Vol. 8, Issue 01- 1.9.2026

Dear Friends,

Let me be the last person to wish you a Happy New Year. As I shared at a recent press conference, public infrastructure remains our number one priority, and the updates below reflect how we are moving those priorities forward on the westside.

STORM WATER VS. BLIGHTED BUILDINGS

On Wednesday, I voted against reallocating $30 million from the restricted stormwater drainage account for blighted buildings. The item ultimately passed 9–7. Several of you emailed urging me not to divert funds away from drainage—and I heard you. Blighted homes and commercial structures continue to plague many neighborhoods, especially after the recent demolition of 3206 Chris Dr. and our ongoing efforts to secure the old Wells Fargo on Hillcroft from repeated squatting. These issues matter. But drainage remains the top concern Houstonians consistently raise, and I intend to stay focused on it. Although I opposed the transfer, I am confident our pending stormwater projects will still move forward on time and with precision, thanks to Houston Public Works.

ALIEF FOREST SOUTH DRAINAGE PROJECT

In FY25, City Council approved a $17 million drainage project in Alief South—adding concrete paving, curbs, sidewalks, lighting, and upgraded stormwater systems. On Wednesday, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones awarded $8 million in matching funds to help push this long-awaited project across the finish line. This investment directly benefits Catalina Square and Cookwood subdivisions—communities that have gone decades without meaningful drainage improvements. The Westchase Management District, TIRZ 20, and Shadowlake in District F also received project funding. A big win for the westside.

NEW TRAFFIC SIGNAL ON WESTPARK & ELDRIDGE

After three years, the residents in and near Parkridge will see the installation of a new traffic signal on Westpark and Eldridge. Construction is scheduled to begin on January 21st-May 21st and should last around 120 days. Safety has been a priority to this community, and I am elated to deliver this to the residents. We have 4 more traffic signals in the queue for installation and as soon as they are fully funded, we will alert the community.

AUTO MECHANICS SURROUND PINEY POINT

This week, KHOU 11 joined me in historic Piney Point to highlight the growing number of auto-mechanic and paint-and-body shops impacting mobility, drainage, and quality of life near Richmond and Jeanetta. This is not a new issue. Last September, my office and community members overturned a Planning Commission recommendation to replat two residential lots into commercial use for yet another mechanic shop.

Progress—but not victory. More updates to come.

GESSNER PAVING & DRAINAGE PROJECT

A CIP approved in 2017 proposed expanding Gessner from 4 to 6 lanes to support METRONext BRT plans—which have since shifted to Beltway 8. Throughout 2024, we hosted community meetings to share updated data and gather feedback. Your input led to a new transportation study with far more favorable outcomes for Tanglewilde/Westmont/Piney Point. On January 21, Council will vote on the revised scope for the CIP engineering services contract. I will attend the Tanglewilde Civic Club meeting this month to walk through the updated map, scope, and next steps.

HACKBERRY & BOONE PARK DETENTION BASINS

The long-awaited $8M project is scheduled to begin construction in Winter 2026 (January–March). We will distribute the official construction notice once received. Refresh your memory on the project here: EngageHouston.org

AFFORDABLE HOME APPLICATION SEASON

We are entering what I call the Super Bowl of housing in Houston. Developers are submitting applications for affordable housing that will come before City Council for resolutions of support to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Council offices should be engaging civic clubs, HOAs, and super neighborhoods now. By law, developers must provide public notice of their proposals. Learn more here and follow updates through the Housing & Affordability Committee.

PILGRIM REST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH @ RASMUS PARK

On March 8, my office is partnering with the historic Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church to host an outdoor worship service open to the community. A wonderful opportunity to meet neighbors and connect. More details soon.

2025 ANNUAL REPORT – ABOVE THE RIM

If you have not had a chance to check out the District F Annual Report, take a look here. (Yes, I was on top of the basketball rim. No, it is not AI). We are proud of our collective work and the standard of excellence we have set throughout the westside and the city. My office will also roll out a new format for the newsletter, website, and our social media accounts. We hope you enjoy our re-launch!

A NOTE OF GRATITUDE

Congratulations🎉 to Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee on concluding his service today as he prepares to run for Congressional District 18 in the January 2026 special election. Attorney Menefee has been a friend and ally to District F—working closely with us to shut down after-hours clubs like Chemistry Lounge and supporting numerous quality-of-life efforts.

We also congratulate Jonathan Fombonne, now serving as Interim County Attorney.

With Regards,

Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas
Houston City Council, District F

HOT SPOT TEAM UPDATES

Total Work Orders: 33

Hotspot of the week: 12100 High Star

Total Man Hours Worked: 100/week

Tree Waste: 800 lbs.

