HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL

Under the city’s current ordinance, buildings taller than 75 feet only require a distance of 30 to 40 feet from single family homes on larger lots.

Houston auto thefts are booming while violent crime drops, police say

The new concession agreement is expected to bring in almost $74 million for the Houston airport system and close to 300 jobs.

Common Bond and Pinks Pizza are among the local restaurant concepts coming to William P. Hobby Airport under a new concessions contract Houston City Council approved Wednesday.

IN THIS EPISODE:

Houston City Council voted to purchase land in efforts to mitigate flooding in vulnerable communities during future severe storms, according to a release.

The group alleges Houston City Council -- which currently has two Hispanic councilmembers -- is failing to properly represent minorities throughout the city due to City Council's five at-large positions.

The group alleges Houston City Council -- which currently has two Hispanic councilmembers -- is failing to properly represent minorities throughout the city due to City Council's five at-large positions.

City water line failures have nearly doubled in recent years, according to Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Some on the council reiterated concerns about not being alerted about the notice and that it took hours before it was sent out to residents.

Some on the council reiterated concerns about not being alerted about the notice and that it took hours before it was sent out to residents.

One council member wants a legal explanation and a broader approach to safety concerns after 2021 Astroworld Festival tragedy at NRG Park

Episode: 2857 Leonid Kantorovich, Soviet Mathematician and Economist.  Today, an economic wonder.

A Municipal Setting Designation was approved for five acres of land near the Pleasantville area, meaning contaminated groundwater there cannot be used as potable water.

KPRC 2 Investigates is asking why water rates are skyrocketing and what we’re getting for the extra money we’re all paying.

City-owned land in a total of 26 parks will be protected under Houston's first land preservation ordinance, which aims to combat climate change along with improving air and water quality.

Episode: 2349 Building early railroads -- the bands that shrunk Earth.  Today, rail and romance.

Houston City Council unanimously approved on Wednesday to lower the city’s property tax rate to $0.53364 - a reduction from the city’s current tax rate of $0.55083 on each $100 taxable value.

Houston City Council is discussing a plan to redraw the districts, but the agenda item has been delayed.

The city's investment is part of a $310 million investment for the park, the largest gift in the city's history for a park.

Mayor Sylvester Turner said that lowering the tax rate would cause the city to lose $332.7 million.

KPRC 2 Investigates has uncovered another example of convicted Houston City Council Relations Director William-Paul Thomas working outside of his scope at city hall last spring.

City of Houston leaders are calling for an outside investigation into the actions of a now former city director, William Paul Thomas, after KPRC 2 Investigates uncovered emails showing negotiations in favor of a private businessman.

The new housing complex in Midtown was originally supposed to be voted on last week, but was delayed due to councilmembers opposing the development.

The new housing complex in Midtown was originally supposed to be voted on last week, but was delayed due to councilmembers opposing the development.

Your H-Town traffic breakdown!

The mini street sweeper, approved by the Houston City Council in June, is expected to arrive this fall and will be used to clean bicycle lanes and other amenities in the city's rights-of-way.

Tenants at Timber Ridge Apartments spoke in front of Houston City Council members and Mayor Sylvester Turner Tuesday to voice their concerns about the hazardous conditions hundreds of them have reportedly been experiencing while living there.

The new policy is part of a $44 million anti-crime initiative funded by federal pandemic relief dollars. Advocates warn it threatens Houstonians’ constitutional protections against warrantless surveillance.

Public hearings begin Wednesday as Houston City Council reviews new redistricting maps.

Houston City Council approves $7.1 million in COVID funds to clear homeless encampments

A Houston city council member said she’s taking steps to address concerns about public safety in her district, which includes areas of Alief and Westchase.

City Council voted unanimously on a new set of rules Wednesday.

A proposed ordinance would make it harder for individuals to sell the part to scrap metal...

Houston City Council passed an ordinance Wednesday that will now require security cameras and lighting at certain businesses.

