Improving Flood Insurance and Flood-Risk Management: Insights from St. Louis, Missouri

Abstract

This paper examines the history of St. Louis, Mo. in coping with riverine flood risk over the past 15 years, with a focus on flood insurance. Six observations from a detailed case analysis are presented. They are (1) many property owners do not buy flood insurance; (2) people underestimate flood risk; (3) we need better flood maps; (4) we have a “love affair” with levees; (5) flood risk is increasing over time; and (6) we take deep pride in rebuilding after a disaster. Policy implications are discussed.