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November 4, 2022 Issue 118 |
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Dear residents,
As the Chairman of the City of Houston’s Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee, transparency and accessibility to the City’s budget and finances are extremely important. Two years ago, I worked with City of Houston Controller Chris Brown on creating a website to do just that and with the support of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, I am happy to announce the City of Houston is enhancing the use of technology to engage citizens and increase financial transparency.
In April 2021, the City of Houston created the Open Finance Initiative to provide greater transparency into the City's finances. Mayor Turner announced the City is launching an open finance initiative to allow Houstonians to track how public funds are being utilized. This includes publishing relevant, accessible datasets about the City's budget, checkbook, and payroll. It also provides simple data visualizations to help the public explore the City's financial activities.
In July, the City of Houston initiated phase one of the Open Finance Initiatives with the publishing of the City’s Open Budget which allows residents to review revenue and expenditures in addition to budgeted amounts and actual amounts in real-time. Yesterday, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the second phase go-live of the Open Finance Initiative, which is Open Payroll. Open Payroll publishes City of Houston Payroll information to allow Houstonians to see how city employees are being compensated.
The goal of making this information accessible to the public is to help measure policy efforts, increase government operation and process efficiency, provide deeper analytical insights, and promote citizen participation. Open data initiatives increase transparency, enhancing the collaboration between residents and their elected leaders. These efforts empower residents to get involved and understand the City's financial activities.
I could not be more supportive of these initiatives to increase transparency and promote resident engagement. This is a great time for the City of Houston and I look forward to being a part of the Open Finance Initiative in its infancy and watching it grow with time. You can find the objectives of the Open Finance Initiative as well as the datasets online here (https://openfinance.houstontx.gov).
The final phase of the Open Finance Initiative is the Open Checkbook, expected January 2023, which will detail expenditure-level payment information, detailing expenses remitted to various vendors and/or payment recipients. Currently, the City of Houston’s Finance Department, under the direction of Director Will Jones, is working with the Information Technology department to provide online tutorials on how the Open Finance Initiative works and provide an easy-to-use guide for navigating this new resource.
If you have any feedback on the Open Budget or Open Payroll aspects of this initiative the City of Houston's Finance department accepts feedback/questions at the following locations:
Finance Department
611 Walker, 10th Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Ph: 832.393.9120
Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department
611 Walker, 13th Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Ph: 832.393.8501
Today is the last day of early voting, polls are open until 7:00 p.m., so make sure if you have not voted to visit www.harrisvotes.com, get your sample ballot and head to the polls. Harris County Voters can vote anywhere in the county and have wait times posted online so you can check each polling location’s wait before you get there.
The District E Office will be closed next Friday, November 11, in observance of Veteran’s Day. I plan to honor our City’s Veterans by participating in the City’s Veteran’s Day Parade, taking place at City Hall on November 11, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. I offer my prayers to those families who live every day with invisible wounds of war, may all Veterans find peace and honor in their service to our country.
The District E office will also be closed for Thanksgiving on November 24th & 25th. I wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday with their family and loved ones.
Lastly, GO ASTROS!!!
Sincerely,
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Mayor Pro Dave Martin
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 393-3008
The District E Team
Jessica Beemer
Chief of Staff
Dustin Hodges
North Sector Manager
Mark Mitchell
South Sector Manager
Michael McKnight
Executive Assistant
Romina Sahagun
Fall Intern
City Resources
Kingwood Community Center
(281) 348-2570
Community Resources
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Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Honors Senator Larry Taylor |
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Mayor Pro Tem Martin attended the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s Tribute to Senator Larry Taylor. Senator Taylor is a lifelong Texan, having grown up in Friendswood. Senator Taylor served five terms in the Texas House of Representatives, before his election to the Texas Senate in 2012 where he served five terms.
During his time in the Texas Senate, Senator Taylor served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education while serving on many other committees. Senator Taylor’s decision not to run for reelection was felt by all in Senate District 11.
Larry will remain a key player in our community, advocating for the people he has always lovingly served.