Local leaders have blamed the bail bond industry for setting rates too low, allowing people accused of violent offenses to easily get out of jail and reoffend.

Houston City Council on Wednesday passed its proposed policy to give city of Houston employees paid parental leave with a unanimous vote.

Pleasant Hill Village Retirement Community was built in 1998, but decades before, the land was occupied by an auto repair shop, washateria and a dry cleaner. Three businesses that left behind toxic chemicals that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality confirmed have contaminated the soil and groundwater.

Houston City Council has passed an ordinance prohibiting the smoking of e-cigarettes, also referred to as “vaping,” in public locations.

City Council will hear a proposal Wednesday that would add electronic smoking devices to...

Two council members tried to push the vote back before ultimately approving the contract.

With negotiations happening in secret, there's also less transparency regarding a potential conflict of interest on city council this year.

After a series of court battles, the fight is now at the steps of the Texas Supreme...

The Bezos Academy is opening three other locations in Texas this year.

Houston City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to amend several ordinances related to Houston-area pet owners and shops.

The council voted unanimously not to pursue an independent investigation.

On Thursday's show: Houston City Council approves an agreement with the Ion developers, and an Afghanistan veteran shares how working to resettle refugees from that country helped him process his experiences from the war.

The group is asking for the elimination of the city's five at-large council seats and for the creation of four new districts.

The Houston Spaceport Development Corporation will be eligible for millions in state funding.

Members of the Houston City Council voted on Wednesday to approve incentives for vaccinations up to $150.

Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey and Houston City Council Member Edward Pollard are expected to hold a news conference with other local officials Monday to remind residents of the effective date of House Bill 2795, and how the two offices are partnering to address Bissonnet Street (between Beltway 8 and Southwest Freeway), an area known nationally for prostitution.

The increase will go into effect starting on September 1.

Houston City Council is one vote away from issuing a huge increase in water bills for residents.

The city avoided budget cuts and layoffs, though Mayor Sylvester Turner said the pandemic caused the worst deficit in the city’s history.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18) will hold a press conference Thursday to discuss anti-gun violence legislation.

Houston city council approved Tuesday an increase in fines for illegal dumping, the secretary’s office confirms.

In election years, we see political signs and candidates for public office everywhere. They are out canvassing neighborhoods and greeting voters. Unfortunately, the pandemic has made our elected leaders less visible. There have been no face to face public meetings for months. We wondered how well those men and women are connecting and communicating with the constituents they serve.

The city is setting up the kiosks as a new revenue stream, but not everyone is happy about it.

The Houston City Council is expected to vote on the approval of 75 kiosks Wednesday.

HOUSTON – The Houston City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to approve the appointment of Troy Finner as the next police chief. Finner takes over for outgoing Chief Art Acevedo, who is leaving to become the top cop in Miami. Finner is a native of Houston and grew up in the Fifth Ward. He attended James Madison High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University and a master’s degree from the University of Houston. Finner takes the helm at HPD on April 5.

People living in single-family homes will receive an automatic adjustment, while those in multi-family homes and commercial properties will need to apply. Houstonians facing unusually high water bills from last month's winter storm will receive quick relief from the city. About one quarter of Houston households experienced a leak during the winter storm, according to the city's public works department. Bills will be automatically adjusted for people living in single-family residential homes, with no need to apply or document damage. "So I just wanted to say thank you for the leadership on this and for Public Works Director (Carol) Haddock for making this happen and making sure we take care of Houstonians."

