Piney Point / Carver Crest

We continue to invest in public art across District F, utilizing electrical boxes to enhance the visual identity of our neighborhoods. Two of the four budgeted locations have been completed, and the approved design for Piney Point is scheduled to begin at the end of March at the corner of Richmond and Jeanetta.

We are also addressing ongoing mobility and quality-of-life challenges in the area. My office has partnered with ParkHouston to monitor activity and issue citations to mechanic shops, limiting access to residential homes and the local church. To date, multiple parking violations have been issued, along with 10 citations related to stray animals charging pedestrians.

We are seeing slight improvement—but our work is not done.

Please continue to report issues through 311 and share updates with my office at [email protected] so we can maintain enforcement and accountability.

Homicide at the Old Wells Fargo on Hillcroft

At the beginning of the year, a tragic homicide occurred at the abandoned Wells Fargo site on Hillcroft. The victim has been identified, and my office remains in contact with his family to ensure the case remains active and that justice is pursued. This site continues to be a serious concern, functioning as a known encampment with approximately 10–15 individuals present.

Multiple city departments—including HPD and Public Works—have engaged with the property owner. At this time, there are no active permits to redevelop the site as a gas station despite public signage, but there is an active demolition application.

After speaking with the victim’s mother, I followed up with Houston Public Works to confirm the status of demolition. They are working to obtain updates from the applicant, and once available, I will share that information with the community.

I am also coordinating with ABC13 for a follow-up story. If you have previously worked with my office on this issue, please be prepared to participate if needed.

Learn more about the victim here.

Estate Planning at the Alief Neighborhood Center

Many of the blighted properties we see across the district are directly tied to the absence of an estate plan. I cannot stress enough the importance of taking advantage of free estate planning resources for you and your family. Protect the asset you worked hard to build. Without proper planning, properties can fall into disrepair and negatively impact the very community you chose to call home. This is about legacy, stability, and long-term community preservation.

Details: Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Alief Neighborhood Center, 11903 Bellaire Blvd Houston, TX 77072. See flyer below to RSVP.

Apartment Inspection Ordinance – Special Called Meeting

Thank you to everyone who participated in the two public meetings on February 19 and March 5 regarding the proposed apartment inspection ordinance. A joint special committee meeting between the Housing & Affordability Committee and the Economic Development Committee will be held on:

Details: March 30, 2026 at City Hall (901 Bagby St 77002) at 2 PM

Please prioritize attending or watching live via my YouTube page. Feedback is still being accepted, and your input is critical to shaping a policy that balances tenant protections, public safety, and operational feasibility.

HCD Community Meeting – Westside

The City of Houston receives approximately $50.1 million in CDBG funding, supporting housing, down payment assistance, homelessness services, and more. To finalize this year’s plan, the Housing and Community Development Department is hosting community meetings to gather input.

Details: March 31, 2026 at 6 PM at Alief Neighborhood Center (11903 Bellaire Blvd 77072)

This particular meeting only comes once a year—do not miss the opportunity to help shape how these funds are allocated.

Westside Mobile Care Day: Showers, Services & Support

In response to what we learned during the January freeze and in my role as Chair of Housing and Affordability I have witnessed the success of Houston and Harris County leading the reduction of homelessness. My office and our Homeless Strike Force partners are hosting a Mobile Care Day on:

Saturday, April 4 (Easter Weekend) at Church Without Walls at Eldridge location from 9-1PM.

This effort will provide:

• Mobile showers
• Case management
• Immunizations
• Clothing and essential resources

Our goal is to meet individuals where they are and help move them toward a restored life rooted in dignity, stability, hope and one step closer to permanent supportive housing.

Thank you to the many partners joining us in service to the least of these. Volunteer details will be shared soon.

3rd Annual Deed Restriction Workshop

Save the date for our annual workshop in partnership with Rice & Rice Law Firm and key city and county departments, including:

• Harris County Office of Public Probate
• City Legal (Ordinance Enforcement)
• Department of Neighborhoods (Code Enforcement)
• Houston Public Works (Demolition)
• Housing and Community Development (Home Repair)

Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 9AM at Tracey Gee Community Center (3599 Westcenter Dr. 77042)

Breakfast and refreshments will be provided.

Please register early and bring:

• Your deed restrictions
• Questions related to parking, permitting, noise, and enforcement

This is always a high-energy and informative session—we look forward to seeing you there.

Women’s History Month

Happy Women’s History Month to the women of District F—those who lead, teach, serve, and contribute daily to our neighborhoods, our city, and beyond. A special thank you to the incredible women on the District F team who continue to show up with excellence every day.

“This is a man’s world
This is a man’s world
But it would be nothing
Nothing without a woman or a girl..”

• James Brown

Mayor Whitmire and Chief Diaz followed up with a press conference addressing the matter, announcing that federal immigration officers will be given a 30-minute window to respond to calls from officers about people they encounter who have administrative immigration warrants. As part of the new policy, officers will be required to call a sergeant to the scene for official review, and will be prohibited in transporting people if their immigration status is the only issue.

We understand how stressful and overwhelming news like this can be for immigrant families. If you or someone you know would like to review how to navigate encounters with law enforcement, our partners at ACLU Texas are hosting a virtual “Know Your Rights” session this Wednesday at 6 p.m. Register here.

Additional resources include:

• Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative (community hotline): 1-833-468-4664 (HOU-IMMI)
• Texas Bar Lawyer Referral Service (click “find a lawyer”) or call: 1-877-9TEXBAR (toll free)
• Texas RioGrande Legal Aid or call: (833) 329-8752
• Texas Access to Justice Commission (click “find legal assistance”) or call: 800-204-2222 ext. 2155
• Texas Law Help

PSA: We need your help to preserve historic Piney Point

Over the past several years, the historic Black neighborhood of Piney Point has been increasingly overtaken by auto body and mechanic shops, limiting resident access and raising environmental concerns. Standing with residents, Council Member Thomas is calling on small businesses to be responsible neighbors and help protect this community’s quality of life.

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.