I am the president and cofounder of Bayou City Initiative. After Harvey, it became apparent that a citizens’ group was needed that was focused on longer term recovery and flood protection in and around Harris County. To this end, I along with Ann Hamilton, Marcia Nichols, Elizabeth White Olsen, Mustafa Tameez and Mark Solano have worked to create Bayou City Initiative, a group dedicated to helping on problems like black mold in flooded houses in the northeastern part of town that seem to have escaped widespread attention along with focusing attention on our under-appreciated public employees working on flooding and drainage issues.
We are a non-profit organization of community partners and stakeholders in Houston working to develop and implement post-hurricane Harvey policy perspectives.
Vision: The Bayou City Initiative envisions a Houston and Harris County that understands how to live with water. To work towards a more resilient region, the Bayou City Initiative actively supports policies and efforts that recognize that our region is experiencing increased rainfall, that we must learn to live and adapt to water, and that we must ensure transparency, equity, and accountability through our efforts.
Mission: As an organization working collaboratively with other groups, we aim to educate the community about Houston flood issues and public policy proposals through research. We study historical geographic data, watershed activity, structural engineering, legal implications, and private vs. public stakeholders--among other topics.
Everyone is invited to be part of the initiative. One of our goals is to develop a flood literate public. In order to move forward together, we must continue to conduct viable research to keep us knowledgeable of the challenges and opportunities in our city’s flood problems.
How we work
RESEARCH
We aim to educate the public by promoting and supporting expert analysis of challenges and solutions.
ACCOUNTABILITY
We pursue action by outlining action plans with timelines for implementation.
AWARENESS
We build awareness by presenting at community events, recruiting volunteers, and engaging in social media.
DISCUSSION
We convene key stakeholders and leaders, build consensus on key issues, and create a tangible action plan.
We are a non-profit organization of community partners and stakeholders in Houston working to develop and implement post-hurricane Harvey policy perspectives.
Vision: The Bayou City Initiative envisions a Houston and Harris County that understands how to live with water. To work towards a more resilient region, the Bayou City Initiative actively supports policies and efforts that recognize that our region is experiencing increased rainfall, that we must learn to live and adapt to water, and that we must ensure transparency, equity, and accountability through our efforts.
Mission: As an organization working collaboratively with other groups, we aim to educate the community about Houston flood issues and public policy proposals through research. We study historical geographic data, watershed activity, structural engineering, legal implications, and private vs. public stakeholders--among other topics.
Everyone is invited to be part of the initiative. One of our goals is to develop a flood literate public. In order to move forward together, we must continue to conduct viable research to keep us knowledgeable of the challenges and opportunities in our city’s flood problems.
How we work
RESEARCH
We aim to educate the public by promoting and supporting expert analysis of challenges and solutions.
ACCOUNTABILITY
We pursue action by outlining action plans with timelines for implementation.
AWARENESS
We build awareness by presenting at community events, recruiting volunteers, and engaging in social media.
DISCUSSION
We convene key stakeholders and leaders, build consensus on key issues, and create a tangible action plan.