Mayor Turner Congratulates the
Complete Communities University
Graduating Class of Fall 2022
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The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) announced the Complete Communities University (CCU) Fall 2022 Class graduation. Thirty-three aspiring community leaders from neighborhoods throughout the City received certificates of course completion at a graduation ceremony held on November 16 at City Hall.
CCU is an eight-week online and in-person course for residents committed to making a positive impact in their communities. Course topics include leadership development through civic engagement, volunteerism, and voter education; how city and county governments function and impact neighborhoods; and how to effectively navigate City services and local resources. The classes are conducted by DON staff with expertise in civic engagement and knowledge of Houston neighborhoods and feature presentations by subject experts with City departments and partner organizations.
“As the third graduating class of Complete Communities University, they have demonstrated leadership, dedication, and collaboration. They now have a deeper understanding of the importance of private-public partnerships to improve our City, especially the 10 Complete Communities. I am confident that Houston will be led with integrity and grit to the next generation,” said Mayor Turner.
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CCU Fall 2022 Graduates
Eileen Keller, City Council District A
Shanericka Mathew, City Council District A,
Acres Home*
Shaundra Jacobs, City Council District A
Hannah Rodriguez, City Council District B,
Acres Home*
Frederick Woods, City Council District B
Kimberly Satterwhite, City Council District B
Aja Edwards-Smith, City Council District B
Kyle Maronie, City Council District B,
Kashmere Gardens*
Tedrick Holmes, City Council District B,
Kashmere Gardens*
Benjamin Chou, City Council District C
Angel Zepeda, City Council District C
Ifran Bhaidani, City Council District C
Faith Harper, City Council District D, Third Ward*
Juenell Jackson, City Council District D, Sunnyside*
Iva Jean-Jacques, City Council District D, Sunnyside*
Victor Chironda, City Council District D, Third Ward*
Julia Salas, City Council District E
Patricio Fuentes, City Council District E
Ray Soto, City Council District E
Alex Morales, City Council District G, Gulfton*
Tyler Martin, City Council District H, Second Ward*
Marian Wright, City Council District H, Near Northside*
Kevian Conley, City Council District I
Lilly Cortez, City Council District I,
Magnolia Park-Manchester*
Melonie Curry, City Council District I, Third Ward*
Kahlia Columbus, City Council District K, Sunnyside*
Tameka Bannarbie, City Council District K,
Fort Bend Houston*
Dannika Simpson, City Council District K,
Fort Bend Houston*
Gwendolyn Smith-Johnson, City Council District K
Pedro Sepulveda, City Council At-Large
Shan Goa, City Council At-Large
Elise Ngameni, City Council At-Large
Truong Lam, City Council At-Large
*Designated a Complete Community under the mayor’s initiative benefiting historically under-resourced and under-served neighborhoods.
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Mayor Sylvester Turner Announces New Program to Help Individuals Experiencing Homelessness |
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During his annual State of the City address, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced a new program to aid efforts to house individuals on Houston's streets who are experiencing homelessness.
The city is partnering with Bread of Life to launch – Dinner to Home – a food program designed to help individuals experiencing homelessness embark on the path to being housed. The pilot program will offer dinner service at a safe, clean, and appropriate location. An array of services, including housing assessments, will be offered. The program will provide dinner four nights a week, for three months, with an option to extend for up to 10 months.
“Food alone does not solve homelessness. However, when used with services and housing, food can be
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an important tool to help trained professionals forge vital relationships needed to navigate vulnerable Houstonians into housing with wrap-around services,” said Mayor Turner.
“Houston is on the right path, but we must all do more. The Dinner to Home program pairs perfectly with all the comprehensive, holistic initiatives the city is currently working on to help our brothers and sisters experiencing homelessness, including the largest homeless housing initiative in our city’s history, the opening of the first Housing Navigation Center in the entire state, and endeavors with the private sector to secure more supportive housing units.”
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FEMA Gives Final Approval to City's
Inwood Forest Flood Mitigation Project
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FEMA has approved a significant flood mitigation project to help protect Houston from future storms. The project will provide trails, recreation, and landscaping components that complement the detention basins.
The City's plan includes transforming the former Inwood Golf Course near the Complete Community of Acres Homes. The City and the flood control district acquired the former golf course in 2011 as a potential flood mitigation facility.
The City of Houston has been awarded the construction phase of this project in the amount of $52.6 million for improvements to the Inwood Forest stormwater detention basins. The project aims to reduce localized flood risk following the devastating damage caused by Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
The City and county aim to build 12 floodwater detention basins to hold about 1,200 acre-feet of water (roughly 592 Olympic swimming pools, or enough water to fill the Astrodome).
"After experiencing seven federally declared disasters in seven years, flood mitigation remains a priority of my administration," said Mayor Turner.
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"I am grateful to Administrator Criswell for acknowledging the City of Houston's unique position and helping us to prepare for future storms by funding a project that will mitigate flooding in some of our most vulnerable neighborhoods," said Mayor Turner.
