Houston split over $30 million stormwater fund proposal for demolitions
HOUSTON (UI) — Houston city leaders are divided over a proposal to use stormwater mitigation funds to pay for building demolitions, raising questions about whether money intended for drainage infrastructure can legally be redirected, as reported by Houston Public Media.
Mayor John Whitmire’s administration has proposed allocating $30 million from the city’s stormwater fund over the next three years to demolish blighted structures across Houston. City Controller Chris Hollins has objected, arguing the fund is legally restricted to drainage and flood-control infrastructure and cannot be used for demolition work.
The stormwater fund, which totals roughly $100 million this year and is supported by water and sewer fees, is designated for maintaining and expanding Houston’s stormwater management system, including ditches, detention basins and related infrastructure. Hollins has warned that using the money for demolitions could expose the city to legal challenges.
City officials say more than 2,300 properties have been identified for potential demolition, with several hundred already approved. Houston Public Works Director Randy Macchi has argued that unsafe and abandoned buildings contribute to illegal dumping, which can clog drainage systems and worsen flooding — a connection some council members questioned during recent discussions.
Several council members expressed concern that the link between demolitions and stormwater mitigation may be too weak to justify the funding shift. Others warned that diverting stormwater dollars could limit the city’s ability to address existing drainage needs or eventually lead to higher water rates.
City Attorney Arturo Michel has maintained that the proposed use of funds is lawful, while advocacy groups have criticized the plan as another example of stormwater money being redirected away from flood-control projects, according to Houston Public Media.
The proposal was delayed after council members placed the item on hold, pushing further debate into January as officials weigh legal risks, funding priorities and the long-term impact on Houston’s flood mitigation efforts.
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