Bringing More Voices into Flood Resilience

For nearly 50 years, Harris County relied on the Flood Control Task Force to provide guidance on policies and programs aimed at protecting homes, businesses, and the local economy from flooding. Established in 1972, the group reflected the priorities of its time, focusing primarily on flood protection infrastructure and economic development.

A Renewed Purpose

Following Hurricane Harvey and years of conversations about how flooding disproportionately impacts different communities, Harris County recognized that building resilience required a broader approach.

In 2020, the Harris County Commissioners Court reorganized the Flood Control Task Force into the Community Flood Resilience Task Force (CFRTF). The change reflected an important shift in thinking. While flood infrastructure remains central to reducing risk, the County expanded its focus to include the social, environmental, and economic factors that influence how communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from flooding.

What Does The Task Force Do Today?

Today, the Community Flood Resilience Task Force serves as an advisory body to the Harris County Commissioners Court, helping shape policies and recommendations that support a more resilient future. The Task Force works alongside the Harris County Flood Control District and other County departments by reviewing flood resilience strategies, discussing community priorities, and providing recommendations on planning efforts, including the development of the Harris County Flood Resilience Plan.

Who Serves on the Task Force?

The Task Force is made up of 17 members representing a broad range of perspectives. Five members are appointed by the Harris County Commissioners and County Judge, while the remaining 12 are selected through an open application process. This structure allows residents, technical experts, nonprofit leaders, business representatives, and community advocates to help guide discussions about flood resilience across Harris County.

Helping Shape Harris County’s Future 

One of the Task Force’s defining characteristics is its emphasis on community engagement. Meetings are open to the public, providing residents with an opportunity to hear directly from County staff, learn about ongoing resilience initiatives, and observe discussions that help shape future flood mitigation priorities. Recommendations developed by the Task Force are shared with Commissioners Court, creating another avenue for public input in the County’s decision-making process.

Learn more. Get involved. 

Residents who would like to become more involved can review meeting schedules, agendas, presentation materials, member information, and past recommendations by visiting the Community Flood Resilience Task Force website. Community members are encouraged to attend public meetings, follow the progress of the Harris County Flood Resilience Plan, and stay informed about resilience initiatives taking place across the county. Those interested in serving on the Task Force can also monitor the website and Harris County announcements for future opportunities to apply when vacancies become available.

As Harris County continues investing in flood risk reduction, the Community Flood Resilience Task Force helps ensure those investments are informed not only by engineering and data, but also by the experiences and priorities of the people who live and work in the communities they are designed to protect.