Give Your Feedback on Proposed Redistricting Plan |
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In April and May, the City of Houston held Redistricting Town Hall meetings in every City Council District to allow members of the public to give input to the City on how they want their district to look in the future. A Proposed Redistricting Plan was created based on 2020 Census data, the redistricting criteria approved by City Council, and public input. Take a look at the Proposed City Council Redistricting Plan at letstalkhouston.org/redistricting. Post a comment, email us or share your feedback at public hearings at City Hall:
Wednesday, July 13 at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, July 20 at 9 a.m.
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METRORapid University Corridor Project To Benefit Gulfton, Third Ward & Alief |
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Part of the METRONext Moving Forward Plan, the University Corridor project is a new METRORapid line that will operate in a dedicated, transit-only lane to move through traffic. The proposed route alignment passes through multiple residential, business and education centers between the Westchase Park & Ride near the intersection of the Westpark Tollway and the Sam Houston Tollway and ending at the Tidwell Transit Center, near the intersection of Tidwell Road and U.S. Highway 59.
This project will benefit the Gulfton, Third Ward, and Alief Complete Communities. Attend meetings throughout July and visit the METRO website at www.RideMETRO.org/University to learn more.
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Thursday, July 14
Meeting #5
Meeting will be held at the Wisdom High School (Auditorium).
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 16
Meeting #7
Meeting will be held at the Julia C. Hester House.
9:30-11:30 a.m.
Monday, July 18
Meeting #8
Meeting will be held at the Third Ward Multi-Service Center.
6-8 p.m.
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Wednesday, July 20
Meeting #9
Meeting will be held at Houston Community College – Central Campus in the WW Harmon Building – Room WWH 100 (Former Learning Hub Science Building).
6-8 p.m.
Thursday, July 21
Meeting #10
Meeting will be held at the Northeast Multi-Service Center.
6-8 p.m.
Monday, July 25
Virtual Meeting #11
Meeting is virtual, and will be recorded and posted online afterward. The meeting link will be provided a few days before the meeting.
6-7 p.m.
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City Council Provides Bigger Tax Break on Property Owned by Seniors and Residents with Disabilities |
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Mayor Sylvester Turner and City Council approved an ordinance that increases the property tax exemption from $160,000 to $260,000 for residents age 65 or older and for those with disabilities. The increase is applied to the appraised value of one’s homestead, and is in effect for this tax year and future years. “As property value rises, the tax exemption will certainly help,” said Mayor Turner. Read the full article. |
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Mayor's Back 2 School Fest To Fulfill
Critical Community Needs
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Saturday, August 13
8 a.m.–2 p.m. or until supplies last
George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas
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The Mayor’s Back to School Fest Presented by Shell is designed to help economically disadvantaged Houston-area elementary school students and their families as they prepare to return to school. The past two years, the event was a drive-through distribution. This year, we are excited to return to an in-person event at the George R. Brown Convention Center. While we are returning to a new normal, Houston area families continue to try and find steady ground. There is still a critical need for assistance with basic school supplies and health screenings for students. Visit the Back 2 School Fest website in the coming weeks to register your student and sign up to volunteer.
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Harrisburg/Manchester & Magnolia Park Super Neighborhoods Combine to Form One Bigger Council |
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Congratulations to Harrisburg/Manchester and Magnolia Park Super Neighborhood Council 65 and 82. The Civic Clubs and other non-profit organizations took the initiative to combine Super Neighborhood 65 (Harrisburg/Manchester) and Super Neighborhood 82 (Magnolia Park) into one Super Neighborhood Council (SNC). These organizations were formed to unite, address, improve, resolve and advance civic engagement, public health, safety, education, cultural integrity, charitable services, preservation of character and quality of life for the at-large area.
To establish a SNC, the residents and organizations took the following steps:
- Identify stakeholders in the community
- Create an organizational framework,
- Adopt by-laws
During the process, they had 20 in-person and virtual meetings. The Planning and Development Department, Department of Neighborhoods, and the Office of City Council Member Gallegos helped with organizational guidance and community outreach. They were recognized at with a Proclamation at Public session on June 28.