Houston City Council on Wednesday unanimously passed an eviction “grace period” ordinance for the first time during the pandemic, similar to measures that have been in place in cities like Austin and Dallas for nearly a year. The CDC order and the Houston grace period both protect renters who meet five criteria. The ordinance specifies that it will expire on March 31 regardless of whether the federal order is extended, though Houston City Council could vote to extend the grace period. The long-awaited measure was celebrated by some Houston housing advocates who have been pushing the mayor to pass a grace period ordinance for nearly a year. Many members of the public and council members struggled to connect or participate in the virtual council meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Houston City Council on Wednesday unanimously passed an eviction “grace period” ordinance for the first time during the pandemic, similar to measures that have been in place in cities like Austin and Dallas for nearly a year. The CDC order and the Houston grace period both protect renters who meet five criteria. The ordinance specifies that it will expire on March 31 regardless of whether the federal order is extended, though Houston City Council could vote to extend the grace period. The long-awaited measure was celebrated by some Houston housing advocates who have been pushing the mayor to pass a grace period ordinance for nearly a year. Many members of the public and council members struggled to connect or participate in the virtual council meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Next week, Houston City Council is set to consider an eviction “grace period” ordinance that would expire at the end of March. Houston City Council on Wednesday voted to approve the city's $70 million contribution to the fund. Dallas also has a 60-day grace period. “Houstonians have deserved a grace period for months,” said Zoe Middleton, the Southeast Texas co-director of the policy group Texas Housers. “The details of this ordinance will determine whether or not (it) stabilizes renters in our city beyond March 31.”A grace period ordinance is not the same thing as a moratorium policy.

HOUSTON – Members of the NAACP Houston Branch and the Women’s Coalition for Women’s Empowerment gathered on the steps of Houston City Hall in response to a recent social media post by City Councilman Greg Travis. Councilman Greg Travis maintains his comment specifically was directed toward his thoughts on the former first lady’s performance in the unelected position. RELATED: Houston City Councilman Greg Travis faces backlash over Facebook comments“Everybody can have an opinion. She said his post disparaged Black women’s hard work. He has yet to acknowledge these women worked hard to reach their dreams and strive for a better life, said Robinson.

Houston City Council passed an ordinance Wednesday that tightens regulations for businesses storing hazardous materials within city limits. The changes passed Wednesday update the city's "hazardous enterprises" ordinance, which outlines permit requirements for businesses dealing with toxic chemicals. District A Council Member Amy Peck, who represents Spring Branch, said the aim is to help prevent disasters like the Watson explosion from occurring in residential areas. "This came from the Watson explosion, and a lot of my constituents have asked over this last year, what changes are going to come from it?" Another update closes a loophole that exempted businesses from stricter requirements if they stored hazardous materials outside, rather than inside.

Voters in District B elected Tarsha Jackson to Houston City Council on Saturday, after a slow-moving legal battle kept the race off the ballot for an entire year. With 68.5% of the vote in the runoff election, Jackson beat challenger Cynthia Bailey. District B's term-limited incumbent Council Member Jerry Davis served an additional year on council to represent the district during the election court challenges. Congratulations @tarshajackson for winning the #DistrictB runoff election. Jackson is expected to be sworn in around Dec. 21, after the runoff election results are finalized.

HOUSTON – Houston City Council has approved a nearly $625,000 program to provide internet vouchers to low-income Houstonians. Task Force has partnered with Comcast to provide around 5,000 vouchers to qualifying applicants from now until Dec. 20, 2020. This agreement will ensure qualifying applicants can continue to stay connected to the internet, a news release said. “This pandemic has highlighted the importance of quality internet service particularly for those vulnerable populations who must stay at home to stay safe,” Mayor Turner said. “During this unprecedented time, it is vital for Houstonians to stay connected to the Internet – for education, work, and personal health reasons,” said Comcast’s Melinda Little, Director of Government Affairs, Houston Region.

HOUSTON – The Houston City Council approved $10 million in additional funding for the Small Business Economic Relief Program. The money will come from the CARES Act 2020 funds and will bring the total money set aside for the program to $35 million. The program provides grant assistance to small businesses and chambers of commerce that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The maximum amount a business or chamber can receive from the SBERP is $50,000, according to the city. This component is meant to ensure businesses that receive grant funds have a higher likelihood of surviving the pandemic.

