Texas’ Flood Prone Future: Where Politics Trumps Protection

The devastating floods that ravaged Kerr County in 2025 were a stark reminder of the consequences of development in flood-prone areas. For Joan Connor and her husband, who survived the disaster by clinging to their pergola, rebuilding seemed like the only option.

However, just over a year later, their home flooded again, raising questions about the efficacy of Texas’ building regulations. The Guadalupe River’s 2025 flood was one of the deadliest in recent history, claiming at least 119 lives in Kerr County alone. Connor and her husband were among the lucky ones, but many others weren’t so fortunate.

A ProPublica and The Texas Tribune investigation in May exposed decades of missed opportunities for Texas legislators to protect residents in flood-prone areas. Despite warnings from experts, the state lagged behind other U.S. states in implementing stringent elevation rules for buildings at risk of flooding. As a result, research showed that more flood deaths occurred in Texas than any other state.

This lack of action has serious implications for communities like Connor’s. The majority of people who died in the 2025 Central Texas flood were in areas identified as flood-prone by the federal government. Building regulations have not kept pace with the risks, and residents continue to bear the brunt of it.

Homeowners like Laura Cane choose to repair and rebuild, driven by a desire to stay in their community and protect their investments. However, this decision is often based on financial calculations rather than a genuine concern for safety. As Connor acknowledged, “We don’t think a thing like that will happen again in our lifetime.” But the statistics suggest otherwise.

The state’s response to the floods has been patchwork at best. Lawmakers passed legislation requiring youth camp cabins to be moved away from flood-prone spots, but this change came too late for many who lost their lives. The state’s top leaders have yet to take a unified stance on stricter building rules, and their inaction is a testament to the power of special interests.

As Texas continues to grapple with the aftermath of these disasters, one thing is clear: the status quo will only lead to more devastation. Until lawmakers prioritize the safety of residents over development interests, communities like Connor’s will remain at risk. It’s time for a fundamental shift in how we approach building regulations and flood protection.

The rebuilding efforts underway are laudable, but they should not come at the expense of sound policy. For those who cannot afford to rebuild, what about the families who lost everything? The state’s failure to address these issues head-on has left many feeling disillusioned and uncertain.

In the face of such tragedy, it is essential to reexamine our priorities. Flood protection is not just a moral imperative but also an economic one. The costs of rebuilding after each disaster are staggering, and the human toll is incalculable. By prioritizing development over people, Texas lawmakers have put their constituents at risk.

The 2025 floods marked a turning point for many Texans, who witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of flood-prone development. For Connor, it was a harsh reminder that even after rebuilding, disaster can strike again. As she and her husband navigate the aftermath of this latest flood, they are not alone in their struggles. The state’s failure to act will only continue to put lives at risk.

The path forward is clear: stricter building regulations, more stringent elevation rules, and a genuine commitment to protecting residents from the dangers of flood-prone development. Until then, communities like Connor’s will remain trapped between politics and protection, with their futures hanging precariously in the balance.