City of Midland Retains Class 5 Community Rating System from FEMA

The City of Midland will retain its Class 5 designation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Community Rating System, preserving a 25 percent flood insurance discount for most policyholders while reflecting continued efforts to reduce flood risk across the community.

FEMA confirmed the designation following a five-year review of Midland’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The city earned 2,717 verified points, up from 2,526 in 2019, demonstrating progress in floodplain management, public education and infrastructure maintenance.

Midland’s Class 5 rating is currently the highest achieved by any community in Michigan. The designation recognizes communities that go beyond the NFIP’s minimum requirements to reduce flood damage, protect insurable property and improve preparedness.

For residents, the rating carries a direct financial benefit. Most NFIP flood insurance policies issued or renewed within Midland qualify for a 25 percent premium discount, helping reduce the cost of maintaining coverage in a community where flood risk remains an important consideration.

But the rating also reflects a broader approach to flood resilience, one that focuses not only on responding to flooding but also on preventing damage before it occurs. The city’s efforts span several areas, including floodplain mapping and regulation, preservation of open space, public outreach, floodplain planning, property acquisition and mitigation, drainage system maintenance, and flood warning and emergency preparedness.

These initiatives involve multiple city departments, with staff contributing to projects, planning, maintenance, documentation and community engagement. Together, the efforts address different aspects of flood risk, from maintaining the systems that manage stormwater to helping residents understand potential hazards and prepare for emergencies.

“CRS reflects the work happening across the City every day to reduce flood risk, from keeping drainage systems in good condition to planning ahead and sharing clear information with residents,” says Community Development Planner Ryan Smith. “Retaining the Class 5 rating affirms those efforts and the citywide commitment behind them.”

The Community Rating System is a voluntary FEMA program available to communities participating in the NFIP. It awards points for activities that exceed federal floodplain management requirements, with credits assigned to initiatives that reduce flood damage, support flood insurance and encourage comprehensive planning.

Communities are rated from Class 10 to Class 1, with Class 1 representing the highest level of achievement. Participating communities must recertify their activities annually and undergo a comprehensive verification visit every five years.

Midland’s increase in verified points reflects the continued work required to maintain its standing in the program. The latest review confirms that the city has sustained its flood mitigation efforts while strengthening the programs and practices that support long-term resilience.

For residents, the results offer both an immediate benefit through reduced insurance premiums and a broader indication of the work underway to limit flood damage and prepare the community for future risks.