data management and improve CRS compliance. By improving documentation, tracking CRS activities, and simplifying floodplain management workflows, Bellaire was able to reenter the CRS. Their story illustrates how Forerunner supports communities to foster long-term program improvement and resilience. Discover how Bellaire transformed their CRS participation with Forerunner.

Engaging Residents in Brick Township, NJ

Public outreach is a key part of building flood resilience for Brick Township. Planning Analyst Vincent Palmieri utilizes the township’s Forerunner public website to improve communication with residents. By offering accessible, property-specific flood information, Brick has empowered residents to understand flood risk and make informed decisions to protect their homes. Brick is a model for how digital tools, like Forerunner, can enhance transparency and community-wide awareness. Read how Forerunner supports Brick, NJ’s resident communication strategies.

A Shared Commitment to Resilience

Implementing digital tools can transform a community’s ability to respond and recover. Whether it is speeding up damage assessments, simplifying compliance, or informing the public, the experiences shared by Neal Mazzei, Cassie Harmon, Christian Somers, and Vincent Palmieri show what is possible when local leaders embrace innovation and technology.