Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management

As flood insurance premiums increase, Virginia localities are more eager to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). The CRS incentivizes localities to undertake resilience measures by offering escalating discounts on flood insurance based on the amount and quality of local action. Lack of information about the program and lack of sustainable funding sources often restrain localities from participating in the CRS as much as they would like, or preclude participation completely.

The authors' research serves as a resource to communities in Virginia and across the United States that wish to start participating in the CRS, improve their community ratings, or simply maintain their ratings in the program. By highlighting CRS activities occurring around the country, the report offers a choice selection of best practices for implementing the CRS and overcoming common obstacles associated with the program.