Flood risk and insurance costs are growing concerns for many municipalities — but with the right strategies, local governments can make measurable progress in protecting lives, property, and budgets.
The City of Central, Louisiana, offers a strong example of how targeted actions can reduce flood risk and deliver financial benefits to residents. Through a sustained partnership with the Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS), Central achieved a Class 5 rating in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS), resulting in a 25% discount on flood insurance premiums for all Central residents and businesses. Only two other communities in Louisiana have achieved this rating.
In this blog post, Brandon Whitehead, IBTS Floodplain Manager, outlines key actions that contributed to Central’s success, including his top five recommendations for how municipalities can strengthen their own floodplain management programs and improve their CRS ratings.
How to Reduce Flood Risk and Cut Flood Insurance Costs: Top 5 Recommendations for Municipalities