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From the Director:
Introducing New Complete Communities Team Members
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Please join me in welcoming four new team members to the Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities. These dynamic professionals bring to the Complete Communities initiative in this critical period of Action Plan implementation deep expertise in a wide variety of skill sets that include financial analysis, community engagement, communications, grants management, and fundraising.
We’re excited to see Angie, Derrius, Fred and Tony apply their experience, education and commitment to public service to helping the Complete Communities Initiative grow and continue to make transformative change and long-term impact in the 10 Complete Communities and beyond.
Sincerely,
Shannon Buggs
Director, Mayor's Office of Complete Communities
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Before joining the Mayor’s Office, Tony served the City of Houston as a financial analyst in the Houston Health Department where he worked on COVID-19 Disaster Relief, Quality Assurance, Compliance, and Internal Audits. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in banking and finance from Morehouse College, earned a Master of Business Administration degree from New York University’s Stern School of Business in Marketing and Finance, and completed the Executive Leadership Institute at the Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies sponsored by the National Forum for Black Public Administrators.
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A veteran educator and marketing executive, Fred worked as a teacher, college and school district administrator, college professor, and marketing director before joining the Mayor’s Office. He earned a Bachelor of Science in business from Southern University, a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in energy finance from Texas Southern University, a Master of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from The University of Texas at Arlington, and an Executive Graduate Certification in education finance from Georgetown University. He is currently in the final stage of earning a Doctorate in Education Administration at Texas A&M University.
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Before joining the Mayor’s Office, Angie served as the marketing coordinator for the Houston Grand Opera, community engagement manager for the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, and an organizer for IGNITE National. She graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in political science and is studying towards a master’s degree in Strategic Communication & Digital Strategy at the University of Oklahoma.
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Prior to joining the Mayor’s Office, Derrius served the City of Houston as an accountant and administrative specialist in the Finance Department where he worked on COVID-19 disaster relief, city-wide grants management, and financial analysis. Derrius earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from McNeese State University.
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Boost Your Vaccinations at Events Across Houston |
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The Equitable Vaccination Acceptance and Distribution to Houston Complete Communities Initiative, also known as VAX HOU, is a Complete Communities project supported by a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation. VAX HOU's mission is to increase COVID-19 vaccinations, address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and advance health equity in the Houston Complete Communities.
To accomplish these goals, the VAX HOU team coordinates vaccine events conveniently located in the Complete Communities neighborhoods. These vaccine events are free to the public and are conveniently located in their own neighborhoods.
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Mexican Consulate of Houston
Friday, July 15, 9 a.m.–noon
3200 Rogerdale Rd.
Pop Up Clinic will be be onsite
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church
Saturday, July 16, 9 a.m.–noon
501 Tidwell Rd.
Healing Arts in the Park Health and Wellness Resource Fair
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Mexican Consulate of Houston
Saturday, July 22, 9 a.m.–noon
3200 Rogerdale Rd.
Pop Up Clinic will be be onsite
Trae Day Family Day
Saturday, July 23, 3 p.m.–8 p.m.
12131 Kirby Dr.
Music, activities and food
Almeda Plaza MBC
Saturday, July 30, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
13924 Quention Dr.
Back to School Event
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TRAEDAY Family Fun Day: Saturday, July 23 |
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Join Houston artist and community activist Trae tha Truth for his annual TRAEDAY events spanning from July 21-24. The weekend will feature concerts, comedy shows, celebrity kickball tournaments, gas and car giveaways, but the biggest event of the week is fun for the whole family. The Family Fun Day will be held from 3-8 p.m. on Saturday, July 23 at AVEVA Stadium, 12131 Kirby. The free festival will benefit families with free school supplies, backpacks vaccinations and other health services, games, carnival rides, classic cars and giveaways. Follow Trae tha Truth on his social platforms for up-to-date information.
