Harvey Planning Program

The City of Houston is investing in a wide range of planning initiatives to make the City and its residents more prepared for future disaster events. These initiatives include short-term studies to determine next steps for specific programs as well as long-term, multifaceted discussions with local and regional stakeholders to develop mitigation strategies. Our goals for this planning process include:

• Protecting residents and the built environment from natural hazards
• Developing sustainable, long-term, resilient, and equitable approaches to housing
• Updating building and development codes
• Preparing and protecting populations that are least likely to recover from disasters

HCDD works closely with other City Departments, along with the City of Houston Recovery Office and Resilience and Sustainability Office on a variety of planning initiatives which will align with Resilient Houston , the City’s resilience strategy

The Harvey Data Project was a newly created data platform to show the full impact of Hurricane Harvey on at-risk neighborhoods, using new metrics for calculating damages and social vulnerability. This data was instrumental in creating our Local Housing Needs study, which is at the basis of all our programs’ goals. In 2019, Fast Company recognized the Harvey Data Project within their 2019 World Changing Ideas -- both as an Honorable Mention in the AI & Data Category and a Finalist in the Spaces, Places, & City Category.

The Report on Houston’s community engagement strategy for Hurricane Harvey outlines the new approaches the City took to reach more Houstonians and gather input about the disaster recovery process in 2018.

The State of Housing Affordability and Vulnerability in Houston is a preliminary analysis about housing trends related to housing affordability and vulnerability due to the impacts of Hurricane Harvey.

The City of Houston Rental Insecurity study measured the concerns and needs of residents amidst the dual challenges of disaster recovery and Covid-19.

Engaging Neighborhoods for a More Affordable Houston gives practical recommendations to advocates, community organizations, and developers who wish to conduct more effective neighborhood engagement in Houston about new affordable home developments. More information.

The 2022 Market Value Analysis and Economic Development Investment (EDI) studied neighborhood change in terms of housing and land costs, vacancies, and other metrics. These studies are conducted regularly in order to understand the direction and consequences of economic development in neighborhoods across Houston. The most recent previous Market Value Analysis was completed in 2016. The 2022 Market Value Analysis Report and Economic Development Investment (EDI) study . The PowerPoint presentations are the final results from the work outsourced by the City of Houston’s Housing and Community Development Department.

The Building Code Updates study will assist in the development of a modern and comprehensive building and construction code that is accessible and easily utilized. Creating these codes will include a holistic review of building, fire, energy, mechanical, plumbing, and other development criteria applicable to Houston. Learn more here .

Resilience Districts weave together climate adaptation and risk reduction, promote economic opportunities, identify critical infrastructure improvements, and leverage social empowerment within a neighborhood-specific strategy.  This community specific effort, lead by the Planning and Development Department, will generate a Neighborhood Resilience Plan for three pilot neighborhoods (Edgebrook, East Houston, and Independence Heights) and establish a replicable framework for other neighborhoods to follow in creating their own resilience plans. Learn more here .

The Buy-in/Buy-out Plan will improve upon the City’s strategies to move all habitable structures away from the floodway by 2030.

The Resilience Hub Master Plan seeks to identify community resilience hubs throughout the City of Houston to serve as a physical space for residents to obtain necessary services like food assistance and community education and serve as a resource connector during emergency like extreme heath, intense flooding, and power outages.

The City of Houston Office of Emergency Management will be updating various emergency planning documents, including the Hazard Mitigation Plan, to increase resilience of Houstonians. Learn more .

The Sidewalk Study will assess the state of sidewalks, prioritize highest need areas, develop scalable solutions to improve mobility within communities impacted by recent disasters. The study will focus on developing neighborhood-specific strategies through case studies and comparison.

The Stormwater Master Plan will study infrastructure needs to address flooding in future disasters.

Consulting and analytic services are procured from qualified organizations when needed. Learn more about available Requests for Proposals and Requests for Qualifications.