Our nation is surely mourning. The lives lost in two mass shootings in Buffalo, NY, and Uvalde, TX, just days apart, have left us bereft and unable to make sense of the senseless. One thing is for sure, we must act now. We can no longer afford to just point fingers at one another and put politics before people. Council Member Edward Pollard drafted the open letter below to express his thoughts around the Buffalo mass shooting, which targeted African Americans. Since the Uvale shooting, he has called for every leader from every background and affiliation to denounce these acts, but it will take each one of us to combat these senseless acts of violence. Click here to read the letter in its entirety.

June 1st through November 30th is the official duration of Hurricane Season. Houston has seen more than its fair share of major hurricanes over the years, which is why it is imperative that all residents get prepared in the event of a storm. Council Member Pollard has partnered with Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle to create a video that provides information on how to prepare during this season. Commissioner Cagle has the Community Assistance Department up and running 24 hours a day to answer reports of issues regarding boards and bridges, fallen trees or flooding. The number is 832-927-4444.

Residents are encouraged to download the City of Houston's Hurricane Disaster Guide, which is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, French and Arabic.

Click here to view all the summer camp options.

A nationwide shortage of lifeguards has forced cities across the country to modify pool availability this summer. In Houston, one pool per district will be open on a limited schedule until more lifeguards are available. In District J, the pool at Sharpstown Center, located at 6855A Harbor Town, Houston, 77036, will be open during the following days and times:

Dozens of people came out to the District J Redistricting meeting held in the first week of May. Council Member Pollard was joined by Mayor Sylvester Turner and other city dignitaries to educate residents about the redistricting process and to hear from District J residents. The meeting also included a review of several major capital projects taking place in Southwest Houston. Margaret Wallace Brown, director of the Planning and Development Department was also in attendance.

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the Houston Public Library Central Branch showcased watercolor paintings by the late Chen Zong Ho, The Change’s of Taiwan’s Landscape, in an effort to promote Asian culture and art. District J is the proud home of an active community of Asian residents and business owners who greatly contribute to vibrant life in Houston. Council Member Pollard was asked to introduce Mayor Turner at the library's celebration. Special thanks goes to the daughter of Cheng Zong Ho, Yvonne Chen, for coordinating the exhibit, Alice Lee for emceeing, the Houston Public Library for hosting, and all the dignitaries and guests in attendance.

The cost of housing is rising throughout the nation, making the need for affordable housing a necessity. The Gulfton neighborhood is now home to a new affordable housing development, the first of its kind in the area in over a decade. Council Member Pollard was joined by Mayor Turner at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the S. Rice Apartments, which offers modern dwelling accommodations for working families. Thanks to the Housing Department, Complete Communities, and all the departments, stakeholders, and community organizations that played a role in the support of this project. Thank you also to Stedman Grigsby and the Brownstone Group for working with the District J office to make this project a reality.

Council Member Pollard participated in a panel titled "So You Want to Run for Office," hosted by the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals in conjunction with the Houston Area Urban League Center for Social Justice and Education. Other speakers on the panel included Shekira Dennis, Glen Austin and Representative Jasmine Crockett, with Ray Shackelford serving as moderator. Civic leadership and engagement is needed from people of all walks of life. Council Member Pollard and other panelists provided insight into the various ways to become engaged in public service. Special acknowledgment to HAUL President Judson Robinson and HAULYP President Victoria Hart for their leadership.

Council Member Pollard was in attendance at the annual Africa Day celebration held at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The event highlights different African cultures with music, performances, art and cuisine. Houston has an active African community, and many Consul Generals, Ambassadors, Prime Ministers, and other dignitaries from Africa traveled to the city for this grand event. Special thanks the city’s Trade and International Affairs Department, Houston

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the Spark Park at Jane Long Academy, which is located in District J. Spark Parks are collaborations between schools and communities that transform school parks into neighborhood parks that allow access in evenings and weekends in areas that do not have neighborhood parks within a 10 minute walk from the school. This new park includes fitness equipment, a playground, 40 trees with irrigation, bleachers, fresh paint, additional trash cans, and a soccer pitch. A quarter mile track was improved with crush granite, the basketball area was repaired and re-striped, and a new entry gate on Tarnef St. in Sharpstown was decorated with tiles painted by students.

The City of Houston Office of Business opportunity requested Council Member Pollard make remarks at the Business Beyond Boarders Summit at the Ion. The event allowed attendees to hear from leading international strategists and business professionals to gain insight and connections to assist in effectively engaging the global market and propelling Houston as a true global partner. Special thanks to OBO Director, Marsha Murray, and her Deputy, Lalla Morris for their leadership, as well as Raoul Keddy and Vanessa Cole.

Council Member Pollard had the honor of being the guest speaker at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) After Conference Reception. The event was hosed by Energy Sustainability Capital and Proline Power and Gas LLC. OTC is the largest energy conference in the world and brings thousands of energy professionals to the city to exchange ideas, knowledge and resources. Houston is the headquarters and intellectual capital for virtually every segment of the energy industry including exploration, production, transmission, marketing, supply, and technology.

Houston Modern Luxury magazine has included Council Member Pollard on its list of Power Players for 2022. The publication profiled the Council Member's work in the public sector as well as his legal practice and his philanthropic efforts with his nonprofit Suits for Success..

District J Patrol is a three-pronged approach to public safety bridging the gap between the law enforcement officers in District J and the communities they serve. Sponsored by the District J office, this pilot initiative includes community patrolling by Houston Police Department’s Differential Response Team (DRT), the use of two Polaris vehicles and the District J Patrol Task Force. Residents may report small neighborhood violations and infringements, such as panhandling, loitering, overgrown lots, graffiti, homeless encampments and other public nuisances. To file a report, visit the online portal at www.DistrictJPatrol.com. 

To learn more about our new modern approach to community policing, or to file a report regarding a quality of life issue, please visit www.districtjpatrol.com. To retrieve data, research policy, or to file a complaint online, visit houstontx.gov/policetransparency.

Phone: (832) 393-3015