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Cool Down at One of 11 Multi-service Centers |
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The Houston Health Department (HHD) operates 11 multi-service centers where residents can go to stay cool. Find a list of locations and more details on the HHD website. To be notified when emergency cooling centers open, please register for AlertHouston notifications or call 3-1-1.
Reliant's Beat the Heat portable air conditioner program assists eligible seniors, disabled individuals and families without means to cool their homes.
Please call the Harris County Area Agency on Aging at 832-393-4301 to learn more.
If you have home cooling concerns, please call the Houston Health Department Eligibility Service Center at 832-393-4984.
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City of Houston Disaster Preparedness Guide |
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The City of Houston Disaster Preparedness Guide (DPG) is updated annually and provides information about emergency planning to Houston residents.
Disaster Preparedness Materials are free to residents, businesses and schools in Houston. Through Ready Houston, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) works to ensure area residents are prepared for disasters. Complete this order form to request a copy. Please note that there is a maximum of 10 items that can be mailed, if you need more than that quantity you will need to schedule a pickup with OEM.
The Guide is also available in six languages for download:
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Give Your Feedback on Cleaning Up Abandoned Commercial Property in Your Neighborhood |
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The Houston Land Bank has kicked off its brownfields program. Thanks to a $600,000 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grant, HLB and its coalition with the City of Houston and Avenue CDC will use the funding to help communities reclaim brownfields for the purpose of public good and environmental justice. With the EPA funding, HLB can:
• Identify brownfields in your community
• Perform Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment
• Conduct Phase 2 Environmental Assessment; and
• Facilitate reuse planning
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Applications for free assessments and planning support, including a community presentation on brownfield redevelopment projects are accepted from nonprofits, government agencies, and small businesses. The grant is open city-wide, but priority areas are East End, Near Northside, Kashmere Gardens, Liberty Gardens, and Gulfton. Apply online at houstonlandbank.org.
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Attend the HPD North Division Community PIP Meeting |
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The Houston Police Department North Division is holding a Community Positive Interaction Program (PIP) Meeting. The meeting will be held on Thursday, July 28, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Acres Home Multi-Service Center located at 6719 W. Montgomery Rd.
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Key Partners Attend
Brays Bayou Greenway Groundbreaking
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Houston Parks Board, Houston Parks and Recreation Department, and other key project partners celebrated the start of construction on a new 7.67-mile segment of Brays Bayou Greenway. Connecting Braeburn Glen Boulevard and Eldridge Parkway, more than 47 miles of Brays Bayou Greenway will be available for public use once construction is complete, making Brays the longest Bayou Greenway built to date.
The new greenway segment begins on the north side of Brays Bayou at Braeburn Glen Park before crossing a new 12-foot-wide hike-and-bike bridge parallel to Highway 59. The greenway will then cross under Highway 59 and continue along the bayou’s south side to Beltway 8. After passing under Beltway 8, the greenway will link into the existing trail network in Harris County Precinct 3’s Arthur Storey Park.
From Arthur Storey Park, the greenway will connect into existing Westchase Management District trail and continue on the bayou’s north side until reaching Mike Driscoll Park. There, the greenway will traverse to the south side of the bayou until reaching existing trail network within Archbishop Fiorenza Park at Eldridge Parkway.
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Jane Long Spark Park Ribbon Cutting |
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A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the Spark Park at Jane Long Academy earlier this summer. This Spark Park project was managed under the direction of Lauren Griffith & Associates totaling $335,000.00 of public and private funds.
The 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.
Partners included, the Executive Director of Spark Park, Kathleen Ownby as well
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as The Kinder Foundation, Houston Empowerment, The Powell Foundation, Houston Dynamo, Total Energies, and the District J office for financial contributions. |
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Gulfton Summer Camp Program |
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The Connect Community organization provides resources for families in need, including a variety of summer camp options. To help build on classroom learning during the school year, Connect Community is offering educational summer camps that teach kids to code, use 3-D printers, paint, cook, learn music, perform and more.
