Residents of unincorporated Jefferson Parish have a financial reprieve on the horizon, with the area’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) rating set to improve from a Class 5 to a Class 3 starting Oct. 1, 2025. This upgrade makes Jefferson Parish not only the first Class 3 community in Louisiana but also joins the ranks of only 11 Class 3s across the United States. According to a statement obtained by the Jefferson Parish's official website, the change will reward NFIP policyholders with a 35 percent discount on their flood insurance premiums, automatically applied upon renewal.
Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng expressed pride in the collaborative efforts that led to this significant achievement. In a press release, she stated, "This is great news and an incredible achievement that directly benefits our residents and business owners in unincorporated Jefferson Parish," as stated by the Jefferson Parish. Lee Sheng also pointed out the dual benefit of the new rating, highlighting not only the financial relief but also the enhanced community resilience due to a comprehensive floodplain management and mitigation plan.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manages the NFIP, with more than 50 insurance companies and the NFIP Direct delivering the insurance to the public. The program is instrumental in helping property owners, renters, and businesses to more quickly recover from floods. The CRS program incentivizes communities to go above and beyond minimum NFIP requirements, rewarding them with insurance discounts for their residents. With Jefferson Parish's updated activities, annual flood insurance savings are projected over $12 million.
Several initiatives contributed to Jefferson Parish’s CRS score improvement. These include upgrading building code effectiveness, adopting additional freeboard above FEMA’s minimum requirements, preserving open spaces, and implementing a Watershed Management Plan. The Jefferson Parish continued to refine its Hazard Mitigation Plan, protected natural floodplain functions, and received recognition for its Flood Warning and Response practices. Moreover, the Parish makes certain to consistently inform citizens about their risk of living inside levee-protected areas through an annual mailer.