Mattresses: 5

Furniture Waste: 7 pieces

Tires: 14

Trash Debris: 750 lbs.

Shopping Carts: 3

Bandit Signs: 139

Landscaping: 0

Trash Cans Delivered: 2

SOLID WASTE UPDATES

We know you’re probably tired of hearing that and we may sound like a broken record, but unfortunately heavy trash pickup remains delayed. Please let us know if your neighborhood has not been service. Our office will be following up with the Solid Waste Department to get a timeline as to when they’ll be servicing your subdivision.  

If you are still without regular trash or recycling pickup, please:

If your entire subdivision needs servicing for regular trash or recycling pickup, please:

  • File a 311 case, and
  • Email Sarai stating that your subdivision needs servicing and include your subdivision name.
  • Include photos if possible.

You can also find your trash and recycling schedule or check for updates by visiting the Solid Waste Management website and entering your address under “Service Updates”: https://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/

If you encountered a missed collection after two days delayed please report it to 311 and let our office know at [email protected].

Garbage collections are on schedule. Recycling collections may be up to one day behind schedule.

Green waste will be collected with Bulk waste.

CITY COUNCIL

During the first council meeting of the year on Jan. 7, Council Members continued a spirited debate over agenda item 35, a flood mitigation item that will use $30 million flood relief dollars to demolish old and abandoned buildings that are deemed to be affecting drainage systems. After much deliberation, the item passed in a 9-7 vote. Council Member Thomas was among those who voted against the item. See her remarks below.

DISTRICT F IN THE NEWS

Council Member Thomas spoke recently to ABC 13 about the reoccurring issues of abandoned buildings after a dead body was found in the old Wells Fargo building on Hillcroft Avenue.

She also spoke to KHOU 11 this week about a longstanding issue in the historic Piney Point neighborhood: the growing number of car shops consuming residential areas blocking drainage, limiting access to homes and churches, and raising environmental and health concerns. Stay tuned for the full coverage.

DISTRICT F UPDATES

Places 4 People

On Wednesday, Council Member Thomas spoke at the Places 4 People press conference hosted by Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, Pct. 4, expressing her excitement about the initiative that’ll bring a collective $25.6 million of drainage, roadway and public safety improvements to the Alief Forest Drainage and Paving Project. Learn more about the project below.

Houston Public Works updates

The Houston Public Works department updated us recently that the construction for the Eldridge Parkway and Westpark Drive traffic signal is expected to start in mid-Jan. See details below for more information.

The Neighborhood Traffic Management Program team has updated the program’s application and information packet to align with Houston Public Works brand to aid in an easier application process. Visit the Traffic Engineering webpage for more information.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS & INFORMATION

Join Alief Votes on Saturday to help save a life by donating blood. You will get a free hoodie, snacks, and drinks. Must be 16+ and weigh at least 120 lbs. Make sure to bring your ID!

Click here to register.

Winter Storm Uri Home Repair

The City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department has simplified the application for the Single-Family Home Repair Program, making it faster and easier for homeowners impacted by Winter Storm Uri to apply for recovery assistance. Yes, funds are still available for eligible homeowners to receive up to $100,000 for home repairs (rehabilitation), up to $300,000 for full reconstruction, and up to $10,000 reimbursement for out-of-pocket storm repairs.

Don’t leave money on the table. Learn more by visiting: houstontx.gov/hcdrecovery/dr21

Get Involved in District F!

District F is calling on passionate residents to join our efforts! Sign up for volunteer opportunities and make a difference in your community.

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!
Alief Super Neighborhood Council Monthly Meetings

Hurricane Beryl Disaster Recovery Free Home Repairs
Ibn Sina Avicena Clinics Child and Parental Health Services

PERMITS

The Permit Activity Report provides activity information regarding any new construction, remodeling, or change-of-use permits by zip-code in an effort to inform citizens of activity in their neighborhoods.

Obtain additional information about permits by contacting Houston Public Works (HPW) via 311, or by visiting their Permitting Center website at www.houstonpermittingcenter.org. If you have further questions about any permits, please contact the Code Enforcement Group at 832-394-9494.

Additionally, the Plat Activity Report contains biweekly information from PlatTracker about plats, replats, public hearings, variances, and special exceptions to plats that will be considered at the upcoming Planning Commission meeting.

The report provides application information for each agenda item; compiled by the City of Houston Planning and Development Department. The excel format can be sorted based on particular data, such as location or council district.

The new PlatTracker is now available online. To access the portal, please visit https://plattracker.powerappsportals.us

For questions or additional information contact the Development Services Planner of the Day at (832) 393-6624.

CONTACT THE DISTRICT F TEAM