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Using the past to understand future property acquisitions: an examination of historic voluntary and mandatory household relocations

Author

Listed:
  • Elyse Zavar

    (University of North Texas)

  • Sherri Brokopp Binder

    (BrokoppBinder Research and Consulting)

  • Alex Greer

    (University at Albany)

  • Amber Breaux

    (Texas State University)

Abstract

As climate change continues to exacerbate hazard losses across the USA, many communities are seeking to permanently reduce their hazard exposure by relocating households out of high-risk areas. In the USA, governments have traditionally relocated households using two mechanisms: buyout programs and eminent domain. Although both programs acquire private properties for public ownership and use, buyout programs are defined as voluntary by government entities, whereas eminent domain is compulsory. For decades, Harris County, Texas, has used both voluntary buyouts and eminent domain to relocate households out of flood-prone areas for different uses; buyouts produce open space, whereas eminent domain is used for flood risk reduction projects Although the literature on buyouts continues to grow, especially related to managed retreat, little research considers mandated relocation in response to hazard in the USA despite the increasing potential and calls for mandated relocations due to sea level rise and other climate-induced hazards. To address this gap in the literature, we analyze county records spanning approximately 100 years to examine the geographic patterns related to Harris County’s use of eminent domain and buyouts programs to mitigate flood hazards. Integrating these records into a Geographic Information System, this novel study is the first to compare these two programs and consider the implications for future managed retreat.

Suggested Citation

  • Elyse Zavar & Sherri Brokopp Binder & Alex Greer & Amber Breaux, 2023. "Using the past to understand future property acquisitions: an examination of historic voluntary and mandatory household relocations," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 116(2), pages 1973-1993, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:nathaz:v:116:y:2023:i:2:d:10.1007_s11069-022-05749-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s11069-022-05749-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robin Kundis Craig, 2019. "Coastal adaptation, government-subsidized insurance, and perverse incentives to stay," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 152(2), pages 215-226, January.
    2. Alex Greer & Sherri Brokopp Binder, 2017. "A Historical Assessment of Home Buyout Policy: Are We Learning or Just Failing?," Housing Policy Debate, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(3), pages 372-392, May.
    3. John P. Barile & Sherri Brokopp Binder & Charlene K. Baker, 2020. "Recovering after a Natural Disaster: Differences in Quality of Life across Three Communities after Hurricane Sandy," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 15(4), pages 1151-1159, September.
    4. Jeanne Dachary-Bernard & Helene Rey-Valette & Bénédicte Rulleau, 2019. "Preferences among coastal and inland residents relating to managed retreat: Influence of risk perception in acceptability of relocation strategies," Post-Print hal-02049356, HAL.
    5. Kelsey Peterson & Emily Apadula & David Salvesen & Miyuki Hino & Rebecca Kihslinger & Todd K. BenDor, 2020. "A Review of Funding Mechanisms for US Floodplain Buyouts," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-20, December.
    6. Sherri Brokopp Binder & Alex Greer, 2016. "The Devil Is in the Details: Linking Home Buyout Policy, Practice, and Experience After Hurricane Sandy," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 4(4), pages 97-106.
    7. Okmyung Bin & Jamie Brown Kruse & Craig E. Landry, 2008. "Flood Hazards, Insurance Rates, and Amenities: Evidence From the Coastal Housing Market," Journal of Risk & Insurance, The American Risk and Insurance Association, vol. 75(1), pages 63-82, March.
    8. Alex Greer & Sherri Brokopp Binder & Elyse Zavar, 2022. "From Hazard Mitigation to Climate Adaptation: A Review of Home Buyout Program Literature," Housing Policy Debate, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 32(1), pages 152-170, January.
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