President's Message Auggie Campbell, President, West Houston Association The rain from the “Tax Day” Floods fell especially hard on Greater West Houston. Considering where the rain fell, Greater West Houston produced far fewer than expected of the over 5,890 homes and 1,066 apartment units that flooded. Economists at BBVA Compass estimate losses from the Tax Day Floods at between $1.3B and $1.9B--the costliest natural disaster to hit Houston since Tropical Storm Allison. The eight fatalities that occurred in the flooding were vehicle related. These deaths were tragic but avoidable if people would have listened to officials' call to stay off roads. Our government officials deserve recognition for their disaster response. All levels of government showed tremendous coordination, leadership, and determination to minimize the risk and toll of the flood on people and property. We are fortunate to have mayors, county judges, firefighters, police officers, emergency responders, and other public servants who performed their jobs so well. I hope that a public discourse on responsible solutions to flooding issues will follow suit. Editorials on Houston's flooding problems appeared on the front page of the Chronicle as well as the BBC, CNBC, and other national and international news outlets almost as quickly as the flood. The idea that growth or pavement caused the flooding seems at odds with the facts. Based on reports from government agencies, the vast majority of property damage occurred in neighborhoods built in the flood plain or built before 1980, prior to current detention requirements. Areas flooded because they were in watersheds that received record-setting rain fall. Even in those areas, it appears that neighborhoods outside of the floodplain and with on-site detention generally did not flood. Before arriving at a solution, all parties should look hard at the facts and engage in thorough analysis. I believe that the solution to flooding in Greater Houston will require what the West Houston Association has stood for since its inception: leadership in quality planning, proper infrastructure design, and responsible development. Public officials should look for well-reasoned ways to improve flood control regulation and for ways to place a higher priority on funding and implementation of drainage projects. This will not be easy, given the competing ideas and priorities, but it is worth the effort and our support. Through its members, the West Houston Association will continue to support those leaders who work to provide better infrastructure and planning. Houston's flooding problems are bigger than a political subdivision and will require cooperation on all levels. Our region needs solutions grounded in facts and science and leaders that will keep investing in the future and provide the best outcome for all Houstonians. Thanks to our members and leaders who contribute to finding those solutions and making Houston a better, safer place to live.