At the Center for NYC Neighborhoods, we are keeping a close eye on changes to the flood insurance program because we are deeply concerned about the impact that rising costs are likely to have on middle and working-class homeowners. We are working to make sure that impacted communities understand how flood insurance impacts them, and to get the word out about how flood insurance rate increases can pose a significant threat to long-term affordability in many neighborhoods.
That’s why we’re proud to be a part of the City of New York’s Flood Insurance Affordability Study, which will help us better understand how flood insurance rate increases will impact New Yorkers. The information gained through this study will be critical in helping the City and other community leaders develop programs to make communities safer and improve the affordability of flood insurance. Please help us get the word out and encourage your friends and neighbors to participate!
The study team (which includes the RAND Corporation, Dewberry, the Center for NYC Neighborhoods, and other partners) will be reaching out by mail to specific participants to ensure that a broad sample of households participate. The study invitation will include a PIN number and direct the participant to complete an online questionnaire and schedule an appointment with a licensed surveyor to have the elevation of their home measured, all free of charge. The invitations are non-transferrable.
Participation is by invitation only. If your friends or neighbors receive an invitation, please encourage them to participate! Individual responses will be kept confidential and everyone who participates will receive a $50 gift card and a free FEMA Elevation Certificate prepared by a licensed surveyor, which can otherwise cost between $800 and $1,000 to prepare. If you have any questions about the study, please visit www.nyc.gov/floodmaps or contact Caroline Nagy at caroline.nagy@staging.cnycn.org or 646-237-5921.
Want to learn more about what an elevation certificate is and why it’s something many homeowners will need? We worked with the Mayor’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency on a new video that explains just that. Take a look!