The Thomas Telegraph | Council Member Thomas’ Op-Ed on Housing and Stance on Budget, Swim Safety Clinic, and more| Vol. 8, Issue 13 – June 15, 2026

Dear Friends,

The weather is not the only thing coming in hot—so is the action and effort across our district. See significant updates below.

FY27 Budget Passes
Please see my full statement in the newsletter body below.

4th Annual Swim Safety Clinic
District F’s annual public safety initiative, “Summer of Safety,” is off to a strong start. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 4th Annual Swim Safety Clinic at the Alief Aquatic Center this weekend — it was a fantastic turnout and an energizing way to kick off the season. Thanks to overwhelming interest, we added an extra cohort this year and still had a small waitlist. A special thank‑you to our partners — Houston Waves Swim Club, Outdoor Afro, Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Krazzy Kris, Coach CPR, Flip ‘n Patties, and Tropi Mix — for helping make this event a success. We truly appreciate the community’s enthusiasm, and we’re already planning to expand again in 2027 to welcome even more families.

Throughout the summer, we will continue rolling out public information campaigns and activities focused on fire, gun, and water safety. Teen gun violence increases during the summer months, and my office will soon release a registration form to distribute gun locks to households. As a reminder, in October 2021, District F hosted the largest gun buyback event in the country, collecting 1,208 firearms. This year, our focus is on protecting families who may already have firearms in the home. More details soon.

Alligator in Alief
Two weeks ago, an alligator was reported at Hackberry Park. Houston Parks and Texas Wildlife responded quickly—securing the area, communicating with residents, and limiting access.

After 10 consecutive days of monitoring, no alligator was identified, and the park has since reopened. As a reminder, we are in mating season, and with recent rains and flooding, wildlife may appear near parks and waterways. If you see something:

• Call 311
• Share your service request number with [email protected]

Houston Parks will handle the rest.

Addressing Homelessness on the Westside
The 2025 Houston/Harris County PIT Count has been released, and the data reflects what many of us already understand—the numbers have stabilized, indicating that the system in place is functioning as intended. Learn more here. On Monday, June 15, WHAM will host another clinic from 8–10 AM for individuals experiencing homelessness, offering access to case management and resources to support pathways to stability.

On July 10 and 11, we will host a smaller-scale mobile shower clinic at Agape Christian Fellowship. The feedback from our April event has been strong, resulting in IDs, employment, and temporary housing for several individuals served. More details to come.

Transient activity along the Richmond/Hillcroft/Westheimer/Voss corridors.

Midwest HPD has been notified and has organized a targeted task force to address issues, including homelessness, encampments, panhandling, and observed criminal activity. They are also coordinating with narcotics and vice units in response to prior concerns.

As part of this effort:

• Businesses will be contacted to establish or renew trespass affidavits.
• Patrol shifts have been adjusted to ensure coverage during daytime, evening, and overnight hours
• A focused deployment is underway, with continued monitoring and evaluation of the need for additional resources.

At this time, HPD reports that no calls for service aligned with the outlined concerns occurred during active patrol periods, but they will continue to assess and provide updates. Keep these numbers close: Non-Emergency: 713-884-3131 and Midwest Division Phone: 832-394-1200. METRO 713-224-2677. Please initiate incident reports there.

Short-Term Rentals in Tanglewilde
While I am highlighting Tanglewilde, many neighborhoods across District F are experiencing similar concerns with short-term rentals (STRs). As a reminder, City Council adopted an ordinance requiring the registration and permitting of STRs. Due to the recent surge in applications, ARA is currently experiencing processing delays. The primary concern is not the existence of STRs, but the impact of certain properties operating as party houses or hubs for after-hours activity. My office is actively working with Midwest HPD and its FIFA-focused task force to monitor and respond to these concerns. If you need to report an issue, please email us at [email protected].

Container Replacement Requests
As of July 12, District F has 85 active 311 requests.
The Hot Spot team successfully reduced a backlog of over 300 requests that had accumulated due to delays within Solid Waste during the department’s restructuring. At this time, the Hot Spot team will no longer handle container replacements. Requests will now be managed directly through Solid Waste following standard 311 protocols. I want to extend my deep appreciation to the District F Hot Spot team for their flexibility and willingness to support broader office needs—especially in addressing ongoing quality-of-life concerns.

