The Thomas Telegraph | Vol. 7, Issue 5 – March 8, 2025

This newsletter is a long one—bear with me. The information provided is well worth your time.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES

District F currently has over a dozen ongoing projects, including street repairs, sidewalk improvements, speed cushions, and other capital investments. Many of you have reached out regarding the limited activity at these sites—and you are right to ask.

Citywide construction delays are occurring due to the chilling effect of President Trump’s directives related to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Many subcontractors are struggling with workforce shortages, leading to project slowdowns. This is a prime example of how federal policies impact local communities. I am unable to provide updates until our prime and sub-contractors work through ways to secure a stable workforce.

While we navigate these challenges, my office continues preparing for future projects in the FY26 cycle (beginning July 1, 2025). Below are key proposed and ongoing projects:

• PROPOSED: Ashford Point (to Eldridge) 77082 – New sidewalk installation, 1,190 sq ft ($89,250)
• PROPOSED: Ashford Knoll Drive 77082 – Panel replacement ($40,000)
• IN PROGRESS: Braewood Estates – Neighborhood audit (streets and sidewalks)
• PENDING: Brookfield – Neighborhood audit (sidewalks only) ($1,253,535)

Brookfield’s audit was completed in FY23, but due to budget constraints, a full overhaul is not currently possible. However, my office is exploring construction alternatives to address trip hazards and ADA ramps for improved safety and accessibility.

This breakdown demonstrates how expensive even small-scale infrastructure improvements can be.

BOONE & HACKBERRY PARK

This project is scheduled for:

Start: 2026
Completion: 2027

Before construction begins, I urge residents—especially those in Oak Harbor, Braewood Glen, Imperial Point, Bellaire West, Catalina Square, Mediterranean Forest, Wildflower Glen, Brays Village, and Two Worlds—to attend the upcoming public engagement meeting and stay informed.

A groundbreaking was tentatively planned for March 2025, but we cannot proceed until the grant agreement is finalized. More updates will follow.

The former Wells Fargo location has become a hub for illegal dumping, debris, and encampments. Residents have filed 311 reports, contacted HPD, and pursued civil legal action.

This property is under active investigation by HPD and the Department of Neighborhoods, with ongoing citations. The Department of Neighborhoods is in contact with Briarmeadow residents. See below for details related to the site and complaints.

Please continue reporting to 311 and, if possible, include photos to help build case files. Your contributions make a real difference and allows my office to perfect our communication with the Office of Emergency Management and our partner nonprofits to assist with those in need.

CITY SERVICES

WATER LEAKS
Water leaks remain the #1 constituent complaint in my office. You can track your 311 case status online, but if a case is unresolved past the scheduled date, share the details with my office. The HPW Water Division can then provide updates on work orders and timelines.

Thank you for helping us track these issues and serving as an extra set of eyes and ears on our behalf.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

Last week, a tragic accident took the life of an 8-year-old girl near S. Concourse and Bissonnet. She ran into the street and was struck by a vehicle. Her family is making arrangements to celebrate her life, and we stand with them in this difficult time. If you would like to support please click here:

This heartbreaking loss highlights the urgent need for traffic-calming measures and pedestrian safety initiatives. Every street project should prioritize the safety of our children and families. This death did not have to happen.

LOOKING AHEAD

Save the date:

March 20th – Nordstroms Grand Opening in Westchase

April 10th – Camden Park Grand Opening in Westchase

April 19th with Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare and the District F office for his first expungement event in Alief.

In late April, I will provide an FY26 City of Houston budget update, my proposed amendments, and spending forecasts from the Mayor’s Administration. Stay tuned.

Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas was proud to present each student with a certificate recognizing their commitment to growth, professionalism, and community engagement.

With federal support dwindling, local governments must lead with community-centered solutions. Thank you to the National League of Cities, Tener Labs, and NYC Furman Center for this impactful platform.

This impactful event united stakeholders from public health systems, healthcare organizations, non-profits, faith-based groups, and community leaders to prioritize minority health in our communities.

Learn more: State of African American Health Power Summit ’25

The event also provided an opportunity to reconnect with prominent Houston families, including the Fraga family and former First Lady Elyse Lanier. Thank you to Janis Burke, former Mayors, Harris County Judges, and Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis for honoring such a transformative leader.

LAN has been a cornerstone of innovation and infrastructure development, making significant contributions to Houston and beyond. Their commitment to excellence continues to inspire, and we’re honored to have such a powerhouse headquartered in our community.

We discussed the need for a community center, economic development, and opportunity. More than anything, we wanted to be seen and heard—we wanted a mayor who acknowledged our existence.

Little did we know that four years later, I would be representing the very same people on Houston’s City Council. From our first meeting after my election, he asked about my priorities and was already well aware of District F’s needs. He told me it was time District F had real leadership and was eager for me to get to work. He then appointed me Chair of Housing and Community Affairs—at a pivotal time when Houston was receiving federal disaster relief funds from HUD in response to Hurricane Harvey.

When COVID-19 hit, he called me and asked, “If I gave you 2,000 masks, could you get them to the people?” We did—within three days.

Through a global pandemic, an eviction crisis, social and civil unrest, police reforms, and budget constraints, we still delivered for the people. Together, we brought a state-of-the-art community center to Alief with three city departments, a passport office, and Tech Link. We made deep improvements at Tanglewilde and Harwin Park, secured a $28M Safe Streets grant to reduce pedestrian deaths along Bissonnet, established a new 380 economic agreement with the Westchase Management District, and helped lower crime by 14%. Under his leadership, we spearheaded a citywide single-family initiative and led the nation in reducing homelessness.

Every time I called him, it was about the people of District F—no matter how big or small the issue. He always supported me, even if it took a few rounds of negotiation. He made me better—more prepared, more focused—because he was.

I’ll never forget during the pandemic when Piney Point was plagued by ongoing random gun fire from after-hours clubs. I asked him to visit the residents, and he did. As he walked the neighborhood, families stepped outside their homes to greet him, sharing their concerns one by one. That was the kind of leader he was. That was his real currency—the common touch.

The residents of Piney Point told me they had never had a mayor visit them like that, and they were deeply grateful. From that visit, we tackled numerous quality-of-life issues that continue to be addressed today.

Former Mayor Turner was more than a colleague; he was a mentor and an advisor. He showed me the difference between a politician and a public servant.

As of late, he served as an advisor and would encourage me to deeply consider continued public service – even at his own election watch party, he pulled me to the side and said I’m serious, Tiffany – but that was him, considering others even on his day…his election day.

I am a better public servant because I served with him.

Rest well, thy good and faithful servant. Your work is done. Your rest is deserved.

Turner’s family has invited the public to pay respects on Tuesday. Anyone who wishes to attend can come to the first floor of the rotunda at 901 Bagby Street. The service will be held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.