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New Scholarships Available for High School
Completion Program
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The Houston Public Library (HPL) received $75,000 in funding from The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) to expand its Career Online High School (COHS) program which provides tuition, computers and internet access to 30 new program participants in FY23. The program helps individuals 21 and older who have completed a |
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minimum of eighth grade earn a high school diploma and prepare to enter
the workforce.
"Students who want to complete their high school diploma shouldn't have to deal with the burden of extra costs. These funds will allow more students to achieve this milestone and gain other opportunities," said HPL Community Engagement Division Manager Mercedes Clarke.
Prospective COHS students can access the online application on the HPL website. The application deadline is December 30. For further information, students may contact HPL's café college location at 832-393-1737. |
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World's Largest 3D House to be Built in Houston |
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Houston will soon be home to the world's largest 3D printed house thanks to the collaborative efforts of the CIVE, PERI, and Hannah companies. |
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Once built, "House of Cores” will also be the first multi-story 3D printed structure in the U.S. Combining state of the art 3D technology and wood framing, allows for scalable projects, which could save time and money for larger structures such as multifamily and affordable housing as well as commercial buildings.
Using new technologies to improve the quality of life for residents is what makes Houston one of the most innovative cities in the nation.
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'Tis the Season to Get Vaxxed and Boosted |
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Protect yourself and your family this holiday season, by getting a COVID-19 vaccine, booster, or flu shot.
The common cold, COVID-19, and the flu are more likely to spread due to colder temperatures. As we spend more time together indoors, let us all do our part to help keep each other healthy.
The Houston Health Department has eight locations to choose from as well as three pop-up clinics for your convenience.
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New Alief Community Center Opening January 14 |
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The new Alief Community Center located at 11903 Bellaire Blvd. is a three-story, 70,000 square foot facility connected to an expansive 38-acre park. The community center is scheduled to open on Saturday, January 14.
The community center aims to support and strengthen the Alief community, serving as a shared central hub for local residents. The facility will include a regional library and family center, and host a wide variety of activities. Amenities include a skate park, soccer, football and baseball fields, a swimming pool, and courts for basketball, tennis and pickleball.
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Come to the HOPE Clinic Winter Wonderland
Drive-Thru 6th Annual Food Fair
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Join us to spread the spirit of kindness with our community at the 6th Annual Winter Wonderland 6th Annual Food Fair. The event is from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 13930 Bellaire Blvd.
HOPE Clinic and partners will be hosting the 6th Annual Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Food Distribution at the Alief Community Center.
The event will feature:
- Free food distribution
- Free COVID-19 vaccines for those aged 12+
- Music and more
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Drainage Improvements and Outfall Repair at
15015 Fondren Rd. in Fort Bend Houston
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Houston Public Works Transportation and Drainage Operations is currently working on drainage repairs at 15015 Fondren Rd. The work is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The contractor is DL Glover, Inc.
Residents in Fort Bend Houston have reported concerns in this area and should see improvements immediately once work is complete.
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Meet the Outstanding Community Leader and Public Service Award Recipients |
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The District J office hosted the Outstanding Community Leader and Public Servant Awards Reception in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Each of the recipients has proven to have a passion for service, shown dedication and a commitment to improving the lives of those who live in the district.
Congratulations to Sandra Rodriguez, Veronica Hernandez, Jose Juarez and
Claudia Hernandez!
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Alief ISD Board Recognizes Veronica Hernandez |
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Alief ISD Board recognized Ms. Veronica Hernandez, Senior Community Liaison for Southwest Area Mayor’s Assistance Office. Ms. Hernandez recently supported Alief students and families who suffered severe losses due to an apartment fire. Donations included, clothes, diapers, hygiene items pillows, blankets and back packs with school supplies, valuing over $100,000. |
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Attend the Gulfton Super Neighborhood Council Meeting |
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Gulfton Super Neighborhood Council Meeting #27
will be held on Monday, Dec. 19, at noon.
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Learn More About the Upcoming LBJ Hospital Replacement Project |
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Towards the end of fiscal year 2021, Harris Health leadership outlined a five-year strategic plan. The strategic plan includes 5 strategic pillars: Quality and Patient Safety, Infrastructure Optimization, People, One Harris Health System, and Population Health Management. In terms of infrastructure, the Harris Health estimates it could cost up to $1.2 billion to construct a new LBJ Hospital as part of its wholistic plan. Currently, LBJ Hospital has 215 hospital beds and the new hospital will include between 400-600 beds to better serve the community as the healthcare needs of residence further increase. Additionally, the hospital is 33 years old and is reaching the end of useful service. The cost of constant repairs and maintenance will increase exponentially, exceeding the cost to build a new hospital.
Aside from more hospital beds, the new hospital, which will be built on the same campus as the existing one, will include an expanded emergency center, additional trauma services, and specialty
care for cardiology, neurology, cancer services, and more. It is anticipated the
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Current LBJ Hospital, located at 5656 Kelley Street, 77026. Photo credit: Harris Health. |
new hospital will be completed in 2028. Meanwhile, the existing LBJ Hospital will continue to operate and deliver services for the community. Once the new hospital is complete, the existing building will be repurposed.
