Vol. 6, Issue 19 – 10.18.2024
Happy Fall, District F!

As cooler weather begins to arrive, we have exciting updates and opportunities for you to get involved in the development and improvement of our community.

Faith & Affordable Housing Summit Recap
Thank you to everyone who attended the inaugural Faith & Affordable Housing Summit on October 12 in Westchase. The turnout exceeded expectations, and attendees left with valuable connections, information, and actionable steps for development. If you registered for the event, keep an eye on your email for a follow-up about an exciting opportunity with Enterprise Partners, funded by Wells Fargo. A special thanks to our sponsors, panelists, and all who made the summit a success! Check out photos from the event below.

District Funding Available
As of October 18, we have $447,400 in remaining funds to allocate for District F improvements. If you have requests for projects such as street panel replacements, sidewalk upgrades, intersection modifications, traffic calming measures, or curb repairs, please fill out the request form. We’re here to enhance our community’s infrastructure together!

Sidewalk Ordinance Listening Session
The City of Houston Planning Department will hold a listening session on the sidewalk network ordinance on Tuesday, October 22, from 6-8 PM. Although sidewalk funding for District F often comes through our office, it’s crucial for residents to participate in shaping the future of Houston’s sidewalks. Don’t miss this chance to share your input. Details are below.

Mid-West (SN20) Construction Updates
If you’ve driven on Richmond Avenue, you’ll be excited to hear that major improvements are (finally) on the way. Starting in November, Richmond Avenue from Dunvale to Hillcroft will undergo a full reconstruction. We’re coordinating with Houston Public Works to minimize disruptions, especially for local schools. Stay tuned for official construction updates and FAQs.

Additionally, FY25 plans include upgrades to Hilcroft (Westheimer Rd to Richmond Ave) and Fondren (Westheimer Rd to Richmond Ave), bringing further improvements to our area.

Fill the Fridge Initiative
Even though hurricane season is nearing its end, many families are still feeling the effects of Hurricane Beryl. My office has 90 gift cards ($75 each) available for families and seniors impacted by the storm. Please contact us at [email protected] for more details.

Winter Storm Uri Assistance
If your home suffered damage during the 2021 Texas freeze, you might be eligible for federal funds for home repairs or reimbursements. The Housing and Community Development Department is finalizing details, so keep an eye out for more information soon. This support will be essential for many residents still recovering from the storm.

Stay connected, District F, and let’s continue working together to keep the westside the best side.

Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas
HOT SPOT TEAM UPDATE
WEEK OF OCTOBER 18
Total Work Orders: 14
Hotspot of the Week:  Richmond and Hwy 6 (Recurring)
Total Man Hours Worked: 72
Tree Waste: 1850 lbs.
Mattresses: 0
Furniture Waste: 8 piece
Tires: 7
Trash Debris: 500 lbs.
Shopping Carts: 5
Bandit Signs: 18
Landscaping: 60,000 sq. Ft.
System: 2 pending illegal dump sites and 2 pending missed yard waste, with 1 pending landscaping locations as of 10.18.2024
DISTRICT F NEWS AND UPDATES
SIDEWALK ORDINANCE PUBLIC MEETING
Join the Planning and Development Department on Tuesday, October 22 at the HCC Alief Hays Campus at 6pm. They will be listening and gathering feedback about the Sidewalk Network Ordinance and permitting process from the public. You can learn more about the proposed amendments at www.letstalkhouston.org/sidewalk-ordinance-amendments. 
LEADERSHIP HOUSTON SYMPOSIUM
Council Member Thomas spoke at the Leadership Houston Symposium on October 18. She shared her insights on current events in Houston and how to have tough conversations to more the city forward. Participants walked away with a better sense of how to make an impact in their communities. 
PFE STATEWIDE CONFERENCE
On October 18, Council Member Thomas joined Alief ISD’s Director of Family & Community Engagement, Shanceler Terry, at the 2024 Parent & Family Engagement Statewide Conference. The conference this year was held in District F at the Houston Marriott Westchase. Conference attendees come from all over the state of Texas as well as neighboring states New Mexico, Louisiana and Oklahoma. 
BRIARMEADOW PARK TREE PLANTING
On October 18, Council Member Thomas started off her day by joining 75 volunteers from Meritage Homes and Tress for Houston to plan trees at Briarmeadow Park. Volunteers planted 100 trees of various species. Tress for Houston will maintain and water the trees for two years. 
HBREA PANEL
The Houston Black Real Estate Association (HRBREA) invited Council Member Thomas to join as a guest for their Your Vote is Your Voice: How Real Estate & Politics Relate to Affordable Housing panel on October 17. Council Member was honored to share ways that voting is one of the most impactful ways to shape policies and decisions. 
HOUSTON PUBLIC MEDIA INTERVIEW
Council Member Thomas joined NPR Houston Public Media on Monday, October 14 for the Houston Election 2024 Show on News 88.7 FM. She spoke about the current political climate and breaking news landscape.
FAITH & AFFORDABLE HOUSING SUMMIT
On Saturday, October 12, Council Member Thomas held the first annual Faith & Affordable Housing Summit at First Methodist Church – Westchase. Over 100 people joined to learn more about affordable housing development from industry experts from around the region. A huge thank you to the sponsors and panelists for making the day. If you were not able to join us, please be on the lookout for the recording to be posted to our website. 
WELCOMING CHAIR OF THE PAKISTANI CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS
Council Member Thomas gave a warm welcome to Representative Tom Suozzi, Chair of the Pakistani Congressional Caucus, on October 11. Rep. Suozzi was on the West side to meet with the large and diverse Pakistani community in our city. Houston is home to over 70,000 Pakistani Americans.
TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE
The Texas Association of Black City Council Members (TABCCM) invited Council Member Thomas to be the keynote speak at their event on October 10. She emphasized the importance of higher learning institutions in supporting smaller cities facing government limitations.
YOUTH CIVIC ENGAGEMENT 
On Sunday, October 6, Council Member Thomas joined a panel of local leaders to speak to the Windsor Village Young Adult Ministry about the importance of civic engagement. Council Member was joined by Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum, Houston City Controller Chris Hollins, and Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy. 
NIGERIAN CULTURAL PARADE & FESTIVAL
Council Member Thomas was honored to be the Grand Marshall of the Nigeria Cultural Parade & Festival in celebration of Nigerian Independence Day on October 5 in downtown Houston. District F is home to a large Nigerian and Nigerian-American population. This festival is the largest West African celebration in Houston. 
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
29. ORDINANCE appropriating $3,900,000 out of Police Consolidated Construction Fund; to replace existing Utility Service Entrance and Generators at the Westside Command Station for the Houston Police Department – DISTRICT F – THOMAS
October 9th Pop-Off
October 16th Pop-Off
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
PERMITS
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
You can engage with your neighbors and receive accurate information about District F and the greater Houston area from community partners, elected officials, and public safety leadership.

Alief AARP Chapter 3264: Every 1st Thursday at 10 AM at Salvation Army Church, 7920 Cook Road, Houston, TX.

Super Neighborhood 17 (West Oaks and Eldridge): Every 2nd Wednesday at 7 PM
Location: Eagles Trace Austin Square Catering Room, 14703 Eagle Vista Dr

Super Neighborhood 25 (Alief): Every 4th Tuesday at 6:30 PM
Location: Alief Neighborhood Center, 11903 Bellaire Blvd

Westside PIP Meeting: Every 3rd Thursday at 6:30 PM
Location: Westside Station, 3203 S. Dairy Ashford Street, 3rd floor

Midwest PIP Meeting: Every 3rd Wednesday at 7 PM
Location: 7277 Regency Square Boulevard

Briarmeadow HOA: Every 2nd Tuesday at 6 PM
Location: 3202 Freshmeadows Drive

Westmont Civic Club: Every 4th Thursday of every quarter at 7 PM
Location: Treemont Retirement Community, 2501 Westerland

Piney Point Civic Club: Every 2nd Tuesday at 7:30 PM
Location: Pilgrim Rest MBC, 3401 Jeanetta St

Huntington Village HOA: Every 3rd Thursday at 7 PM
Location: Clubhouse, 9511 Cook Road

Tanglewilde Civic Club: Quarterly
Location: Los Tios, 9527 Westheimer, in the meeting room