HOUSTON – Houston City Council unanimously approved Wednesday to bring another round of COVID-19 relief funds for residents during the coronavirus pandemic. The city has once again partnered with BakerRipley to help support the direct financial assistance program that is already in place. The city and BakerRipley are finalizing the eligibility criteria and distribution logistics by the end of the week, according to a release. “We’ve worked with the city, the county, and other community organizations on several COVID-19 relief programs. The county program provided $1,200 per household and the city of Houston program is expected to award the same amount, according to the release.

HOUSTON – Houston City Council members will consider an agenda item on Tuesday morning in connection with the City’s Rental Assistance Program for people affected by COVID-19. Agenda Item 17 showed it is “necessary to extend the program to assist Houstonians who are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 and its secondary.”According to the paperwork on the agenda, The funding would allow for a one-time payment of $1,200 for financial assistance for up to 23,750 individuals. If approved, the mayor said that the funds would available this month. “The plan is to get those dollars out in the month of December, and people can utilize that on whatever means utilities, rent, childcare, you name it,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. The agenda shows that Baker Ripley would be paid up to a maximum of $1.5 million to execute the plan.

Using Instagram clues to figure out James Harden's Rockets future James Harden caused a bit of a star with a cryptic Instagram video on Monday. 15 Etsy gifts to remind Houstonians of home Houstonians don't need to get on a plane to feel at home this year, shop Etsy instead.

‘Hou-Ville' is coming to downtown Houston Santa is coming to town and bringing an Astros-themed gingerbread house with him. Astros to make Sugar Land Skeeters their Class AAA affiliate It just got a lot easier for Astros fans to see some of their team's top prospects. Houston's unsung heroes come to life in Discovery Green Looking to pay tribute to Houston's heroes? Discovery Green is the place for you.

Texas lawmakers begin push to legalize marijuana Marijuana is legal in some form in 38 states, but Texas is not one of them...yet. Houston City Council approves COVID relief Fifteen restaurants & companies will deliver up to 20K meals per week, through the end of...

Houston's many music venues and musicians may finally have some good news. Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Houston City Council voted to approve a three million dollar relief plan for those adversely affected by the closures due to COVID-19. The session will be held on November 10 at 10 a.m. for music venues and at 3 p.m. for musicians. LocalCommunityJournalismI Support Support the independent voice of Houston and help keep the future of Houston Press free. In September, the city's venues and bridges were lit red to join the national movement in support of independent music venues.

Property owners in Harris County will get a break on their taxes this coming year, after county government voted to lower the tax rate Tuesday. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and all four county commissioners voted unanimously to lower the county's overall property tax rate by 1.3 cents per $100 of assessed value — a roughly 2% cut from last year. "Even in the COVID season, we see the property values are going up this year 6%,” Ramsey said. The overall tax rate cut is the first such cut in at least 10 years. But like the county, Houston residents were also likely to see higher tax bills.

HOUSTON – A date for the runoff in the race for Houston City Council District B seat has been set, more than a year after the original election. Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins announced Wednesday that the deciding contest between Cynthia Bailey and Tarsha Jackson will be held Dec. 12. Jackson finished first in the 2019 general election but did not garner enough of the vote to avoid a runoff with Bailey, the second-place finisher. “It’s a shame that it has taken this long to determine the future of District B, but I’m glad that this matter will soon be put to rest,” Hollins said in a written statement. “Voters in District B will have an important decision to make this December.”The District B seat is still filled by Councilman Jerry Davis, who was to vacate the seat because of term limitations.

HOUSTON – Houston City Council has passed an ordinance Thursday that prohibits vehicles to park in dedicated bicycle lanes. Mayor Sylvester Turner, who listened to bicyclists, said in a statement the city is taking a step further to protect the designated bike lanes for Houstonians to enjoy. “The ordinance is an opportunity to promote safety and educate those who park in dedicated bicycle lanes without realizing how it impedes access," Mayor Turner said in a statement. A flyer will be distributed to vehicles parking on the bike lanes during a 90-day warning period, however no word on when the 90-day period will start. The ordinance is also a commitment by the city of Houston to become a bike-friendly city by the year 2027, according to the release.

