The Thomas Telegraph | February is Black History Month and the Super Bowl of Housing: Vol. 8, Issue 04 – February 6. 2026

I want to talk to you about I.C.E.

For many of us, I.C.E. is something we hear about on the national stage, but in recent weeks, it has shown up right here at home. I have received credible accounts of I.C.E. activity at Alief ISD schools, agents following school buses, and video of federal officers patrolling our neighborhoods. And, more recently, the detention of a long-time Vietnamese entrepreneur deeply shook one of our most storied communities.

It is real. And for one of the most ethnically diverse districts in Houston—where we don’t just tolerate differences, we celebrate them—this climate is jarring. You may recall, Council Member Pollard and I co-authored an ordinance to remove the mandatory traffic stops from HPD, that item passed unanimously.

I’ve spoken to principals, residents, and community leaders who are alarmed and unsettled by I.C.E.’s current tactics, especially given their stated goal of targeting violent crime committed by non-U.S. citizens. Regardless of where you stand on immigration or reform, I think we can all agree this is not how we do things in Houston, especially when lives have already been lost.

On Tuesday, District F resident Mr. Keith Porter, Sr. attended Public Session to speak about the murder of his son—killed by an off-duty I.C.E. agent in Los Angeles. His son’s story has gone largely untold, but his grief and courage remind us that these issues are not abstract. They affect our neighbors, our students, and, for many reading this newsletter, someone you love. We must choose humanity. We must choose each other. And I intend to work with my colleagues to ensure that, when the history books are written, Houston will be remembered as a city that protected its people.

HOME REPAIR FUNDING AVAILABLE
On Wednesday, City Council unanimously approved a contract to selecting certified home repair firms to begin construction and repair activities with CDBG-DR21 funds. DR-21 is Winter Storm 2021. Although it has been five years, the impacts are still real. You may qualify for up to $10,000 in reimbursement, $300,000 for a full reconstruction and if your home is still in need of repairs there’s funding available as well, but you must apply. If you need assistance or need to submit on behalf of a parent or loved one support is here. Don’t let the funding pass you by and don’t let your public dollars return to you void. Click here to read eligibility. I was interviewed by ABC13’s Pooja Lodhia to discuss the program as we approach the 5th anniversary of the freeze.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING | 9% Tax Credit Applications
It’s that time of year again. Developers have submitted their proposals, and the Housing & Community Development Department has scored them. Of the 44 applications received, two District F projects are recommended:

• A development near Hillcroft for youth aging out of foster care
• A senior-oriented development (55+) near Beechnut and Dairy Ashford
• A senior-oriented (55+) development near Dashwood

A special-called public meeting was held on Thursday, February 5 at 2:00 PM. You can watch the replay on my YouTube channel.
Click here to review the scored applications. 
Unfortunately, after the meeting I learned that our community organizations/HOA’s/civic clubs were not engaged in the process prior to submission. The application requires a letter of community support, and I have requested the letters from the HCDD. This item is scheduled on the council agenda for Wednesday, February 11th and if tagged, again on Wednesday, February 18th.

HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT HUD COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Please complete this quick survey to allow the Housing and Community Development department to include your feedback into their overall planning. This will help with future priorities with our federal funding related to housing, services for homelessness, neighborhood improvements and more. Click here.

APARTMENT INSPECTION ORDINANCE
Many of you remember when this item was referred to the Administration for additional review last fall. The mayor has requested that I, as Chair of Housing & Affordability, and Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Castex-Tatum (Economic Development Committee Chair) host a joint committee meeting.

Before the joint committee or a vote occurs, we will hold two citywide public meetings to hear directly from:

• Tenants and leaseholders
• Property managers
• Owner/operators

We will walk through the ordinance as written and collect specific input on enforcement, safety, habitability, and public health. This is especially important to me since District F has the 2nd largest inventory of multi-family in the City with various issues and with District B containing a significant concentration of affordable units as well. Representatives from city departments are confirmed. Your participation will directly shape enforcement tools and tenant protections for years to come. Translation services are available and both meetings will be broadcast live on HTV.

Thursday, February 19th at 6PM
Alief Neighborhood Center
11903 Bellaire Blvd 77072

Thursday, March 5th at 6PM
Harris County Department of Education
6300 Irvington Blvd, 77022

AUTO-DEALERS IN CARVERS CREST

I will soon attend the Greater Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church (3202 Blanco) service to listen to members about their issues related to the auto-body shops that impedes mobility, drainage, and quality of life. As featured by KHOU, this is an ongoing issue and although we have small wins, we need to continue to stay vigilant about what is happening and how to interrupt it through an updated ordinance.

