The Austin Watershed Protection Department held a press conference on May 23, 2025, to commemorate the ten-year anniversary of the 2015 Memorial Day floods. The meeting focused on the heroic efforts of first responders and community members during the disaster, as well as ongoing flood preparedness and mitigation strategies.

The conference began with a recounting of the events of May 2015, where first responders quickly mobilized to assist residents as floodwaters began to rise. A representative highlighted the rapid transition from a typical rainy day to a crisis, with emergency units responding to water-related calls by 9 AM. The establishment of "Quicksilver Command" in the Pleasant Valley area allowed for organized evacuations, with firefighters and EMS personnel working alongside community members to rescue those in danger.

The speaker emphasized the importance of community involvement, noting that many residents helped their neighbors during the crisis. Despite the successful evacuations, the situation escalated quickly, leading to firefighters sheltering in place with community members until it was safe to continue rescue operations. The speaker urged the public to remain vigilant and prepared for future flooding events, stressing the significance of personal safety and the preservation of important belongings.

Assistant Chief Kevin Parker of Austin Travis County EMS addressed the broader impact of the floods on the region, detailing the collaborative efforts between various emergency services and the establishment of the Emergency Operations Center. He noted the lessons learned over the past decade, which have informed improvements in flood response and community safety measures.

Mayor Pro Tem Fuentes concluded the meeting by highlighting the ongoing challenges of flood preparedness, particularly in Southeast Austin, where a significant FEMA grant was recently lost. The discussion underscored the personal stakes involved for residents who have experienced multiple flooding events.

The press conference served as a reminder of the community's resilience and the importance of continued efforts in flood mitigation and emergency preparedness as Austin reflects on the past decade since the devastating floods.