HOUSTON Helping improve the Houston experience for pedestrians and bicycle riders is the goal for two new ordinances recently approved by Houston City Council. The Transit-Oriented ordinance will make updates to streets within half of a mile of a bus or transit station and the Walkable Ordinance will dictate how new buildings and re-development are constructed. As the fourth largest city in the United States, a number of areas in Houston are attracting bigger business buildings and residential developments. This type of construction presents an opportunity to create more vibrant, walkable streets that support alternative modes of transportation, according to Principal Planner for the City of Houston, Muxian Fang. If they do not comply they will not get the permit, said Fang, Principal Planner for the City of Houston.

HOUSTON Five Houston City Council members sent a letter to Mayor Sylvester Turner Monday with suggested police policy reforms. The letter, signed by Martha Castex-Tatum, Vice Mayor Pro Tem, Edward Pollard, Esq., Houston City Council Member, Tiffany D. Thomas, Houston City Council Member, Jerry Davis, Houston City Council Member, Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Houston City Council Member -- calls for an overhaul of the Independent Police Oversight Board, among other measures including the creation of an online complaint system for interactions with police. We must create a structure of guidelines that governs the function of the new board to restore public trust with public input. This is what his office texted our newsroom: The mayor welcomes input from city council members and thanks them for their thoughtful letter. He expects other council members to weigh in.

Here are things you need to know for Thursday, August 20:1. The program is open to more than 1,200 businesses previously vetted through the Mayors Office of Cultural Affairs. The family came up with a drive-by quinceaera birthday party. 3 things to shareWORD OF THE DAYGalliard [gal-yerd] (noun) a spirited dance for two dancers in triple rhythm, common in the 16th and 17th centuries. THIS DAY IN HISTORYAug. 20, 1619: 20 and odd Angolans, kidnapped by the Portuguese, arrive in the British colony of Virginia and are then bought by English colonists.

HOUSTON The Texas First Court of Appeals has upheld a ruling by a lower court in the dispute over the Houston City Council District B runoff, allowing Cynthia Bailey, a convicted felon, to remain on the ballot. The justices also suggested that an injunction might be a better way for Jefferson-Smith to resolve the issue. Bailey, who finished second in the general election, was to face the first-place finisher, Tarsha Jackson, in a runoff last December. It was not immediately clear when the District B runoff would be put to the voters. Below is a copy of the Appeals Court ruling.

HOUSTON – Houston police Chief Art Acevedo called for better policing during an interview on ‘The View’ Thursday morning. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are working to pass new police reform legislation in the wake of the death of George Floyd in police custody. Among the proposed reforms comes changes to “qualified immunity,” which shields officers from being sued for their actions on the job. During the interview, Acevedo spoke on the possible removal of the immunity -- and those calls for defunding police departments. Just last week, the Houston City Council just increased its police budget from $945 million dollars to $964 million.

HOUSTON Faced with the biggest budget shortfall in five years due to the coronavirus pandemic and a slump in oil prices, the Houston City Council unanimously approved Mayor Sylvester Turners $5.1 billion budget for the fiscal year 2021 Wednesday. City councilmembers debated for six hours before approving the budget for the fiscal year that will begin on July 1. They faced a budget hole of $169 million, the worst in recent history, as a result of the pandemic and oil prices. The budget includes funding for five Houston Police Department cadet classes and four Houston Fire Department cadet classes. It is a balanced budget that meets the needs of Houston residents, Turner said in a press conference Wednesday.

The Houston City Council increased its police budget Wednesday from $945 million last year to $964 million for the upcoming fiscal year. But in Dallas, 10 of 15 City Council members sent City Manager T.C. The Austin City Council plans to vote Thursday on decreasing the police department's funding, among other reforms. Theres plenty of fat in the city budget other than just the police department," he said. Council members Adam McGough, Cara Mendelsohn, Jennifer Gates and David Blewett did not, according to the city manager's office.