ON-DEMAND HEAVY TRASH SERVICE

Solid Waste announced a new on-demand heavy trash pilot during the Budget & Finance Committee meeting. This is a major shift in how the city handles bulk waste. You can watch the discussion. My office has already received inquiries for clarity from the ABC13 story. I do not have any additional information to share. As official guidance rolls out, my office will update our HOA/Civic Club network and include it in future newsletters. I shared this update at Tanglewilde’s Civic Club last week as well. Please pay attention to this information when it is released. Regular collection schedule resumed on January 27th.

HOMELESS RESPONSE DURING THE FREEZE AND BEYOND

Last month, I convened partners across the westside to discuss homelessness from Fondren to Westchase to Alief to HWY 6. The extreme weather over the last two weekends activated our plan, stress-tested our assumptions, and gave us invaluable insight—directly from those experiencing homelessness. I am deeply grateful for the support of my exceptional staff, District F hot spot team, and District F disaster partners – your commitment to public service (and me) remains unmatched.

On Saturday, April 4, we will host a rapid-response community event offering:

• Hot showers
• Haircuts
• Pet food
• Case management
• Clothing
• Primary care services
• Hygiene kits and more

This is how we care for the least of these—with action, dignity, and consistency. More details will be shared soon with an ask for your support.

COUNCIL DISTRICT SERVICE FUNDS
We are currently in FY26, and FY27 begins July 1, 2026. Many of you have asked about the status of neighborhood projects, and I want to provide clarity on what is already in the pipeline and why your timely action matters.

As you know, when I visit your HOA or Civic Club, I often request that you submit a 311-service request so Houston Public Works can formally assess the issue. That assessment is what allows us to assign real costs and, ultimately, determine whether a project can be funded and when. Because our district submits early and often, projects in District F tend to get obligated quickly. However, construction and materials costs have risen sharply, which significantly limits my ability to fund multiple routine projects—such as speed cushions, sidewalk repairs, and panel replacements—within a single fiscal year.

Here is what is currently proposed in FY27:

Panel Replacements – Braeswood Estates: $276,484.43
Sidewalk – Lima Dr: $230,000 (I have requested HPW to consider absorbing this into their master sidewalk contract to preserve District F CDSF funds for other priorities. We are awaiting a response.)
Speed Cushions (51) – Leawood: $242,250.00 (an option is to split this into two projects between two fiscal years)

• Ashton Village Sec 6: Pending audit of streets and sidewalks
• Tanglewilde: Pending speed cushion and sidewalk improvement audit

We are already at $518,734.43 in proposed projects—before the start of the new fiscal year. If my office has asked you to submit a 311 request for an audit, please do so immediately. These audits must be completed by the appropriate departments before we can make fiscal decisions or secure placement in the FY27 budget cycle. The good news is that we are proactive and ready to move forward a list of projects.

CULTURAL & COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS

Super Bowl Sunday (February 8)
The Texans may not be playing, but fellowship and celebration remain undefeated. Be safe as you gather with loved ones.

Lunar New Year – Year of the Fire Horse (Feb. 17)
Strength. Freedom. Action. Determination. A beautiful reminder to begin again if your year started off rocky. Stop by the Chinese Community Center on Saturday, February 14th at 9800 Town Park Dr 77036 from 10AM-4PM or the 29th Annual Texas Lunar Festival on Saturday, February 14th at Center for Advanced Careers on 12160 Richmond Ave from 10:30AM to 4:00 PM. No rsvp needed for either event. I will attend the Grand Opening Ceremony on Saturday, Feb 26th at 11:00AM.

Mardi Gras (Feb. 17)
Louisiana and Texas share a cultural heartbeat. Enjoy the festivities safely.
King Cake recommendations: Three Brothers, Dessert Gallery, HEB (Houston) | Gambino’s, Randazzo’s, Loretta’s (New Orleans)

Black History Month (February 2026)
2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s vision. This year’s theme is A Century of Black History Commemorations.
Join me on February 19 at Robinson–Westchase Library as I read from one of my favorite Black authors and at O’Donnell Middle School at 6PM for their Black History Program where I will serve as the keynote speaker. Explore citywide events through Houston Public Library.

Congratulations🎊 are in order for Christian Menefee. He was elected to fulfill the remaining term of the late Sylvester Turner on Saturday, January 31st and was sworn in by Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson on Monday, February 2nd. Congressman Menefee has a small connection to the westside, prior to moving to the CD-18, Christian attended Alief Hastings High School.

March 2026 primary election is scheduled for March 3, 2026. Please check your voter registration card to make sure it is current and your polling location especially after the off-cycle redistricting. The deadline to register for this election was February 2nd. If there is a run-off, it will be scheduled in May 2026. Our March 2026 ballot should have Harris County Judge, Harris County Attorney, U. S. Senate, Congress and other races on the ballot. PLEASE educate yourself and remind others to PARTICIPATE IN THEIR CIVIC DUTY.

Friends, thank you for reading and for staying engaged. District F represents the best of Houston—diverse, resilient, and deeply connected. Let’s continue to keep the westside, the best side of Houston.

In service,

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

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.