The Ground Beneath Us
Flood Control in Houston: Who's in Charge
By The Change Lab -- via manual_seed -- Apr 18, 2026
Overview
Houston floods more frequently and severely than almost any major American city. The region's flat terrain, clay-heavy soil, dense development, and exposure to Gulf storms create conditions where even moderate rainfall can cause significant flooding. The Harris County Flood Control District, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the City of Houston all play distinct but overlapping roles in managing flood risk and building flood protection infrastructure. After Hurricane Harvey in 2017, billions of dollars were committed to new projects. This guide explains how the system works and how decisions about flood control get made.
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The practice behind Community Exchange. Founded June 2025 and fiscally sponsored by Impact Hub Houston, we build civic infrastructure for the silent majority of Houstonians who are overwhelmed but ready to engage with their community and city.
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