Good Morning CSFI Stakeholders –

I hope this email finds you well. As we’re two months out from the next expiration of the NFIP, I’m writing to share some updates with you on where the status of reauthorization stands, and some other relevant FEMA administrative updates.

First, after several weeks of quiet on the subject of flood insurance reform, talks in the Senate are underway on the outstanding issues that need to be addressed to move a broader deal forward.  You can read about the discussions in The Advocate’s recent article on the subject.  While a deal is not imminent, these talks are a positive sign of progress nonetheless. We’re in touch with key Senate staff on these discussions and will keep you posted as the issue progresses.

FEMA also recently released an affordability framework, something CSFI advocated for extensively in 2013 and 2014 ahead of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act.  The framework provides a menu of options for policymakers when considering how to address affordability challenges. You can read the framework here. According to FEMA, “The Affordability Framework provides data-driven analysis of the cost burden borne by flood insurance policyholders and potential policyholders, identifies the populations most burdened by the cost of flood insurance, and provides options for policymakers to consider to help close the flood insurance gap across the nation by reducing the cost burden of flood insurance.”

Finally, I’ll be attending the National Flood Conference in DC on June 10-13, and moderating a panel on Tuesday, June 12 at 9 am on State and Local Perspectives on the NFIP. If you’ll be attending the conference, please make sure to join us for the panel, and let me know you’ll be there so we can connect.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions.

Best –

Caitlin