FEMA imposes urgent compliance measures on Oregon cities

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the implications of new compliance measures mandated by FEMA for communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program, including Lake Oswego, Oregon. The meeting was prompted by a letter from FEMA dated July 15, which outlined the need for pre-implementation compliance measures related to the Endangered Species Act, following a lawsuit against FEMA for previous noncompliance.

City staff informed the council that FEMA has set a tight deadline for compliance, requiring the city to select one of three options by December 1. The recommended option is to adopt FEMA's model code, which staff has already begun preparing for by scheduling public hearings and notifying affected properties. However, officials emphasized that this does not obligate the council to choose this option.

Concerns were raised regarding the short timeline and the lack of resources available to many jurisdictions, which are struggling to meet FEMA's requirements. Letters from the Oregon congressional delegation and Governor Kotek have urged FEMA to extend the compliance timeline and collaborate with state agencies to create a cohesive regulatory framework.

Despite the urgency, many cities, including Lake Oswego, are adopting a \"wait and see\" approach, hoping for a delay in FEMA's requirements. So far, no city has officially adopted the model code or selected a compliance measure, as local governments assess their options and the potential consequences of their decisions. The meeting concluded with staff preparing to present further details on the options available and addressing questions from the council.