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Senior Workshop on Resilience Garners Input from
the Kashmere Gardens Community
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On Tuesday, June 28, Planning and Development staff and interns engaged with seniors at the Kashmere Multi-Service Center. The purpose was to hear from seniors on how a lily pad/ neighborhood resilience hub could best serve the community on an ever day basis as well as before, during, and after emergencies such as power outages, severe flooding, and extreme heat. Three hands-on activities showed how they typically receive information about neighborhood resources, how they may feel better prepared in the face of emergencies, and what they would want in a resilience hub. The collected feedback will help inform the final proposed design and programmatic features of a lily pad. |
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The workshop included speakers from the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Houston Public Works (HPW), and CenterPoint Energy. HPW Planner Manager, Donald Buaku spoke about the current resilience sidewalk and drainage study for Kashmere Gardens in partnership with Planning and Design firm, MIG. The seniors provided feedback on conceptual sidewalk and green infrastructure designs. OEM’s Program Manager/Public Information Officer Allison Hudson spoke on available emergency preparedness resources and provided preparedness materials to the seniors. CenterPoint representatives Bryce Gerick and Austin Pooley provided information on their program offering free energy saving home upgrades for income-eligible residents.
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Be Prepared for Hurricane Season |
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Harris Health will host Hurricane Preparedness Fairs:
• Saturday, July 16 from 9 a.m.–noon at
the Northeast Houston Farmers Market,
5425 Troost Street
• Friday, July 22 at 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at the
LBJ Inpatient Pharmacy Lobby,
5656 Kelley Street
Connect with community resources, organizations, and emergency services to prepare your family.
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District K Celebrates South Main Gateways
and Lighting Displays
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City Council District K celebrated the completion of the $1.1 million, 4.2-mile Gateways project along South Main/US 90A. Along with safety improvements such as lane restriping and signage, the underpasses at Hiram Clarke, S. Post Oak, Chimney Rock,
Hillcroft and Fondren feature multi-colored, changeable lighting and brightly painted beams and columns, bringing a more distinctive flair to the 5 Corners Improvement District.
The project was funded by TIRZ 25 as part of its tri-party agreement with the 5 Corners District and TIRZ 9.
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Attend the Action-2-Zero Road Safety Workshop |
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The East End District, the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF), and the FIA Foundation will host an on-line road safety workshop with a cross-section of stakeholders from the East Houston area.
There are three ways to participate:
- Complete the survey online
- Attend one of the two Action-2-Zero Workshops:
- Thursday, July 14 from 10-11 a.m.
- Thursday, July 14 from 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
713-928-9916 for confirmed links and meeting locations.
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Feedback on Valero Community Benefits Plan |
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Caring for Pasadena Communities wants your feedback on the preferred community benefits from the Valero Settlement related to environmental issues. The area to be benefited by the settlement is Super Neighborhood 65 – Manchester/Harrisburg.
Please take the survey:
Watch the video on YouTube for more background information.
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Join a Community Visioning Session with Houston Land Bank for Former Yellow Cab Site |
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A Community Visioning Session hosted by the Houston Land Bank (HLB) will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 14 at Avenue CDC Center, 3517 Irvington Blvd. With support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the purpose of this workshop is to seek input from community members to reimagine a more beneficial use for the former Yellow Cab property at 3201 Hardy St. Furthermore, they will discuss options for single-family affordable housing that aligns with the community’s desires.
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They will also discuss how to integrate mixed-use and community resources within the site.
Please RSVP and share your ideas to empower the community’s voice in this revitalization project. Contact Community Engagement and Relations Manager, Jahmeilla Hunter at
713-253-4434.
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Summer Events at Ecclesia Lindale |
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Founded in 1999, Ecclesia Houston is a faith-based organization that continues to serve the city of Houston and engage global issues of poverty, injustice, and water accessibility. At one of its three campuses, Ecclesia Lindale, the team is partnering with different organizations to serve the surrounding community: Urban Strategies: Early Head Start (EHS), Friends of Northside - Attack Poverty, and the Mariano Rivera Foundation. To learn more, visit www.ecclesiahouston.org, call 832-516-9872, or email at lindale@ecclesiahouston.org.
