Overview
- City Council passed the measure 9-7 on Jan. 7 after a tense meeting that featured Controller Chris Hollins reiterating his refusal to certify the spending.
- Mayor John Whitmire argues demolitions will curb illegal dumping that blocks drainage, and City Attorney Arturo Michel says the plan complies with the city charter and would stand up in court.
- Houston Public Works set eligibility rules requiring a clear stormwater nexus, with properties prioritized if they are in the 100- or 500-year floodplain, sit by inlets or ditches, or generate debris that impedes runoff.
- About 343 demolitions could be funded from more than 2,300 blighted properties identified, with inspectors documenting drainage benefits and liens placed to recover costs for the stormwater fund.
- Opponents on council, the controller, and advocacy groups warn of setting a precedent for diverting restricted funds and say they are exploring legal action, noting many targeted sites are in lower-income east-side districts.