Thank you, Senator Taylor, for all your years of selfless dedication and service to our community.
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Houston-Japan Investment And Trade Mission |
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At the end of October, Mayor Pro Tem Martin joined Mayor Turner and the Greater Houston Partnership on an investment and trade mission to Japan to establish new avenues for cooperation in energy, innovation, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and transportation/mobility. During the week-long mission, Mayor Turner, Mayor Pro Tem Martin, Council Member David Robinson, GHP CEO Bob Harvey, and other delegation members met with high-ranking government leaders and business executives in the Japanese cities of Tokyo and Chiba to promote Houston's economic, governmental and cultural ties.
On Tuesday, October 25, the City of Houston and the City of Chiba marked 50 years of sister-city friendship at a special celebration with a delegation of Houston business and governmental leaders visiting Chiba. Mayor Turner met with Chiba Mayor Shunichi Kamiya and additional Houston delegation members, including Greater Houston Partnership President and CEO Bob Harvey, Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin, Council Member David Robinson, and other dignitaries. The celebration included in-depth meetings to discuss economic meetings, tours of Chiba landmarks, and a formal reception dinner. During a gift exchange to commemorate the special occasion, Mayor Turner presented Houston Astros jerseys to Toshihito Kumagai, governor of the Chiba Prefecture, and Chiba Mayor Kamiya. Both elected leaders are baseball enthusiasts and have attended games at Minute Maid Park.
In 2021, Houston-Japan trade surged to a decade-high of $12 billion, according to the GHP. The increase in total trade can be attributed to the rise in the import value of industrial equipment, computers, electrical machinery, and parts, and motor vehicles and parts, as well as an increase in the export value of fuels and refined products, plastics, and plastic products, and organic chemicals.
Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin and the rest of the delegation met with many different corporate representatives that form the bedrock of this crucial economic relationship, including Toshiba (bottom picture). The delegation additionally had the chance to meet with various local government officials in Japan, such as Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike (center right picture). The 50th Anniversary of the Sister City relationship with Chiba, Japan was also celebrated, and Chiba's Mayor was presented with an Astros jersey (top picture).
During the trade mission to Japan, Mayor Turner, Mayor Pro Tem Martin, and members of the delegation learned more about the Japanese company that is the model for plans to develop a bullet train in Texas.
The briefing began with a Texas Central update on the status of the proposed Houston - Dallas bullet train project. Texas Central has assembled a world-class team to construct the system and reached regulatory milestones.
Following the briefing, the delegation connected with Japan Railway Central (JRC) for an exclusive tour of the Shinkansen control and training centers, followed by a ride on the bullet train from Tokyo to Mishima, Japan. Over the Shinkansen's 50-plus-year history, carrying over 10 billion passengers, there has not been a single passenger fatality or injury on board due to train derailments or collisions, according to the JRC.
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Ellington Area Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention |
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The Houston Airport Systems in conjunction with the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership hosted the Ellington Area Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention Event at the Lonestar Flight Museum. This event brought to light the very often overshadowed issue of Human Trafficking that plagues not only our city, but the entire country.
Human Trafficking is one of the most serious threats facing our society. Thankfully, there are many resources provided by reputable organizations that work to reduce the tragic impacts of human trafficking. One such organization is the Texas Human Trafficking Resource Center, which works to connect both survivors of human trafficking and those currently being trafficked to those who wish to help them.
The Blue Lighting Initiative trains aviation personnels to identify potential traffickers and human trafficking victims, and to report their suspicions to federal law enforcement.
To contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline:
Call: 1-888-373-7888 (TTY:711)
Text: 233733
You can watch a recording of the Ellington Area Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention Event Press Conference, here.
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Collections and Facility Schedule for Veterans Day |
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In observance of Veterans Day on Friday, November 11, 2022, there will be no collection services.
All facilities, including Neighborhood Depositories, Westpark Recycling Center, Environmental Service Center, Reuse Warehouse, and administrative offices will be closed.
