In 2026, the release of the MAAPnext draft maps signaled a major shift in how Houston assesses flood risk, incorporating NOAA Atlas 14 data into federal flood mapping for the first time. For the Houston Independent School District, the implications are significant: Nearly 90 campuses are now identified as being in higher-risk zones.
In this episode, Edward M. Emmett, former Harris County judge, and policy analyst Bill King join Heidi Russell to discuss the long-term policy implications for Houston’s educational infrastructure. The conversation examines the fiscal pressures associated with rising insurance costs, how facility vulnerability may affect student well-being, and the steps parents can take to advocate for more resilient schools.
This conversation was recorded on May 27, 2026.
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Mentioned in this episode:
Clear, expert-informed conversations on child health and the policies that shape children’s lives, hosted by Heidi Russell, director of the Baker Institute Center for Health Policy.
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