Conduct the inspection quickly to accommodate the homeowner. The most important thing during an inspection is accommodating the homeowner. Have a route planned for how you will navigate through the home; typically floor-by-floor works best. Have a streamlined template for inspection reports. Use a spreadsheet that includes a description of each line item. Put the… Read more
This presentation provides an overview of eligibility requirements, including program, project and homeowner eligibility levels. As presented to the National League of Cities, March 2017 IBTS Presentation: Eligibility Requirements (PowerPoint)
This report explores why the promise of reduced flood insurance costs under FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) is difficult for many jurisdictions to achieve. Using the state of Louisiana as an example, the report discusses the barriers that prevent more localities in the state from enrolling in the CRS, and also offers policy recommendations for… Read more
For Margarita Abramov, New York City contract and compliance administrator for IBTS, the process of improving compliance policies and procedures is never quite finished. “There’s always room for improvement,” she says. Abramov was responsible for program compliance oversight for recovery programs in New York City after Hurricane Sandy, a situation she notes was extreme… Read more
The National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary program that reduces flood insurance rate premiums for communities who exceed the minimum NFIP floodplain management requirements. This site provides general information and resources about the CRS for communities new to the program, and for communities already enrolled in the program looking for details… Read more
The Super Circular or Omni Circular, officially called the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 C.F.R. Part 200) went into effect on December 26, 2014, to increase the accessibility and impact of federal program funds by decreasing time spent complying with burdensome administrative requirements and better protect against waste,… Read more
The following summarizes the history of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The early post-Great Depression legislative measures from 1932 – 1938 stimulated housing construction in the U.S. Emergency Relief and Reconstruction Act of 1932 P.L. 75 – 432 First major U.S. relief legislation. Passed by Congress… Read more
The purpose of a plan is to provide the framework for an organization to restore essential functions in the event of an emergency that affects essential operations. Download this customizable template for local government departments and follow the provided instructions on how to fill in the correct information to meet the needs of your jurisdiction and… Read more
This article highlights discussions at the New York State Association for Affordable Housing’s (NYSAFAH) 14th Annual New York State Affordable Housing Conference. They found that post Sandy, developers should be looking at current buildings, even those unaffected by the storm, and retrofit them to include new weather precautions as well as preparing community staffs for… Read more
New flood models predict repeat, and possibly more significant, flooding in areas hard hit by Sandy. Five key lessons are offered to guide rebuilding: Protect existing natural borders such as beaches and dunes. Build the natural barriers higher. Rezone flood areas to prevent new home building. Build parks in their place. Be mindful about building… Read more
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