The Thomas Telegraph | Vol. 7, Issue 13 – July 18, 2025

Although personally conflicted, I cast my vote in support, with comments that reflected many of your own. As mentioned in the survey, District F currently has no civility ordinances in place, and this ordinance will only apply to two communities. If your neighborhood is interested in pursuing a civility ordinance, you can complete the application process. More details on the vote are included later in this newsletter.

On July 23rd, City Council is scheduled to vote on Houston’s Action Plan for CDBG-DR24, which outlines how we’ll use $314 million in federal funds received in response to the 2024 Derecho and Hurricane Beryl. I’ve commented extensively on this topic and encourage you to follow closely—this plan will have a lasting impact on our recovery.

On July 26th, we’re excited to host our 3rd Annual Swim Safety Clinic at the Alief Neighborhood Center—and it’s completely full! We now have a waitlist, and I’m thrilled to share that Outdoor Afro has stepped up to sponsor swim lessons up to $200. Everyone who registered will receive information directly from our partners. If you’ve registered but your plans have changed, please notify [email protected] so we can make room for another family. Huge thanks to Houston Parks Department, Houston Swim Waves, Coach CPR, Outdoor Afro, and Walmart for their in-kind donations.

I’m also proud to announce that my office is sponsoring Future Founders in partnership with the Office of Business Opportunity and Houston Public Library. Youth ages 10–14 are eligible to apply for this dynamic entrepreneurship program. The application deadline is July 23rd—a great opportunity for young minds to explore their potential.

Next, residents at Crossview Apartments are facing significant quality of life and public safety issues—ranging from disturbances at Prive Night Club to vehicular crimes, and even a recent homicide. I am in direct communication with the property owners, and we’re at a pivotal moment. My office, HPD, and the Department of Neighborhoods will meet with owners and management to develop an action plan that puts the safety of families first. Stay tuned.

Finally, July has been non-stop—and it meant so much to be surprised by my staff with a birthday cake. Thank you all for the emails, texts, and DMs. Even if I haven’t responded yet, please know I’m deeply grateful for your friendship and your kindness.

Evening Public Session Approved
Starting in August, City Council will now hold 6 PM Public Sessions on the last Tuesday of each month. This shift is meant to increase accessibility and allow more working residents to participate in local government. We encourage District F residents to make their voices heard.

Civility Ordinance Passes
Council also expanded the Civility Ordinance, which prohibits sitting, lying down, or sleeping on sidewalks. This expansion currently applies only to Downtown and EaDo, and was passed with the intent to connect our unhoused neighbors to more stable housing, mental health care, and substance use resources. While the ordinance is geographically limited for now, it has sparked important citywide conversations around homelessness, public safety, and access to public space. We want to thank all of the District F residents who participated in our survey on this ordinance.

As future expansions are considered, I want to continue hearing your input to inform my decisions. Your voice matters.

On July 7, 2025, Council Member Thomas was interviewed by SHSU staff about her work on city council. We are proud to share that Council Member Thomas has been named a recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Service Award by Sam Houston State University. This honor is awarded to alumni who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their community and profession.

Council Member Thomas, a proud Bearkat, was recognized for her leadership on City Council, her advocacy on housing and equity, and her service to communities across Houston, especially in District F. This recognition is a reflection not just of her professional accomplishments but of her deep-rooted commitment to servant leadership.

On July 12, 2025, Council Member Thomas participated in the City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department’s “Stepping Into Homeownership” resource fair. The event offered residents access to information on the updated Homebuyer Assistance Program (HBAP) 2.0, financial readiness tools, and support with mortgage pre-approval and HUD-certified coursework.

Council Member Thomas delivered remarks emphasizing the City’s commitment to equitable access to homeownership and the importance of removing barriers for families working to build generational wealth.

Homeownership is a key pillar of economic stability, and as Chair of the Housing and Affordability Committee, she remains dedicated to ensuring our communities are supported every step of the way.

Council Member Thomas recently joined Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Meyers, community leaders, and residents for the Union Corridor Sign Raising Ceremony, a proud moment recognizing the rich cultural diversity that defines District F.

Located near the border of Houston and Fort Bend County, the Union Corridor is home to a vibrant mix of communities, cultures, and histories. The new signage marks more than just a roadway; it symbolizes decades of immigrant contributions, small business growth, and cross-cultural unity that continue to shape the area.

On July 13, 2025, Council Member Thomas was honored to attend Wesley AME Church’s Community Day, a celebration rooted in faith, fellowship, and service.

