Empowering communities through smart solutions.

The Forerunner Summit began with insights from CEO JT White, who set the stage for a day focused on innovation and resilience. JT discussed Forerunner’s expansion beyond floodplain management to address the evolving challenges faced by communities today and how cutting-edge digital solutions are transforming the way communities prepare for and respond to hazards.

With intensifying disasters and evolving federal policies, communities needed to be more nimble than ever. In this keynote, FDEM Executive Director Kevin Guthrie drew from the agency’s response to recent fall hurricanes to discuss how emergency management and mitigation are evolving to meet more dynamic needs. He shared key insights from the frontlines of disaster preparedness and recovery, highlighting how innovation and technology can support the work of building stronger communities.

AI is reshaping the public sector—what does that mean for hazard management and emergency response? JT White led a forward-thinking discussion on AI’s growing role in resilience planning.

Participants saw how local and county governments used Forerunner to better enforce compliance, prepare for future events, and adapt to complex challenges. The session featured four in-depth case studies—spanning riverine and coastal geographies, as well as both large and small communities—that illustrated how digital tools enhanced coordination and improved decision-making across the country.

This session featured four in-depth case studies—spanning riverine and coastal geographies, as well as both large and small communities—that illustrated how digital tools are enhancing coordination and improving decision-making across the country. Attendees saw how local and county governments are using Forerunner to better enforce compliance, prepare for future events, and adapt to complex challenges.

We hosted a live demonstration showcasing how communities are using Forerunner to centralize critical floodplain data, streamline workflows, and strengthen long-term resilience. Attendees got an inside look at real-world applications, saw firsthand how the software works in practice, and received a sneak peek at what’s next.

The Summit concluded with practical planning strategies for hurricane season, informed by lessons from recent storms like Helene and Milton. The session highlighted how early preparation—with clear workflows, current records, and strong communication plans—can streamline recovery and strengthen community resilience.