Please note, collection schedules will be delayed through the end of the week. All regularly scheduled Friday services will be provided on Saturday (11/12) and Sunday (11/13). All neighborhood depositories, Westpark Recycling Center, Environmental Service Center, and Reuse Warehouse will resume normal operating hours on Saturday, November 12, 2022
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Adult and Teen Challenge of Texas |
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On Thursday, October 6th, Mayor Pro Tem Martin had the honor of presenting a proclamation on behalf of the City of Houston to the Adult and Teen Challenge of Texas at their organization's Gala. The Adult and Teen Challenge of Texas provides critical services to adults and teenagers recovering from drug and alcohol addictions, and the services they provide to our communities are truly worthy of recognition. |
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City Council Approves Redistricting Plan |
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Houston City Council voted on October 12 to approve and adopt a redistricting plan that will establish new boundaries of single-member City Council districts effective January 2024.
The redistricting plan was developed based on 2020 Census data, redistricting criteria approved by City Council, public input as well as analysis by the Planning and Development Department, the City's Demographer, and the City’s legal counsel.
Census 2020 data showed that the distribution of population among current City Council districts is materially imbalanced, thus requiring redistricting to comply with the "one-person, one-vote" equal population principle established by the U.S. Constitution.
City Council undertook the process of redistricting in 2022 to establish new boundaries more than a year before the November 2023 General Election. This will allow prospective City Council candidates to verify residency eligibility to run in a single-member district before the November 2023 General Election filing period. The new district boundaries will be used for the purpose of electing District Council Members at the City General Election to be held on November 7, 2023, and will go into effect for terms of office beginning on January 2, 2024.
“Representation matters, and redistricting requires tough decisions that will affect our Council districts for the next 10 years. The law requires us to balance the populations of our Council districts and that is what we accomplished after much thoughtful discussion,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “This is a complicated process with many moving parts, and I fully appreciate all the feedback we received from residents and civic groups, as well as the hard work from of our redistricting experts and Planning Department employees.”
Redistricting public engagement opportunities included one virtual meeting and 12 in-person town hall meetings, with at least one located in each Council District. Residents could submit questions, comments and alternative plans through an online portal and via email. The City held three public hearings in July and offered an extended public comment period. Residents were also invited to use a computer with specialized software in the Planning Department lobby to submit their own alternative redistricting plan. Through the process, proposed plans and revisions were accessible to the public on the redistricting website.
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Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 60th Anniversary & Chairman’s Ball
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District E Staff attended the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Ball, to celebrate the Chamber’s 60th Anniversary and to honor the 2021-2022 Chairman of the Board Kristi Koncaba.
The theme for the night was “Here Comes the Sun” and guests dressed in their best Sixties attire. During the celebration, J.P. Morris was welcomed as the 2022-2023 Chairman of the Board.
Thank you, Kristi, for all your hard work and dedication to the community.
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Humble ISD Retires Travis Swanson's Football Jersey |
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On Friday, October 28th, District E staff had the privilege of presenting a Proclamation to Travis Swanson upon the retirement of Swanson’s No. 65 Kingwood High School jersey prior to the Mustangs game.
Swanson began playing football in the Kingwood Football League and went on to play at Kingwood High School under Coach Dougald McDougald. In his senior year at Kingwood High School, Swanson was named first team All-State and was a finalist for the Greater Houston Area Offensive Player of the Year.
Following a standout high school career at Kingwood, Swanson went on to play at the University of Arkansas. He was named the Razorback’s starting center in 2010 and was selected to the SEC All-Freshman Team. Swanson was named a two-time team captain, and he is only one of 11 Razorbacks to ever accomplish that feat. During his junior season, Swanson was named second-team, All-Southeastern Conference, and first-team, All-American by USA Today. Swanson was the third center in the Arkansas Football program history to earn All-American honors.
In the 2014 NFL Draft, Swanson was selected by the Detroit Lions in the third round with the 76th overall pick. On December 28, 2014, Swanson made his first NFL start against the Green Bay Packers. Swanson spent four seasons with the Lions and then finished his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins. He played 65 games in his NFL career with 53 starts before retiring in 2019.
