Council adopts resolution urging Boston to seek FEMA Community Rating System certification

The Boston City Council on 2025-11-05 adopted a resolution urging the city to seek certification under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Community Rating System (CRS) for the National Flood Insurance Program, a step that can reduce premiums for property owners in flood-prone areas.

"It's critical that residents have affordable and dependable access to flood insurance," Councilor Flynn said, describing the importance of waterfront neighborhoods and listing coverage caps he cited from the National Flood Insurance Program. He noted that Boston has not applied for the program and urged the city to pursue certification to help residents pay less for flood insurance.

Councilor Colette Zapata added detail on the administrative requirements for joining CRS, including documentation of elevation certificates for new buildings and updates to floodplain management practices. She said the city has hired a floodplain administrator and that the administration anticipates joining the program in 2026, though the application had not yet been reviewed by FEMA.

The council approved the resolution by suspending the rules and adopting docket 1960.

Clarifying details discussed on the floor included an explanation that CRS participation requires substantial documentation and internal systems work and that certification depends on meeting FEMA criteria and maintaining compliance.