The Thomas Telegraph | Principle Over Politics, Black April, and Keeping District F Storm-Resilient | Vol. 8, Issue 10 – May. 1, 2026

Ongoing Homeless Outreach Efforts

Our work to address the growing number of individuals experiencing homelessness did not stop after the Mobile Day of Care. Last week, WHAM, alongside Agape Christian Fellowship, canvassed an additional 22 individuals. Of those, 10 qualified for permanent supportive housing, and 12 were entered into the HMIS system for continued services.

We are planning a follow-up activation during the forthcoming 4th Annual Summer of Safety and welcome your participation. If you notice a growing encampment—whether at an intersection or in wooded areas—please contact 311. We are also coordinating with the Houston Fire Department Wildlife Team, leveraging technology to locate individuals in dangerous conditions and prevent potential fires. Don’t forget to honk your horn at our billboard on Westheimer near Eldridge amplifying the importance of housing as we address homelessness.

Richmond Ave @ Dunvale

No good deed goes unpunished. While the construction project is complete (cheers), much of the newly installed grass has unfortunately not survived. My office has received several inquiries and is actively working with Houston Public Works and the contractor to address this issue, which remains under warranty. We will share a timeline for remediation once confirmed.

Hackberry & Boone Park Detention Basin

You may have noticed increased infrastructure activity along Dairy Ashford and surrounding streets—and we are not done yet. The $8 million detention basin project, designed to reduce flood risk and protect surrounding neighborhoods, is currently scheduled to begin summer 2027. We will host another virtual community meeting ahead of construction to answer questions and provide updates. For ongoing information, please visit engagehouston.com for project scope, maps, and timelines.

FY27 Council District Service Funds

As we work to close out the FY26 budget, we have a series of projects funded through Council District Service Funds (CDSF) that are currently in the queue awaiting construction notices. It is important to note that the cost of speed cushions has increased significantly, limiting our ability to install them broadly across subdivisions. To date, we have already committed over $275,000 in CDSF toward speed cushions, serving only 2 to 3 neighborhoods. In May or June, I will provide a full snapshot of our FY26 CDSF closeout, along with proposed priorities for FY27 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027).

Voting Rights Act of 1965

My parents were just 10 and 11 years old when the Voting Rights Act was passed—creating a pathway for them to vote in their first presidential election in 1972. That commitment to civic participation was passed down to me, my brother, and our extended family. I keep a framed copy of my late mother’s voter registration card as a reminder of that legacy. This week, the Supreme Court struck down a significant portion of that law, impacting how communities select their representation. We are also seeing developments in other states, including the suspension of primary elections in Louisiana.
This is not the time to disengage. Stay informed. Stay engaged.

City Budget Hearings

Below you will find the schedule for upcoming City Budget Hearings. As we work to address a growing deficit, existing debt obligations, and the increasing demand for city services, your participation is critical. These hearings provide insight into departmental operations and the financial investments required to maintain the standards of our city. If you are unable to attend in person, I encourage you to watch online.

A personal note

Happy Mother’s Day to all who celebrate, even if the relationship is complicated, distant, or not what you hoped it would be. This year, I dedicate Mother’s Day to my childhood friend, who tragically lost her life to domestic violence just two months ago, leaving behind her 10-year-old son—my Godson who will grow up without his mother.

Rest well, Amy Lynn.

P.S. In personal news, I was honored to receive the 2026 Graduate Faculty of the Year Award from the School of Architecture at Prairie View A&M University, as voted by my students. (Yes, I have a full time job, too). This semester, I taught four evening courses, often until 9 PM so thank you for your grace if I missed your HOA or civic meetings. The District F team represented me well I am sure. I will not be teaching this summer and look forward to spending more evenings in the district with you.

P. S. S. Kudos to Monique on our team for being accepted into The Every Mother Counts U. S. Maternal Health Press Fellowship, which is designed to deepen and expand U.S. media coverage of maternal health. Her work on this issue has gained national recognition and we are happy to celebrate and share in her personal advancement.

Please take care of one another. We never know what someone may be carrying, and a simple smile or kind word can make all the difference. Let’s choose to make someone’s day.

During the April 22 council session, members voted to amend the controversial Immigration Ordinance, which had originally passed on April 8, after Governor Abbott threatened to cut $110 million of state public safety funding. Mayor John Whitmire, who voted in favor of the original ordinance, later worked with the governor’s office on an amendment to revise it.