Tree Trimming Requests
As of July 12, there are 62 open tree trimming cases across the district. This list has been submitted to Houston Parks & Recreation for prioritization.
Watch my PSA on tree trimming and how to report issues here. As a reminder, tree maintenance on private property is not eligible for service.

Lastly, we live in a time when there is always something to critique—especially if you are watching the news or scrolling too much—but there are also moments to enjoy.

Whether you’re a San Antonio Spurs or New York Knicks fan, the energy around the finals has brought people together. And with the FIFA World Cup activating Houston and cities around the globe, there are countless opportunities to engage—from neighborhood watch parties to Fan Fest downtown.

Just a tip—get there early. Fan Fest reaches capacity quickly.

Enjoy your weekend. Stay safe, and thank you for your extra set of eyes and ears in the community, helping us keep the westside the best side.

• Houston Chronicle: Harris County floats purchasing $4.3M Alief Family YMCA for new community center
• Chron: How an Alief Actor landed one of Hulu’s most acclaimed comedies
• Houston Chronicle: Whitmire’s new homeless facility matters. So does housing. | Opinion
• Houston Defender:  Keep Houston kids safe around water: Here’s how

 Splash Into Summer: Our Swim Safety Clinic Returns

We’re excited to announce the return of our 4th Annual Swim Safety Clinic — a beloved tradition that brings families together to learn lifesaving skills and build confidence around water, and one that’s expanding this year due to overwhelming demand.

Registration is full. This year’s clinic now includes three cohorts and increased capacity to serve more children ages 4–13.

In partnership with the Houston Parks Department, Houston Swim Waves, and Coach CPR, this free community event will feature:

• Basic swim instruction
• Water safety education
• CPR awareness and training
• Family‑friendly activities
• Multilingual registration options

We can’t wait to welcome families back for this beloved District F event and help more kids learn the skills they need to stay safe this summer.

View your collection schedule here.

Ashton Village Drainage Improvement Project

Major drainage and roadway improvements are underway in Ashton Village, covering Ashclift Drive, Ashlock Drive, Skymeadow Drive, Richmond Avenue, Westpark Drive, Ashton Park Drive, and Ashfield Drive.
The project began in March 2026 and is scheduled for completion in March 2027. The work is being managed by City Project Manager Desmone Kelley, and Texas Dewatering LLC is the contractor.

This $5.68 million project includes:

• Replacement and upsizing of existing stormwater pipes
• Installation of new reinforced concrete boxes and culverts
• Removal of aging drainage infrastructure
• Upgrades to inlets throughout the neighborhood
• Pavement replacement where work is performed, including areas identified as being in poor condition

Once complete, these improvements will significantly enhance drainage capacity, reduce flooding risks, and improve roadway conditions throughout Ashton Village. For questions, contact the project manager, Desmone Kelley, [email protected]

More Coming Up in Ashton Village: Upcoming Hybrid Demolition Hearing

The demolition of the structure at 3138 Ashlock Drive is up for a hearing on Wednesday, June 17, at 9 a.m. It will be a hybrid hearing, both in person at the City Hall Annex, 900 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002, on the ground level, and virtual via Microsoft Teams, Meeting ID: 259 035 793 289 171, Passcode: gm3TJ2uo.

To request an appearance to speak at the Building and Standards Commission Hearing, please register here to complete the registration form at the bottom of the webpage, or by emailing [email protected]v.

Please register to speak, preferably no later than noon, the day before the hearing.

To confirm an in-person appearance on the day of the hearing, members of the public must report to the physical location listed above at least 20 minutes before the commencement of the hearing. Please bring a government-issued identification card and a scope of work/detailed plan, if applicable.

If a translator is required, please advise the Department of Neighborhoods’ office two (2) business days before the hearing. Supporting documentation may be emailed to [email protected].

Phase 1 Construction on Keegans Bayou Detention Basin Begins Soon

Construction on Phase 1 of the Keegans Bayou Stormwater Detention Basin will begin soon and is anticipated to be completed in quarter two of 2027. The project site is south of Old Richmond Road, north of Keegans Bayou, bordered by Synott Road to the west and the Keegans Bayou tributary (D118‑14‑00) to the east. Crews are accessing the site from Synott Road.