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Kashmere Gardens Super Neighborhood Meeting |
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Beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 6 p.m., and every second Tuesday of the month thereafter, the Kashmere Gardens Super Neighborhood Council #52 will be held in-person in the auditorium at the Kashmere Multi-Service Center. This will be the first in-person super neighborhood meeting since early 2020 as monthly meetings were previously held virtually through Zoom. Join the meeting to kick-start another successful and productive year. |
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Crosswalk Art Project Brings Community Together |
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Members of the Magnolia Park-Manchester community came together to paint a joyful and colorful crosswalk for Franklin Elementary School.
A big thank you to Lauren Grove from Houston Public Works, Patricia Cabrera from East End Communities, and Franklin Elementary School for making this project a reality.
Thanks for the support from AECOM, City of Houston staff and the families who came out to paint with us.
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Los miembros del área de Magnolia Park-Manchester se unieron para crear un cruce peatonal pintado alegre y colorido para la Escuela Primaria Franklin.
Un gran agradecimiento a Lauren Grove de Houston Public Works, Patricia Cabrera de East End Communities y Franklin Elementary School por hacer realidad este proyecto.
Gracias a AECOM, al personal de la Ciudad de Houston y a las familias que vinieron a pintar con nosotros.
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Update on Affordable Housing Projects
Coming to Near Northside
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The City of Houston planned to develop land at the former Yellow Cab site at 3201 Hardy Street. The City invested in the acquisition of two of the three tracts, but the Houston Land Bank was unable to invest additional money due to funding constraints.
However, the Houston Land Bank, is exploring joint ventures with other entities to ensure the acquisition of the site and development plans will proceed with the intention of addressing community needs.
The Hardy Yards Site, located at 850 Burnett Street and Fulton Street, is also being re-negotiated. The Texas Government Land Office (GLO) set a hard completion deadline of August 2024 to be eligible for funding. Because the current developer has expressed concern about being able to meet that deadline, the project is in now in the process of being re-bid. This time, development will be broken up into smaller parcels, and awarded to multiple developers. Another change is that the focus will be on patio-style homes instead of townhomes.
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Actualización sobre proyectos de vivienda asequible Llegando a
Near Northside
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La ciudad de Houston planeó desarrollar terrenos en el antiguo sitio de Yellow Cab en 3201 Hardy Street. La Ciudad invirtió en la adquisición de dos de los tres terrenos, pero Houston Land Bank no puede invertir fondos adicionales debido a restricciones de financiamiento.
Sin embargo, Houston Land Bank está explorando empresas conjuntas con otras entidades para garantizar que la adquisición del sitio y los planes de desarrollo continúen con la intención de abordar las necesidades de la comunidad.
El sitio de Hardy Yards, ubicado en 850 Burnett Street y Fulton Street, también se está renegociando. La Oficina de Tierras del Gobierno de Texas (GLO, por sus siglas en inglés) fijó una fecha límite de finalización estricta de agosto de 2024 para ser elegible para la financiación. Debido a que el desarrollador actual ha expresado su preocupación por poder cumplir con ese plazo, el proyecto se encuentra ahora en proceso de volver a licitarse. Esta vez, el desarrollo se dividirá en parcelas más pequeñas y se otorgará a varios desarrolladores. Otro cambio es que la atención se centrará en las casas estilo patio, no en las casas adosadas.
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View the Latest Renderings of the Finca Tres Robles Urban Farm |
Second Ward, have you had a chance to see the renderings of the new Finca Tres Robles urban farm? Finca is working with another East End partner RDLR Architects, to create the visualizations of the environment.
Second Ward residents can look forward to a grocery store, classroom, pavilion, and three new oak trees. You can see the renderings and find out more information about the Small Places campaign or to donate to the cause.
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Vea los últimos renders
de la granja urbana
Finca Tres Robles
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Barrio Segundo, ¿has tenido oportunidad de ver los renders de la nueva finca urbana Finca Tres Robles? Finca está trabajando con otro socio de East End, RDLR Architects, para crear las visualizaciones del entorno.
Los residentes de Second Ward pueden esperar una tienda de comestibles, un salón de clases, un pabellón y tres robles nuevos. Puedes ver los renders y obtener más información sobre la campaña Small Places o para donar a la causa.
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Urban Farmers Open Produce Store in Sunnyside
To Provide Much Needed Fresh Foods
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There's a new urban farm in town launched by Ivy Lawrence-Walls and Jeremy Peaches. They recently held a soft opening for their joint venture, Fresh Houwse Grocery, an 800 square-foot store located at 5039 Reed Road.
The pair are continuing to tackle the persistent food desert issue in Sunnyside by stocking fresh fruits and vegetables along with basic household necessities such as grains and spices.
"We're a Bodega-style, get it how you live grocery store," Lawrence-Walls said. "In order to make healthy eating a (lifestyle), you have to be available, consistent and convenient."
Eventually, Ivy and Jeremy hope to hire staff from the local community so they can focus on the farming side of the business. Fresh Houwse is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
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Complete Communities is a collaborative effort involving the community and all City of Houston Departments and Divisions with City leadership from:
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