While the revised version passed 13-4, Council Member Thomas voted “No,” standing as the only member outside of the ordinance’s original authors to maintain her initial position.

Council Member Thomas has been clear in numerous interviews with local news outlets of her intent to keep her vote, as this is about local authority and representing the people of the city, not the Governor. And she did just that, prioritizing the voices of District F and the principle of local control over state-level interference. See why below.

Budget workshops for the City of Houston will kick off with a special-called Budget and Fiscal Affairs (BFA) Committee meeting on Wednesday, May 6, where the Finance Department will present its five-year forecast and budget overview.

From May 12–19, 23 individual city department workshops will take place in the Anna Russell Council Chamber at City Hall. All sessions are open to the public. See schedule below.

Each workshop includes a department budget presentation followed by Q&A with council members and the public. Questions may also be submitted through the city’s internal portal.

For those unable to attend in person, all workshops will stream live on HTV and will be available for later viewing on the HTV website.

To expand public participation, BFA Chair Sallie Alcorn and Vice Chair Mario Castillo will host two public budget town halls:

• Saturday, May 16, 10 AM – Fonde Community Center, 110 Sabine Street, 77007
• Wednesday, May 20 at 9 AM— Anna Russell Council Chamber
• Wednesday, May 20, 6 PM – Virtual town hall via Microsoft Teams

Click here to RSVP for either.

Additionally, Council Member Alcorn is launching a “Your Two Cents” budget survey. Take the survey here.

Residents are encouraged to report all non-emergency concerns, including trash, recycling, heavy trash delays, potholes, and drainage, through the City’s 311 system by calling 3-1-1, submitting online, or using the app. After submission, a case number will be provided and should be saved for reference.

To receive assistance from the District F office, constituents should submit a 311 request, keep their case number, and email it to Sarai Robinson, Public Service and Community Engagement Specialist, at [email protected] or [email protected] for follow-up and escalation.

Additional Guidance

• Trash, recycling, or heavy trash delays: Email the case number and photos of the issue to assist with follow-up
• Requesting a new trash or recycling bin: Submit a 311 request first, then send the case number to the District F office
• Parking violations: Provide the vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate number when filing with 311

Important
311 cases may show as “closed” while departments continue working internally. Constituents are still encouraged to send their case number to the District F office so staff can provide accurate updates and timelines. We cannot escalate or address concerns without a valid and recent 311 case number.

Sidewalk Requests
Sidewalk maintenance and repair requests fall under the purview of the neighborhood and are typically initiated through the City’s 311 system. The District F office does not process individual sidewalk requests directly.

For neighborhood-wide or HOA-led requests, it is recommended that the HOA submit a single, coordinated application to the District F office, along with the associated 311 case number. This ensures the request is properly documented and can be reviewed for potential next steps.

Depending on the scope of the project, the District F office may be able to explore funding options through Council District Service Funds (CDSF). If the request involves ADA compliance concerns or required accessibility upgrades, the office may also coordinate with the Mayor’s Office and appropriate city departments to pursue additional funding opportunities. As with all service requests, a valid 311 case number is required for follow-up and escalation assistance.

• Fabio Capillo, Deputy Director – 832-395-6685, [email protected]
• Derrick Gott, Deputy Assistant Director – 832-395-4703, [email protected]
• Steve Loo, P.E., Senior Assistant Director – 832-395-2151,
  [email protected].
• Bashar Naser, P.E., Managing Engineer – 346-404-9549,
  [email protected]
• Sonynora Points (Senior Project Manager) – 832-395-0596,
  [email protected]

While short-term pumping continues—as seen in these photos shared by a constituent recently, two days after rainfall—the permanent drainage improvement project has officially completed the design phase. We are currently in the queue for a July start of construction. Thank you for your continued patience as we push this critical infrastructure forward. We will continue sharing updates as the project moves into the construction phase.

Council Member Thomas presented an official certificate to commemorate the 51st Memorial of the Fall of the Republic of South Vietnam. Known as Black April, this solemn anniversary remembers a turning point that forever changed generations of families. Houston is proud to be home to the largest Vietnamese population in the U.S. outside of California, and we remain committed to honoring their history, resilience, and enduring contributions to our city.

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.