Below are the upcoming events for July hosted by Ecclisia Lindale, located at 6615 Irvington Boulevard.
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Urban Strategies
Early Head Start
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Event Name: Mommy + Me Classes
Date: Monday, July 18,
10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Description: A FREE program designed to provide mothers, expectant mothers, and guardians a safe place to bond with their children ages up to 36 months.
Event: EHS Open Enrollment
Date: Friday, July 22, 9 a.m.–noon
Description: To connect and meet families interested in this program. Features music, face painting, games, prizes, and the first 15 families will receive free diapers and wipes.
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Friends of Northside (FNS) Attack Poverty |
Event: Art Camp
Date: Monday, July 25 to Thursday,
July 28, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Ages 5–12, space is limited
Event: Gardening Camp
Date: Wednesday, July 27 to Saturday, July 30, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Ages 5 – 12, space is limited
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Attend the Greater Northside Partnership
Coalition Meeting
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Meetings occur on the second Tuesday of each month.
10 a.m.–noon
Avenue Center
1st Floor Classroom
Note: Additional parking is located across from the church on Collingsworth (headed toward Moody Park) and along the side street on Billingsley Street.
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Share Your ideas about
Neighborhood Disaster Preparedness
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Community-based disaster preparedness is frequently quite resourceful and innovative, going far beyond the usual list of supplies and weather terms. Council Member Cisneros is compiling a list of best practices that District H neighborhoods have used to help each other during times of disaster or emergency. Please send YOUR neighborhood's best practices to districth@houstontx.gov and we'll share your good ideas!
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CleanCapital Acquires
Renewable Energy Developer BQ Energy
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CleanCapital announced the acquisition of BQ Energy (BQE), a national leader in landfill and brownfield renewable energy development. CleanCapital has acquired 100% of the ownership interests in BQ Energy, which will continue to leverage its expertise in this segment as a wholly owned and independently operated subsidiary of CleanCapital. CleanCapital will fund the development of projects in BQE’s substantial long-term pipeline, deploying capital to projects that not only advance the energy transition but also put underutilized and polluted land to new use with myriad climate and community-related benefits.
BQ Energy, now owned by CleanCapital, has been assisting in the development of the Sunnyside Solar Project.
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Esteemed Photo Teacher Retires After Almost 30 Years |
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For the last 28 years, Ray Carrington III has been a strong pillar, mentor, father figure, and educator for many students and families in the the Third Ward community. He created opportunities for students to learn the art of photography along with the rich history and culture of Black Houston.
Since 1995, Carrington has partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts for the Eye on Third Ward annual Exhibition to showcase photographs by students in the Magnet School of Communications. His photography classes focus on Houston’s Third Ward neighborhood, a historically Black community with strong ties to many cultural, political, religious and educational organizations. He challenges his student to be the historians of the community.
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A New University Village Park |
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Houston Parks and Recreation Department and Houston Parks Board have teamed up with University Village Civic Club and community members to improve University Village Park located at 3602 Anita St. The small, pocket park was established in 2021 on .11 acres (5,000 square feet) of land and features two picnic tables, park signage, trees, landscaping, community garden and trash receptacle. University Village Civic Club submitted a request to Houston Parks Board on June 24, 2021, through the Neighborhood Partnership Program to revitalize this park.
Following the May 11 community meeting, Houston Parks Board met with HPARD, the Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities, and the Planning and Development Department to analyze and discuss the input.
The design option selected to move forward will feature a play experience with rope swing, walking trail, hopscotch court, foursquare court, picnic table, etc. Site improvements such as sidewalk improvements, fencing, and
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lighting will remain part of the design package. Further design work will start based on this conceptual design. We are excited to envision the transformation of this corner of Anita and Lucinda Streets as University Village Park becomes a point of pride for the neighborhood residents We expect construction to begin in fall 2022.
To view previous recorded meetings,
PDF of the presentation, and to stay updated on the park, visit:
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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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Sign up to receive updates on activities taking place in your Complete Communities neighborhood.
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