HOUSTON – Just a couple of hours after opening for tenant applications Wednesday, the rent assistance program authorized by the Houston City Council ran out of money. The council voted last week in favor of a $15 million assistance program with an additional $8 million for Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Landlords had to enroll in the rental assistance program in order for their tenants to apply for the funds. TenantsRenters were able to apply for rental assistance starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Just about two hours later, a tweet from the Houston Housing and Community Development Department indicated that all of the $15 million in assistance money had been allocated.

Houston City Council approves $6M tax break for live-work-play entrepreneurial communityPictured is a rendering of the 32-acre Founders District, a live-work-play entrepreneurial community being developed in west Houston. Pictured is a rendering of the 32-acre Founders District, a live-work-play entrepreneurial community being developed in west Houston. Photo: Founders District Photo: Founders District Image 1 of / 7 Caption Close Houston City Council approves $6M tax break for live-work-play entrepreneurial community 1 / 7 Back to GalleryHouston City Council on Wednesday approved a $6 million tax break for the Founders District, a live-work-play entrepreneurial community being built in west Houston. It has also committed to collaborating with Houston Community College, Spring Branch Independent School District and Lone Star College. City Council on Wednesday first created a tax abatement reinvestment zone for the Founders District and then approved a tax abatement agreement.

HOUSTON - A candidate for Houston City Council is asking a judge to remove one of her opponents names from the December runoff ballet. According to an election application obtained by KPRC 2, Bailey signed a sworn affidavit that she had not been convicted of a felony. Bailey contends that since she served her full sentence, under Texas law, her voting rights and her right to run for elected office were restored. It shouldve been brought in by the city of Houston or the state of Texas as it outlined within the code. The Texas Attorney Generals Office was asked to rule on this exact question in May of 2019.

HOUSTON - Cynthia Bailey said Tuesday that she has served her time and now she wants to serve her community by sitting on the Houston City Council. Brown has filed a plea in the case and cited the Houston City Charter and two specific reasons he said that Bailey is eligible to run. Attorney Nicole Bates, who represents Jefferson-Smith issued the following statement Wednesday:"Yesterday, KPRC Channel 2, broadcasted a follow-up story regarding the legal proceedings surrounding Houston City Council District B. "Finally, Ms. Bailey also has stated that everyone knew she was a felon and it wasn't a problem until Renee Jefferson-Smith lost. Ms. Bailey has put her own interests ahead of the interests of the community she claims she so desperately wants to serve."

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- There were lots of happy people at Carolyn Evans-Shabazz's watch party Tuesday night following the city council election.Early votes show Carolyn in the lead with about with about 19 percent of the votes in Houston City Council District D.Evans-Shabazz grew up in Houston and says District D holds a place close to her heart. "This is my home. This has been my home all of my life, and I have a great love for District D and the people....I want everyone to do well, and we're all going to come up together. "The District D seat became available after former council member Dwight Boykins gave up his seat to run for mayor.Just behind her are Carla Brailey and Brad "Scarface" Jordan, both at nearly 12 percent each.Jordan is a famous member of Houston hip hop group Geto Boys.Jordan talked about possibly running for Houston City Council in four years, but when Boykins' seat became available he knew he had to take the opportunity. "We need new blood in politics," Jordan told ABC13 back in June.

Nearly all Houston council races headed to runoffsMichael Kubosh, candidate for At large Position 3. Photo: Jill Karnicki, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Photo: Jill Karnicki, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 9 Caption Close Nearly all Houston council races headed to runoffs 1 / 9 Back to GalleryThe future makeup of Houston City Council will largely be decided next month, following a Tuesday election in which all but four candidates failed to win a majority of votes in their respective races. Council members are limited to two four-year terms, and this year half of the body retired or stepped down to pursue other offices. Shell face George Harry Zoes, who came in a distant second place. Shell face Van Huynh in a runoff.