During the event, Council Member Thomas was presented with an award, recognizing her ongoing commitment to advocacy, equity, and uplifting the voices of those often unheard. The day was filled with meaningful conversations, local resource sharing, and a powerful display of unity among residents, faith leaders, and civic partners.

We thank Wesley AME for their continued partnership and for recognizing the work being done in District F. Together, we’re building stronger, more compassionate neighborhoods.

District F staff and interns Sarai, Tommy, and Julian recently attended the Sabor y Sociedad Latin Restaurant Month Kickoff, an exciting launch event that marks the beginning of Latin Restaurant Month in Houston.

The kickoff showcased the culinary talent and entrepreneurial spirit of Latin-owned restaurants across the city and right here in District F. It was a celebration of culture, community, and cuisine and a reminder of how deeply Latin heritage is woven into Houston’s identity.

District F is proud to be home to many vibrant, family-run Latin businesses that reflect our community’s diversity and strength. From traditional dishes to innovative fusions, these restaurants tell stories of migration, resilience, and joy through every plate served.

After two recent residential fires in the Catalina Square West neighborhood, the District F team conducted a fire safety canvass, going door-to-door to speak directly with residents and share essential fire prevention resources.

Our office stepped in to fill a critical gap, highlighting the urgent need for stronger language access, proactive communication, and equitable outreach from city departments. Too often, communities like Catalina Square West are left without timely information or tools to protect their families in emergencies.

Council Member Thomas remains committed to advocating for more inclusive, multilingual public safety strategies that meet residents where they are, because every Houstonian deserves to feel safe and informed, regardless of the language they speak or the neighborhood they live in.

We thank the residents of Catalina Square West for their time, their stories, and their ongoing commitment to building a safer community. Thank you to Jason Dotson for photography and videography!

Read more about the recent fires here.

On July 17, 2025, Council Member Thomas traveled to Cleveland, Ohio to attend the National Urban League Conference, one of the nation’s leading gatherings focused on economic empowerment, civil rights, and urban policy.

During the convention, Council Member Thomas had the opportunity to connect with community leaders and national experts committed to equity and opportunity in underserved communities. A key highlight was her meeting with former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge, where they discussed federal-local partnerships, the future of housing policy, and strategies to expand access to affordable housing in cities like Houston.

Council Member Thomas is proud to represent Houston as Chair of Housing and Affordability in national conversations around housing, economic justice, and community development, bringing those insights back to the work we do every day in Houston.

We thank the National Urban League for hosting this important convening and for continuing to center equity at the heart of urban policy.

We’re excited to share that multiple Public Service Announcements (PSAs) are currently in production to help keep District F residents informed, prepared, and empowered.

These short videos will cover important topics, from city services to civic engagement and community resources, all tailored to the unique needs of our diverse neighborhoods.

Our goal is simple: make sure every resident has access to clear, useful, and timely information, whether it’s about emergency preparedness, language access, or how to get involved in local government.

Stay tuned to our social media and newsletters; PSAs will begin rolling out soon, and we can’t wait to share them with you.

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.

On Saturday, July 19, District F staff will join AliefVotes, the Resilient Cities Network, and the National Wildlife Federation at the Alief Community Garden for the Alief Pocket Prairie Seeding, Workshop, & Tour.

This hands-on event will bring together residents and youth to help seed a new pocket prairie: a powerful step toward improving water quality, reducing pollution, and supporting native wildlife right here in Alief. Participants will also take part in an educational tour of the community garden and learn about the role of green infrastructure in building a more sustainable and resilient city.

Council Member Thomas is proud to support local, grassroots efforts that prioritize environmental justice, climate action, and neighborhood-driven change.

We look forward to seeing you there as we plant the seeds for a greener District F.

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

Registration has been EXTENDED through July 23. Don’t miss the opportunity to empower the next generation of business leaders!

Small businesses are the heart of our community, and this program helps youth dream big and build strong foundations for future success. Register here.

✅ Garbage collection is on schedule.
♻️ Recycling is approximately 3 days behind.
Heavy Trash (Bulk Waste) is currently two weeks behind.

Please continue placing your items out on your regular schedule to avoid missed pickups.

Yard Waste services are experiencing delays.

To track heavy trash collection progress, you can use the Heavy Trash Progress Dashboard. Just click the magnifying glass icon in the double arrows at the top right of the dashboard to find your address and service status.

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

In addition to service updates, the new Interim Director of Solid Waste addressed City Council this week to outline current department challenges and planned improvements focused on operational efficiency and accountability. Check SWM’s presentation here.

Council Member Thomas’s comments on the update are included above and reflect her ongoing commitment to ensuring District F receives timely, reliable city services.

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!