Swanson is married to his college sweetheart Emily and they have two daughters, Kendyl and Sloane. Swanson becomes the third athlete in Humble ISD history to have a jersey retired. Mayor Pro Tem Martin congratulates and commends Travis Swanson on this very special occasion and extends best wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.
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Clear Lake High School 50th Anniversary |
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In early October, Clear Lake High School celebrated its 50th Anniversary. The celebration was kicked off at the Friday night Homecoming football game.
To commemorate this great achievement, District E staff presented a Proclamation from the City of Houston at the 50th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony.
The weekend of events was capped off with the 50th Anniversary Family Fun-day Celebration that included the Alumni vs. Current Students basketball game.
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Sylvan Rodriguez Park Prairie Planting Event |
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District E Staff attended The Houston Parks & Recreation Department prairie planting event at Sylvan Rodriguez Park in October, which is part of a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Grant Program. With the most recent 11 acres cleared of invasive tree species; the Parks Department’s Natural Resource Department has cleared a total of 72 acres at Sylvan Rodriguez Park.
The goal of this program is to restore the park to its natural coastal prairie habitat by seeding and planting native grasses, and flowers.
If you are interested in learning more about the program or volunteering, please click here.
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Space Center Houston’s New Vision |
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Mayor Pro Tem Martin attended and spoke at Space Center Houston’s New Vision Unveiling on October 18th. Space Center Houston has played a vital role in our community for the past 30 years, not only as a global tourism destination, and a point of pride for the City of Houston; with the new vision, Space Center Houston will be the epicenter for space exploration and training.
For more information on Space Center Houston’s new vision, and plans for a 100-acre Lunar / Mars immersive experience and learning center, please visit here.
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A New Program to Help Individuals Experiencing Homelessness |
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During his annual State of the City address Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced a new program to aid efforts to house individuals experiencing homelessness on Houston’s streets.
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.
The program is designed to attract individuals who may not normally engage with the homeless housing system by providing food that people want to eat in a respectful, dignified atmosphere with tables, chairs, trash receptacles, restrooms, and cover (during inclement weather). Above all, an array of services, including housing assessments, will be reoccurring.
The program will provide dinner four nights a week, for three months, with an option to extend for up to 10 months. The program will be operated and managed by Bread of Life, a local not-for-profit with a track record of successfully working with vulnerable Houstonians.
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2022 Village Centers Annual Gala |
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The Village Centers hosted their annual gala on Saturday, October 29th where Mayor Pro Tem Martin was recognized for his advocacy and unwavering support for the Village Centers during his tenure as a Council Member.
Since 2015, the City of Houston has awarded nearly $5,200,000 in grant funds. The first award came in March of 2015 when Houston City Council awarded the Village Centers $3,000,000 to assist with the purchase of the building where the Village Centers operate their day programs to this day. An additional $2,154,837 in grant funding has been awarded since 2016 to help fund vocational training, one-on-one job training, and supportive employment services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The annual gala serves as a fundraiser for the Village Centers in support of their mission is to create the support and services needed to effect positive changes in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and our local community, so that these individuals may reach their maximum potential and level of independence.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin firmly believes supporting our nonprofit communities, that promote creating inclusive opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is crucial to the strength of our community as a whole.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin, would like the event’s chairs Jay & Sally Mincks, Village Centers Executive Director Kristy Conrad, and Kim Brusatori. He would also like to thank Mayor Turner and his Council colleagues who have been overwhelmingly supportive of providing the grant funding to Village Centers throughout these years.
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South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce Taste of Space |
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Congratulations to the South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce on their wonderful Evening of Cuisine event Taste of Space, at the Lonestar Flight Museum. The event featured many amazing local businesses and sponsors. A special thank you to Clear Brook City MUD for allowing the District E Office Staff to be your guest. |
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Houston Public Works Capital Projects has launched a new feature that will introduce the public to various active designs and construction projects in Houston.
The feature consists of a short video that briefs the listener about ongoing major projects throughout the City while displaying the maps and approximate completion time frame.
