The Thomas Telegraph | Vol. 7, Issue 12 – July 4, 2025

As we head into the July 4th holiday, here are a few important updates and reminders:

3rd Annual Swim Safety Clinic
We’re back! Join us Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 10 AM at the Alief Aquatic Center (11903 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77072) for our 3rd Annual Swim Safety Clinic.

We’re partnering again with Houston Parks & Recreation, Houston Swim Waves, Coach CPR, and proudly welcoming Outdoor Afro, a national nonprofit committed to inspiring 2,000 new swimmers across the country. Did you know Houston had 143 documented drowning in 2024 with 14 leading to deaths? We can change this.

Watch the PSA and register (English/Español) — space is limited, and this event always fills up fast. Water safety matters, and this is one way we keep our community safe during summer.

City Council Update
There was no City Council meeting this week (the Week of June 30th) in observance of the holiday. However, I want to call your attention to a proposed change to move public session to 6 PM on the last Tuesday of each month. This change is intended to make civic engagement more accessible, especially for those who can’t attend during business hours.

I plan to vote yes—but I want to hear your thoughts.

[Read the ordinance here.]

FY26 Council District Budget
The new fiscal year began on July 1, 2025, and we’re ready to roll out several projects already in queue. Expect to see activity around:

• Street panel replacements
• ADA sidewalk upgrades
• Speed cushions and crosswalk improvements

Over 75% of our FY26 budget is already committed, thanks to advanced planning and proactive cost estimates. Please be patient as construction notices go out later this summer.

Solid Waste Reminder
Due to the holiday, there may be adjusted pick-up schedules. SWD is still working to clear backlogs and replace damaged bins.

If you need a replacement bin, contact 311, then email [email protected] with your service request number and we’ll help move it along.

Air & Water Quality Watch
My office is monitoring air quality near Westpark & Wilcrest, where a concrete batch plant is operating. With help from the Houston Health Department, we’re installing three monitors to ensure you stay informed.

Additionally, Daikin has generously donated 18 air purifiers for District F residents. If you’re interested, email [email protected] and fill out this form by July 20. These devices improve indoor air quality, especially critical in areas affected by particulate matter.
We’re also continuing conversations around Chromium-6, which impacts several Alief neighborhoods, including Bellaire Braes, Brookfield, Parkglen, and others. I’ll be back with next steps and an opportunity for honest community dialogue and to provide an update on the testing standards. Here is a press release from Rep. Al Green (TX-09) announcing his amendment to improve federal safe drinking water standards.

Home Repair Program Opens Now
Remember the 2021 Winter freeze when the entire state froze and many of us experienced damage to our homes? Well, thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration and the 18th HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge, Houston received a direct allocation of $40M for home repairs and reimbursement. What does this mean? You may be eligible to receive reimbursement for verified repairs your insurance company denied up to $10,000, or rehab/reconstruction due to recorded damage up to $300,000. The Housing and Community Development Department opened the program on June 30th and is ready to accept applications. Read this story, see the details and visit the website to apply. Please take advantage of this limited opportunity. Share with your parents, grandparents, neighbors, and friends.

Welcome to the Team
Please join me in welcoming Lisa Rosborough, our new Communications Director. A proud 3x cancer survivor, U.S. Marine Corps Public Affairs Chief, and former college track star, Lisa brings over 15 years of experience in media, marketing, and public affairs. She begins July 7 and is already gearing up for a busy summer. Be on the lookout for more District F stories in the media and community.

District F Staff Retreat
On July 1, our team—staff, interns, and volunteers—gathered for an all-day retreat focused on alignment, mission, and priorities. From housing and economic development to public safety and neighborhood revitalization, we’re committed to getting results that matter to you. Be on the lookout for improved communication, elevated impact events and deeper community engagement.

Birthday Month + National Engagements
July is my birthday month (and yes, I celebrate all month long!). I’ll be traveling to Cleveland to speak at the National Urban League and to Los Angeles to join NAREB, continuing to advocate for housing, community development, and equity for Houston and beyond. But you can celebrate with me at the swim event on July 26th – join me for some community cake.

Enjoy your 4th of July safely.
Please be safe this weekend and remember fireworks are illegal in the City of Houston limits and if caught, can lead to a fine and arrest. Let’s stay engaged, connected, and accountable to each other. District F continues to be bold, responsive, and people-centered—just like you.

District F at the Houston Zoo
Stay tuned. I am working on taking a group of residents to the Houston Zoo with me in the fall for a day trip – when it’s cooler – with some food and fun. Details to come.

We received a high demand for zoo tickets from constituents following our previous newsletter. Thank you to everyone who submitted a form! We prioritized District F residents on a first-come, first-served basis and have mailed tickets to hundreds of families, with special thanks to our office intern, Julian Nguyen. We appreciate your understanding!

Council Member Thomas filmed an important public service announcement on swim safety on June 20, 2025, emphasizing the importance of water safety as a critical component of public safety in District F.

As part of ongoing efforts to prevent drownings and promote safe swimming practices, join us on Saturday, July 26 at 10 AM at the Alief Aquatic Center for our third annual Swim Safety Clinic. This event is in partnership with Houston Parks and Recreation, Houston Swim Waves, Coach CPR, and nonprofits from across the country — all coming together to ensure District F families are protected and informed.