Residents are asked to follow all posted warning signs for safety. Submit a question or comment about this project here.

Alief Votes Celebrates Another Successful Youth Conference

While the kids were swimming, Alief Votes wrapped up another successful youth conference at the Alief Neighborhood Center. Save the date for next year’s conference as we celebrate five years with our alumni, partners, and emerging leaders.

A Colorful Welcome to FIFA 2026: New Westside Mural Debuts

Right as the FIFA World Cup kicks off in Houston, the Westside is celebrating with its own vibrant mural honoring the tournament and the cultural currency of our community. Council Member Thomas has fiercely promoted public art as a way to highlight the richness of our community, and this is an example of her efforts. A huge thank‑you to Haitian‑born Houston artist Mathieu Jean Baptiste for creating this beautiful piece that captures the spirit of FIFA. Special thanks as well to our partners at the Westchase Management District and the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host City Committee for bringing this project to life.

If you’d like to see it in person, stop by the Sunridge Shopping Center at 3800 S Gessner Road — snap a picture and email it to us for a chance to be featured in the next newsletter!

District F Welcomes FIFA Energy to the West Side

Last weekend, Council Member Thomas celebrated Houston’s upcoming role in hosting the world’s largest game—right here on the West Side alongside the International Management District and the Southwest Management District. She highlighted District F as the cultural heartbeat of the city and reflected on the community pride rooted in local soccer traditions, including Alief Elsik High School’s 2018 state championship team.

Council Member Thomas also had the honor of introducing Houston Mayor John Whitmire, who attended and shared remarks.

First Fridays Kicks Off: Supporting Youth and Unhoused Residents With Identification Services

On June 5, our office joined Heads Up Houston, Senate District 13, and the Texas Department of Public Safety to help several teenagers obtain official identification cards. This was the first installment—our pilot run—of a new community initiative designed to help teens and unhoused residents secure the documentation they need to access employment opportunities.

We are calling this effort “First Fridays,” and we look forward to expanding this service in the months ahead to support even more residents on their path to stability and self‑sufficiency. Special thanks to State Senator District 13, Borris Miles for his partnership.

 Delta Day at City Hall: A Powerful Moment of Service and Sisterhood

Council Member Thomas joined hundreds of members of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., for the 28th Annual Delta Day at City Hall on June 2.

Our office also had the honor of presenting official City of Houston proclamations, issued by Mayor John Whitmire, to all 10 Houston‑area chapters of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. The Mayor and Controller, Chris Hollins, briefly attended the celebration and shared remarks recognizing the sorority’s longstanding service and leadership in our communities. The National Convention is scheduled to be hosted in Houston in 2027.

Climate Action Campaign Hearing 

The testimonies shared on Saturday, May 30, at the Climate Action Campaign People’s Hearing—hosted by Air Alliance Houston, Climate Power, Extreme Weather Survivors, and several partner organizations—were deeply personal for Council Member Thomas.

As she listened to residents talk about the impact of hurricanes, floods, insurance challenges, and recovery struggles, she found herself reliving her own experiences—from Hurricane Katrina to Harvey, Winter Storm Uri, and Hurricane Beryl.

Too many families are still recovering. Too many neighborhoods are still waiting for the support they need. While Houston is known for being strong and resilient, we cannot continue relying on disaster response alone. We must invest in preparedness, recovery, and long-term solutions that protect our communities before the next storm arrives.

As Chair of Housing and Affordability, she remains committed to fighting for the resources our residents need and ensuring that our budget reflects our values.

Our mission must be matched by our investment. Hear her testimony below.

Get Involved in District F!

Alief Super Neighborhood Council Monthly Meetings
 Eldridge/West Oaks (SN17)
Westside PIP
Midwest PIP
Super Neighborhood Alliance
Midwest Super Neighborhood 20 (inactive)
Westchase Super Neighborhood (inactive)

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.

LAMBDA GREEN
Chief of Staff
[email protected]

JESSICA SHARP
Executive Assistant
[email protected]

MONIQUE WELCH-RUTHERFORD
Communications Manager
[email protected] 

SARAI ROBINSON
Public Service & Community Engagement Specialist
[email protected]

TIFFANY D. THOMAS
Houston City Council Member, District F
(832) 393-3002
[email protected]