District F, Fall is upon us, but before we move into our Labor Day weekend, there are several important updates below that I want your focused attention on. LISTENING SESSION Last Saturday, August 29, I attended a community listening session hosted by Alief ISD Board President Dr. Darlene Breaux to create space for voices to be heard. The majority of issues raised were within the purview of city government—library hours, Flock cameras, homelessness, law enforcement, and I.C.E. I attempted to provide cohesive responses and context where I could. Although there was much appreciation and acknowledgment for what has been accomplished, it was also clear that partnership across all forms of government remains critically important. We need funding, legislation, and leadership at every level to move the needle. WATER BILLS Last week, the Administration announced that Houston Public Works will begin approving water disconnections for customers with more than $500 in past-due water bills. The City of Houston is currently carrying approximately $30 million in arrears. Once HPW provides us with the total number of District F households that are behind, my office will work with residents to connect them with payment plans and/or available utility assistance. If you are behind, please do not wait until your water is disconnected to begin addressing your account. NATIONAL NIGHT OUT On Tuesday, October 6, we will attempt to visit participating neighborhoods in celebration of National Night Out. Participation has grown over the years, which often leaves us concluding close to midnight—which is a good thing! Please sign up and let us know if your neighborhood is participating. I can’t promise the District F office can attend every event, but we will definitely promote your gathering and help spread the word. This year, we will start on the far west side of the district with Westhollow and Park Glen. Register here. RICHMOND AVENUE — WEST OF KIRKWOOD For years, we have worked to improve large portions of Richmond Avenue and successfully completed extensive rehabilitation on the east side of the district. Now, we have finally charted a path for the portion in SN 17. The project will cost approximately $6 million, and in conversations with Houston Public Works, we are looking to initiate construction in late 2026. I will visit SN 17 in October or November with maps and additional details once the construction notice is near so we can outline what to expect and your role during construction. We are one step closer to a big win for our roads—and our cars:) BOONE & HACKBERRY DETENTION PROJECT A few updates here. We have tracked down the reason for the delay of this long-awaited detention project, which is critical to our flood mitigation infrastructure. The International Management District Trail capital improvement project conflicted with the established design, requiring portions of the detention project to be redesigned to accommodate both projects. Unfortunately, that pushed our construction timeline back. I am not pleased. This remains a priority, and with construction projects, any delay has the potential to create additional delays. However, we are currently tracking toward a summer 2027 completion. Follow EngageHouston for access to the project map, scope, and updates. FAITH & AFFORDABLE HOUSING SUMMIT The 3rd Annual Faith & Affordable Housing Summit will be held Saturday, October 10, at 9 AM at The Collective. If you are interested in learning more about how land can be leveraged for economic development, housing, or homelessness solutions, this is for you. Meet bankers, builders, and potential nonprofit partners who can help you move from vision to reality. You don’t have to be a member of the clergy to attend. RENAMING WALOON POCKET PARK TO BARBARA QUATTRO PARK One of the last initiatives the late Barbara Quattro worked on was Waloon Pocket Park, located near Bellaire and Wilcrest. Now, I am asking for your help in honoring her. We are seeking community support to rename Waloon Pocket Park as Barbara Quattro Park, recognizing someone who dedicated so much of her civic life to improving the quality of life for all of us. We need 300 signatures and letters of support to advance the request. Barbara spent years showing up for this community. This is an opportunity for the community to show up for her legacy. I would appreciate your support by October 31, 2026. Sign the petition here. Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas |