City Council Study Session, 8/5/2025

The City of Norman, Oklahoma City Council held a study session on August 5, 2025, focused on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) and flood insurance programs. The discussion, led by a public works representative, covered the city's floodplain management practices, participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and the benefits of the CRS, which provides residents with discounted flood insurance premiums based on the community's flood risk mitigation efforts. The city currently holds a CRS Class 6 rating, which offers a 20% discount on flood insurance premiums for properties in flood zones, with the goal of improving to Class 5 to increase savings for residents. The council discussed potential capital investments such as implementing an automated flood warning system, which could improve the city's CRS rating and flood response capabilities. The presentation also highlighted a significant decline in the number of flood insurance policies over recent years and explored strategies to increase coverage, including better hazard disclosure and outreach to property owners with mortgages in flood-prone areas. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made during the meeting, but the council expressed interest in pursuing grant opportunities and budgeting for flood warning infrastructure improvements to enhance flood risk management and insurance benefits for the community.