This feature can be found here.
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Annual Houston Fire Department Operations Stocking Stuffer Toy Drive Kicks-Off Today |
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The Houston Fire Department is kicking off its annual toy giveaway for area children starting today, November 4 thru Wednesday, December 14, 2022. Over the next several weeks, Houston Firefighters will work alongside the community and corporate sponsors to collect and distribute toys and gifts to families in need.
The toys collected will be distributed Saturday, December 17, 2022, there is no registration required, and it will operate on a first come first serve format. The drive-thru event will begin at 9 a.m. at Dick Graves Park, located at 2000 Reed Road Houston Texas 77051.
For many years now, HFD along with businesses and community volunteers have worked together for one of the largest holiday toy drives in the City of Houston. This year's goal is to assist between 7,000-10,000 families (up to 30,000 children). HFD can reach that goal with help from the community and our generous sponsors like Shell Houston, Amegy Bank, Target, Go Minis and Latham & Watkins.
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The City of Houston showed support for the U. S. Navy by proclaiming “Houston Navy Week” on the steps at City Hall on October 25th, 2022.
The Navy Week program has served as the Navy’s principal outreach effort into areas of the nation without a significant Navy presence.
The Oath of Enlistment was given to recruits during the ceremony. This oath serves as a verbal promise that reminds service members of their commitment of their country, their service, and their brothers in arms.
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Armand Bayou Nature Center Renewal 2024 Vision |
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District E Staff was invited to take a tour of the Armand Bayou Nature Center and the newly revitalized Environmental Learning Center was showcased. The Environmental Learning Center highlights the endangered Texas gulf coast habitats of Armand Bayou and how our relationship with them offers a glimpse into the past and can provide a vision of the future.
This facility will serve as an extension of the outdoor experience, and provide an up-close interactive display gallery, as well as office space, a keeper lab, and a multi-purpose room. For more information on upcoming Armand Bayou Nature Center events, and the Renewal 2024 Vision please visit their website. |
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Edgebrook Resilience Plan: Public Engagement Survey |
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As we continue our public engagement efforts, it’s very important that we hear from the Edgebrook Community. Your feedback is essential and critical to completing the Neighborhood Resilience Plan.
We have created a new survey and would like your input. Please visit Let’s Talk Houston and complete the survey. Friday, November 18, 5PM is the deadline to complete the survey.
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Houston Public Works Adopt-A-Drain Program |
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Houston’s Adopt-A-Drain is a partnership between Houston Public Works, Keep Houston Beautiful and community partners.
Houston Public Works currently has more than 100,000 inlets in our drainage system. Houston's Adopt-A-Drain program allows the community to help prevent future flooding, save taxpayers’ dollars, and keep our neighborhood storm drains clean and litter free. Nearly two thousand drains have been adopted since the program launched. Our goal is to get as many adopted before the next major storm or rain event.
To adopt a drain: visit www.HoustonAdoptaDrain.org, enter your email address, and follow the link you are sent. There is a short video on the website to help walk people through the process.
By adopting a drain, you are making a commitment to keep the drain clear of leaves and trash by cleaning it at least 4 times a year (especially before it rains).
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District E Electronic Recycling Events |
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District E Upcoming Monthly Events
Please refer to Mayor Pro Tem Martin's District E website for location, time, and more event details for City of Houston Events. Email the District E office (districte@houstontx.gov) if you would like us to include your upcoming event in future newsletters!
November 9 – KSA Public Safety Committee Meeting
November 10 – TIRZ 10/Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting
November 11 – COH Veterans Day Parade & Celebration
November 11 – Office closed for Veterans Day
November 15 – Kingwood Positive Interaction Program Meeting
November 16 – Kingwood Super Neighborhood Council Meeting
November 30 – Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce General Membership
December 6 – Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee Meeting
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See a pothole, report it by calling (713) 837-0311 or use a Smartphone App.
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Get the latest on COVID-19 including locations of active testing sites can be found here.
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Tune to HTV Houston to watch live and recorded City Council and Committee Meetings.
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