The Thomas Telegraph | Happy Easter, EID and Passover | Vol. 8, Issue 7-April 3, 2026

We are well into spring, and I have a series of updates and important items to bring to your attention.

WATER RATE INCREASE
Every April 1, water bills increase by 1% per city ordinance. I know. I know. Many of you have also raised concerns about billing issues related to the electronic meter reading system. My office is here to help. Thousands of these devices are scheduled for replacement. If you are experiencing abnormally high-water bills, please email your last two bills to: [email protected].

WESTSIDE MOBILE CARE DAY
On Saturday, April 4, from 9 AM–1 PM, we will host our inaugural Westside Mobile Care Day to address visible homelessness in our community.

With many partners at the table, we will provide:

• Mobile showers
• Haircuts
• Healthcare services
• IDs and voter registration
• Hygiene kits
• Workforce programming
• Case management

Thank you in advance to everyone helping us stand up this much-needed activation. We are expecting a wet weekend and will continue to monitor the weather. Please stay tuned to social media for real-time updates. If you are interested in volunteering, click here.

VIRTUAL HUD ANNUAL ACTION PLAN MEETING
The Housing & Community Development Department recently hosted its annual spring meeting to gather feedback on the proposed $50M allocation to support homelessness, housing, parks, childcare, and related services. We packed the Alief Neighborhood Center with Houstonians from different backgrounds, ages and education levels, stakeholders, nonprofit representatives and more. A true reflection of the City of Houston.  If you missed it, you could still participate virtually on April 7, from 3–5 PM. Visit HCDD for more details. Comments are due to HCD by April 8.

HOME REPAIR FUNDING AVAILABLE
The 2021 Winter Freeze resulted in the most expensive insurance claims in Texas history, and we know many of you experienced damage to your homes. If you were impacted, you may qualify for:

• Home repairs
• Reimbursement up to $10,000
• Full reconstruction up to $300,000

Do not miss this opportunity to access funding available to address damage caused by natural disasters. Click here to review eligibility guidelines and apply.

3RD ANNUAL DEED RESTRICTION WORKSHOP📜
Join the District F team on Saturday, April 18, along with our long-standing partners:

• Rice & Rice Law Firm
• City Legal
• Department of Neighborhoods and others

We will provide legislative and ordinance updates and resources related to:

• Deed restrictions
• Prohibited yard parking
• Noise enforcement
• Neighborhood protections

Please register so we can plan accordingly for breakfast. I encourage you to bring a copy of your covenants.

There are several additional updates below related to construction notices, public safety, and District F in the News. Please take the time to review all materials to stay informed on what’s happening across the westside.

I.C.E. ACTIVITY IN HOUSTON
Over a month ago, I shared a statement regarding ICE activity in Houston. As one of the most racially and ethnically diverse districts in the city—what I often call the cultural currency of Houston—this issue is personal and impactful for many of our neighbors. An agenda item is expected to be placed before City Council for consideration next week. I ask that you stay informed, as this will have implications for our community.

GONE TO SOON: I want to take a moment to remember Janaeya Carmouche, who passed away suddenly on Saturday, March 28, due to complications from pneumonia. Janaeya was a long-time and well-respected City Hall staffer, a government relations executive, and a committed community steward. She was so many things to so many people. A wife, an incredible bonus mom, a proud “Lola” to her grandbabies, a sorority sister—but to me, she was simply my friend. We met on the campus of Sam Houston State University and immediately connected when she realized my mother’s maiden name is Carmouche. From that moment on, we became cousins. Janaeya had a giving spirit that was unmatched. She was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off her back—literally. While celebrating her husband’s 50th birthday, I complimented her necklace, and before I left the party, she had quietly placed it in my hands. I still have it.

That was Janaeya.

May she rest in perfect peace.

P.S. Happy Easter, Passover, and Eid to all who celebrate.
May God’s blessings surround you, overtake you, and remind you of His presence.

Construction to install a new sidewalk and crosswalk on Ashford Point Dr. at Synott is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, April 10 and conclude by June 30. This FY26 project is costs $145,000 in Council District Service Funds. The contractor for this work is TIKON Group, Inc. Any questions or comments regarding this project may be directed to Mr. Pareshkumar Bhatt, Senior Project Manager for the CDSF Program, at (832) 395‑2095.

Customer can review the full notice for details on the upcoming rate changes.

Additionally, on May 6, 2025, City Council voted to approve an ordinance awarding a contract to Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. for $804,095 to conduct a rate study for the City’s combined water and wastewater utility system. HPW performs an evaluation and analysis of its rate‑setting assumptions approximately every five years. The next related item is anticipated to come before Council again in 2027.

5️⃣ new No Parking signs have been placed on Crossview across from across from Crossview Court Apartments. Parking is restricted between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.

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.