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Mandatory Home Buyouts in Houston, Texas: Program Overview and Lessons Learned

Summary

Houston’s Harris County initiated the first large-scale mandatory home buyout program in the U.S. after Hurricane Harvey, targeting flood-prone neighborhoods. The program, part of "Project Recovery," aims to relocate 585 households and 390 business owners by 2026. While designed to mitigate future flood damage, the program disproportionately affects low-income, predominantly Latino communities. Challenges include inadequate financial compensation, confusing case management, and a lack of affordable replacement housing. Lessons emphasize the need for high-quality communication, support for vulnerable participants, and planning for relocation difficulties. These insights could guide future mandatory buyout efforts in flood-prone areas.

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