HOUSTON, Texas — Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s proposal to allocate $30 million from the city’s stormwater fund for building demolitions was delayed Wednesday after officials debated whether the spending is legal and appropriate.
City Controller Chris Hollins argued in a memo to city council members that the demolition program “is not a lawful use of these restricted funds,” noting that the stormwater fund, with a $166 million budget this year, is intended to address stormwater infrastructure such as ditches and detention basins. Hollins said demolishing buildings is unrelated to stormwater management.
The mayor’s office cited more than 2,300 buildings identified for possible demolition, with 343 already approved. Houston Public Works Director Randy Macchi said some buildings represent a “direct nexus” to the stormwater system because illegal dumping at these sites can enter drainage channels.
Some council members questioned the connection. Councilman Edward Pollard said the argument for a link between demolition and drainage maintenance is not strong, while Whitmire countered that the public prioritizes results over funding technicalities.
Legal concerns were also raised, as misuse of restricted city funds could trigger litigation. City attorney Arturo Michel said the proposed use is legal and dismissed the concerns as a “red herring.” Advocacy group West Street Recovery opposed the measure, citing a history of diverted stormwater funds and delayed flood mitigation projects.
Council members Sallie Alcorn, Abbie Kamin, and Amy Peck cited budget constraints and potential impacts on water rates as additional reasons for delay. The item was tagged until the next meeting in January. Some council members, including Fred Flickinger, expressed support for the proposal, calling it “creative” and potentially efficient despite stretching the fund’s intended purpose.