BY SARAH BRAGER, JESSICA SHORTEN & ARIEL WORTHY
FEMA reveals updated draft flood maps Houston residents can now see preliminary Federal Emergency Management Agency map data through a new interactive dashboard from FEMA and the Harris County Flood Control District in the first countywide update since 2007. The big picture HCFCD spokesperson Emily Woodell confirmed the county’s 34 floodplain administrators received preliminary data and maps from FEMA in the first week of February. The Modeling, Assessment and Awareness Project (MAAPNext) kicked off in 2019 and aims to supplement FEMA maps while incor- porating the data in an interactive, user-friendly dashboard. HCFCD Executive Director Tina Petersen said the preliminary data received from FEMA will help individuals understand potential floodplain impacts. However, she cautioned against using the
Local Government News 3 stories we’re following online
Proposed flood hazard zones Draft floodway (extreme-risk) Draft 100-year floodplain (high-risk) Draft 500-year floodplain (moderate-risk)
1 HPD to continue using ‘antiquated’ records management system Houston officials Feb. 18 approved the extension of the use of its current records management system, or RMS, for the Houston Police Department, a system that led to miscoding over 260,000 suspended cases in 2024. 2 New campaign finance tracker to launch this spring In early February, Houston invested just over $1 million in a new campaign finance management tool, aiming to improve accuracy and fiscal accountability in local elections. It is expected to go live on the city’s website 60 days from Feb. 4. 3 Houston to apply for $80M grant to enhance security at 2026 FIFA World Cup Houston City Council approved the city’s public safety department Feb. 18 to apply for two federal grants to enhance security and preparedness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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SOURCE: FEMA MAAPNEXT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
data formally, as it is set to change. The timeline Petersen said any changes to insurance rates based on the maps won’t be considered until they become official, which could not be until 2028.
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