Space is limited and the event fills up quickly, so don’t miss this opportunity to keep our community safe this summer.

Council Member Thomas addressed a major resident concern on June 20, 2025, following increased disturbances near a food truck park on Westheimer. Residents have reported issues including excess trash, rodent activity, and limited parking access.

In response, Council Member Thomas outlined plans to work directly with the lot owner to explore additional parking solutions — aiming to ease the burden on nearby residents while supporting local small businesses.

To further support the community, Council Member Thomas is allocating $40,000 over the coming years from the Council District Service Fund to improve parking design along Hullsmith and Westheimer.

We take resident feedback seriously. If you have additional concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. Watch the full news coverage here.

Council Member Thomas was selected to join the 2025 Local Elected Officials Cohort for the UNUM Fellows program, a project of E Pluribus Unum, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing racial and environmental justice across the South.

As part of this program, Council Member Thomas traveled to New Orleans to meet with former New Orleans Mayor and Senior Advisor to President Biden on Infrastructure, Mitch Landrieu, a leading voice in Southern leadership development.

Their conversations covered critical topics including disaster recovery, affordable housing, drainage infrastructure, and the evolving role of local government in times of crisis. They also shared reflections on the legacies of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and former Mayor Sylvester Turner.

It was a meaningful opportunity to connect with fellow Southern leaders united by a shared commitment to change. During the visit, a state legislator from Mississippi even highlighted the impact of the Alief Neighborhood Center.

On June 26, 2025, the staff of Council Member Thomas participated in an essential emergency preparedness briefing hosted by the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management. With the potential formation of tropical storms during hurricane season, planning and readiness are more important than ever.

District F remains committed to protecting residents in the event of a disaster. From coordinating water and food distribution to partnering with local small businesses and faith-based organizations, our team is working to ensure that every resident has access to critical resources when needed.

Preparedness is a community effort, and Council Member Thomas is focused on ensuring District F is equipped, informed, and resilient.

On June 28, 2025, District F partnered with Compudopt to advance youth empowerment through technology. Together, we successfully connected 135 families with essential electronic devices, helping to close the digital divide and provide students with the tools they need to succeed.

As technology continues to shape the future, District F is proud to support initiatives that build strong educational foundations and expand access for all. Partnerships like this are a key step in ensuring that every young person in our community has the opportunity to thrive.

On July 1, 2025, District F hosted a meaningful and intentional staff retreat focused on alignment, collaboration, and strengthening internal synergy. This dedicated time allowed our team to ensure we are unified in our mission to serve the residents of District F with excellence.

Team cohesion is essential as we tackle critical priorities such as public safety, infrastructure, affordable housing, and the efficient delivery of city services.

We are proud to have a dedicated and dynamic team — a true dream team — committed to public service. It takes a village to create meaningful change, and we’re honored to serve ours every day.

Flooding affects us all — and your voice matters. This summer, the Harris County Flood Control District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are hosting a series of public meetings for the SAFER Study (Solutions for Advancing Floodplain Evaluation and Resilience). This effort will shape large-scale, long-term strategies to reduce flood risk in our region.

What You Can Do:

• Attend an in-person or virtual public meeting

• Share your experiences, concerns, and ideas

• Help guide flood mitigation planning in Harris County

Nearby Meeting

• Saturday, July 19 | 1 – 3 PM

Location: Alief Neighborhood Center
11903 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77072

 Virtual Meetings

• Tuesday, August 19 | 6–7 PM

• Wednesday, August 20 | 12–1 PM

Learn more and register at theSAFERstudy.org

Let’s build a safer, more resilient future — together.

AliefVotes is proud to champion green infrastructure as a powerful strategy for building community resilience, supporting public health, and adapting to climate challenges. After hosting four well-attended community meetings at the Alief Neighborhood Center, the ideas gathered are now taking root — literally.

On Saturday, June 21, 2025, AliefVotes, in partnership with the Resilient Cities Network, District F, and the National Wildlife Federation, hosted a successful Pocket Prairie Community Build Day at the Alief Community Garden (8409 ½ Dairy View Ln).

Volunteers of all ages came together to create a new green space that supports pollinators, reduces urban heat, and reintroduces native Texas prairie to the heart of Alief. As part of this exciting effort, a brand-new “AliefVotes” sign was unveiled, marking a visible commitment to civic engagement, sustainability, and neighborhood pride.

Future Founders is a week-long, hands-on entrepreneurship program designed to equip students with skills in money management, public speaking, marketing, and business development.

Small businesses are the heart of our community, and this program empowers the next generation to dream big and build strong foundations for future success. Register here.

Services will resume the day following each holiday, and customers are urged to review the information below to ensure they are prepared for the holiday schedule.

• Independence Day – Friday, July 4, 2025

Please review the chart below for changes to the residential collection schedule for each holiday week:

Sign up here for general Volunteer Team opportunities.

Sign up here for our Volunteer Translation Team to assist with outreach and ensure all voices in our diverse district are heard.

Together, we can strengthen and support District F!