Sea Level Rise Already Costing Texas Property Owners, Study Says

Ongoing research into the loss of coastal property assets has been expanded to the state of Texas.

1 minute read

April 26, 2019, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Texas

Nataliia Martseniuk / Shutterstock

Perla Trevizo shares the findings of a study by First Street Foundation and Columbia University that calculates the cost of sea level in 18 other coastal states. Trevizo focuses on Texas for the Houston Chronicle after researchers added Texas property data to its expanding dataset.

The bad news: Homeowners have already lost $76.4 million in potential property value, with the biggest losses coming in Galveston.

Using a combination of real estate transactions and tidal flooding exposure, [the study] found that from 2005 to 2017, homes in Galveston lost $9.1 million in potential value, followed by Jamaica Beach (which lost $8.6. million) and the Bolivar Peninsula ($8.1 million). It’s not necessarily that these coastal homes decreased in value by these amounts, the authors say, but that they didn’t appreciate as much as similar homes not exposed to tidal flooding. Researchers factored in square footage, proximity to amenities and economic trends like the 2008 housing recession.

Trevizo's article includes more details about sea level rise in Texas.

Tuesday, April 23, 2019 in Houston Chronicle

Electric car charging area in a parking lot at a Costco in Clermont, Florida.

Florida Law Bars Cities From Regulating EV Chargers

Under the new law, cities cannot require charging infrastructure in local codes.

July 28, 2024 - JD Supra

Aerial view of layered overpasses and highway intersections filled with cars.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ethical: A Moral Philosopher's Perspective on Sustainable Urban Mobility

In the United States, a nation marked by unparalleled car reliance, the environmental and health consequences of car dependency pose a significant ethical dilemma for urban planners, policymakers, and engineers.

July 21, 2024 - Mustafa Haque

An aerial view of the town of Breckenridge, Colorado, in the foreground with lots of businesses, houses, and a ski resort, with green treed mountains in the backround and taller snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Federal Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Short-Term Rental Ordinance

A group of homeowners in Summit, Colorado, filed a federal lawsuit alleging that a local ordinance imposing short-term rental license caps and annual booking limits is unlawful and violates their rights.

July 19, 2024 - Summit Daily

Aerial view of electric bus parked next to silver SUV in parking lot in Austin, Texas. Bus says "All eelctric buses" on side.

Austin Transit Agency Backs Down on Electric Bus Pledge

Technology problems, short ranges, and supply chain issues hinder Cap Metro’s ambitious electrification plan.

45 minutes ago - KUT

Public transit bus on Chicago street with tall historic buildings in background.

Chicago Transit Report Calls for Income-Based Fares, Paratransit Funding

An RTA report highlights a need for state funding to bridge an imminent $730 budget shortfall, calling for an approach that relies less heavily on fare revenue.

1 hour ago - Streetsblog Chicago

Milwaukee, Wisconsin skyline with houses in foreground.

‘Growing MKE’ Zoning Reform Plan Would Expand Milwaukee Housing Options

Proponents of the plan say the changes would help reverse decades of discriminatory housing policies.

2 hours ago - Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.