Philadelphia residents and business owners may see relief on flood insurance costs as the city joins FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS), qualifying eligible policies for a 15 percent discount. Announced by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, the initiative is expected to save the community a total of $424,000 annually, according to the City of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia has become the fourth-largest U.S. city in the FEMA Community Rating System (CRS), achieving a Class 7 designation. This classification reflects the city’s ongoing flood resilience efforts. CRS classes determine discount levels on flood insurance premiums, ranging from 5 percent for Class 9 to 45 percent for Class 1 communities, according to the City of Philadelphia. The city’s inter-departmental task force leads these efforts, with CRS ratings reviewed every five years for potential upgrades.
The flood insurance discounts will take effect on April 1, and will be automatically applied to new and renewed National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies, requiring no action from policyholders. Elizabeth Lankenau, the city’s Director of Sustainability, noted that participation in the program reflects Philadelphia’s ongoing inter-departmental commitment to climate resilience, stormwater management, and protection for residents and businesses in flood-prone areas. The savings apply only to NFIP policies and do not extend to private flood insurance plans.
Beyond financial relief, the program reinforces Philadelphia’s long-term focus on climate resilience. The city is enhancing development standards, improving stormwater management, and promoting public education on flood risks. These efforts aim to support both cost savings and effective recovery after disasters. Dominick Mireles, Deputy Managing Director for Community Safety, said the flood insurance savings and related initiatives reflect Mayor Parker’s goal to provide a government that residents can “see, touch, and feel,” according to the city’s release.
Philadelphia’s improved CRS rating reflects efforts such as updated flood mapping by the Water Department and advanced code enforcement by the Department of Licenses and Inspections. Combined with public alert programs and expanded risk information, the city’s approach to flood risk management has become more comprehensive. FEMA’s recognition highlights Philadelphia’s coordinated strategies to address climate-related challenges.
For more information on Philadelphia’s participation in the CRS and available flood insurance resources, residents can visit the city’s Flood Management Program website. Additional details on the CRS program and NFIP policies are available on FEMA’s CRS program page.
