Dear Fellow Houstonians, 
This is truly an international city. I have had the privilege over the course of the year to visit with leaders of various countries as they visit Houston including China, Japan, Thailand, Equatorial New Guinea, Nigeria, Brazil, Russia, Spain, and the Republic of the Philippines. The City of Houston continues to build strong international relationships and I am glad to be a part of the growth.
Council Member Christie and Nancy J. Li, Chairman of the US-China Peoples Friendship Association Houston at the People’s Republic of China Dinner Reception.
|
|
$410 Million Bond Proposal to be on
November Ballot
Houston City Council approved the placement of five bond proposals on the November 6, 2012 ballot. The $410 million bond proposal will not require a tax increase. This is the smallest bond referendum in 30 years, as the new Rebuild Houston program does not allow additional debt to be incurred for street and drainage infrastructure improvements.
Voter approval would provide funding for city public improvements for the next five years. The needs range from roof and foundation repairs at city-owned buildings to new police and fire stations, as well as improvements to parks, libraries, health, trash, and recycling facilities. There is also $100 million included in city matching funds for the Bayou Greenways Project, a $200 million initiative to complete a 100-year old vision of continuous public parks and trails alongside every major bayou segment in the City of Houston.
For more information on the proposed projects to be funded through this bond issue, click the Proposed Bond Referendum Mayor’s Report.
|
|
New Heavy Trash and Tree Waste Pick Up Days
The Solid Waste Management Department has taken resident feedback and is improving heavy trash and tree waste service throughout the city. Effective November 1, 2012, community areas will have a new heavy trash/tree waste service date. The change in service date will provide a single service day for major community areas. No change will be made on the alternating months for heavy waste and tree waste; just the service day will change.
Residents will receive multiple direct mail pieces from the Solid Waste Management Department of the upcoming and needed improvement in service, as well as the new service day.
To find your new heavy trash collection day, click here for an online address search. Enter your address in the web tool located on the top right of your screen to find your new collection day. To see a map of the new heavy trash layout for the City of Houston, please click here.
|
|
|
City of Houston Planning Department to Hold Conference for Neighborhood Organizing
|
|
The Planning & Development Department is holding the “Community U: Lessons in Neighborhood Organizing” Conference Saturday, September 29th starting at 8 am.
Spend the morning with your fellow community leaders and learn all about the latest tools and techniques to make your neighborhood a better place for all. This half-day conference will provide Houstonians with training, resources, and solutions through a combination of workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities.
Conference topics include :
- Funding Resources for Non-Profit Organizations
- Safety and Crime Prevention in Your Neighborhood
- Volunteer Organizing in Your Neighborhood
- Using City Programs to Enhance Your Area
- Preventive Health, Nutrition and Senior Living
- Incorporating Art in Your Community
The conference will be held at United Way of Greater Houston: 50 Waugh Drive Houston, TX 77007 (between Washington Avenue and Memorial Drive)
Saturday, September 29, 2012, 8 am – 1:15 pm
$5 fee per person (FREE Parking)
To view, download, and register for the 2012 Community U Neighborhood Conference brochure, click here.
For more information, call the Planning & Development Department at 713-837-7701 or email them at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
Parks Department Host Line Dance Program Featuring Senior Citizens
|
|
Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) will be putting on a Line Dance Program Saturday, September 22nd at Judson Robinson Community Center at 10 am. This year’s theme is a Military Line Dance Step Show.
HPARD hosts Houston area seniors in a fun, expressive and interactive form of exercise as part of its Line Dance Program. The Line Dance Program began in 2006 with the purpose of encouraging fitness among Houston’s senior population and to inspire creativity, socialization, and entertainment.
The show is a gateway for Houston area line dancers to come together to showcase their dancing abilities learned year-round in HPARD’s classes.
Approximately 240 seniors actively participate in the program and show each year. They are given complete control of their performances including song choice, design, costume, and props. The production time is a vigorous process over the course of 6 months, which includes meetings, practices, and dress rehearsals.
For more information, please contact the Judson Robinson Jr. Community Center at 713-284-1997 or click here for the event flyer.
|
|
Houston Public Library Host Librofest
and Children Book Sale
|
|
Librofest
Saturday, September 15, 2012 | 11 am – 4 pm
Houston Public Library | Central Library Plaza | 500 McKinney St., 77002
832-393-1313
Houston Librofest is a book and arts festival for the general public that highlights Hispanic writers and showcases the vibrant culture of the Latino community through storytelling, writing workshops, book giveaways, and performances for children and adults.
The inaugural event will feature a lineup of acclaimed poets and writers including Gwendolyn Zepeda, Claudia Kolker, Javier O. Huerta, and Sarah Cortez.
Attendees can also enjoy performances by local folkloric dancers and musicians, as well as a puppet show, and exhibits by Houston arts organizations. This event is free and open to the public.
2012 Children’s Book Sale (presented by Friends of the Houston Public Library)
Friday, September 21 | 11 am – 6 pm 
Saturday, September 22 | 10 am – 5 pm
Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church
2025 West 11th St.| Houston, Texas 77008
at the corner of T.C. Jester and W. 11th St.
Friends of the Houston Public Library will be holding a children’s book sale September 21-22 at the Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church.
The event is free to the public.
A variety of books ranging from fiction to non-fiction, parenting and education resources to graphic novels, and more will be available for $1 or $2. Educators, please bring your tax-exempt ID. Proceeds will benefit the Houston Public Library. A $10 Bag Sale will begin on Saturday from 3 pm to 5 pm.
For more information, please visit www.friendsofhpl.org. To volunteer, please contact Friends of the Houston Public Library at 832-393-1387.
|
|
Leave A Comment