Federal lawsuit filed against city of Houston due to lack of Hispanic representation on city council โ Houston Public Media
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.
houstonpublicmedia.orgFederal lawsuit filed against city of Houston due to lack of Hispanic representation on city council โ Houston Public Media
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.
houstonpublicmedia.orgHouston City Council approves ordinance to provide protections against contaminated groundwater on northeast side โ Houston Public Media
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.
houstonpublicmedia.orgHouston to protect more than 7,400 acres of nature preserves under new city ordinance โ Houston Public Media
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.
houstonpublicmedia.orgHouston City Council approves new tax rate; Turner says voters could decide on adjusting revenue cap โ Houston Public Media
Houston City Council unanimously approved on Wednesday to lower the cityโs property tax rate to $0.53364 - a reduction from the cityโs current tax rate of $0.55083 on each $100 taxable value.
houstonpublicmedia.orgInvestigates: Emails show city council relations director, William Paul Thomas, had close communication with private businessman
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.
Houston will let you name the cityโs new mini-street sweeper โ Houston Public Media
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.
houstonpublicmedia.orgTenants at deteriorating Timber Ridge Apartments take housing concerns to Houston City Hall
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.
Fifth Ward residents asks city to reject bid for special designation by property owner they claim is avoiding contamination clean up
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.
The Ion development agreement, and a veteran helps resettle Afghan refugees (Nov. 11, 2021) โ Houston Public Media
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.
houstonpublicmedia.orgBissonnet prostitution hot spot: Officials post warning ahead of Houston Bill 2795 going into effect on Sept. 1
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.
Put to the test: Are your elected leaders responding to taxpayersโ concerns?
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.
Houston City Council unanimously approves Troy Finner as next police chief
HOUSTON โ 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 bachelorโs degree from Sam Houston State University and a masterโs degree from the University of Houston. Finner takes the helm at HPD on April 5.
Houston Will Adjust High Water Bills For Residents Impacted By Freeze โ Houston Public Media
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."
houstonpublicmedia.orgHouston Begins Eviction โGrace Periodโ Giving Renters Impacted By The Pandemic More Time To Pay โ Houston Public Media
Houston City Council on Wednesday unanimously passed an eviction โgrace periodโ 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.
houstonpublicmedia.orgHouston Begins Eviction โGrace Periodโ Giving Renters Impacted By The Pandemic More Time To Pay โ Houston Public Media
Houston City Council on Wednesday unanimously passed an eviction โgrace periodโ 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.
houstonpublicmedia.orgHouston-Area Renters Could Qualify For $159 Million In Local Emergency Assistance โ Houston Public Media
Next week, Houston City Council is set to consider an eviction โgrace periodโ 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. โHoustonians have deserved a grace period for months,โ said Zoe Middleton, the Southeast Texas co-director of the policy group Texas Housers. โThe details of this ordinance will determine whether or not (it) stabilizes renters in our city beyond March 31.โA grace period ordinance is not the same thing as a moratorium policy.
houstonpublicmedia.orgNAACP Houston Branch, other organizations condemn city council memberโs social media post
HOUSTON โ Members of the NAACP Houston Branch and the Womenโs Coalition for Womenโs 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 ladyโs performance in the unelected position. RELATED: Houston City Councilman Greg Travis faces backlash over Facebook commentsโEverybody can have an opinion. She said his post disparaged Black womenโs hard work. He has yet to acknowledge these women worked hard to reach their dreams and strive for a better life, said Robinson.
Houston Strengthens Regulations For Storing Hazardous Chemicals, After Watson Grinding Explosion โ Houston Public Media
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.
houstonpublicmedia.orgTarsha Jackson Wins Long-Delayed Houston City Council Runoff Election โ Houston Public Media
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.
houstonpublicmedia.orgHouston partners with Comcast to provide nearly 5,000 internet vouchers
HOUSTON โ 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. โThis pandemic has highlighted the importance of quality internet service particularly for those vulnerable populations who must stay at home to stay safe,โ Mayor Turner said. โDuring this unprecedented time, it is vital for Houstonians to stay connected to the Internet โ for education, work, and personal health reasons,โ said Comcastโs Melinda Little, Director of Government Affairs, Houston Region.
Houston City Council approves $10 million to boost Small Business Economic Relief Program
HOUSTON โ 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 City Council approves additional round of COVID-19 relief funds for residents during pandemic
HOUSTON โ 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. โWeโve 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.
More relief could be coming for Houstonians struggling during the pandemic
HOUSTON โ Houston City Council members will consider an agenda item on Tuesday morning in connection with the Cityโs Rental Assistance Program for people affected by COVID-19. Agenda Item 17 showed it is โnecessary to extend the program to assist Houstonians who are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 and its secondary.โAccording 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. โThe 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,โ 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.
TV-radio listings: Nov. 12
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.
chron.comTV-radio listings: Nov. 11
โHou-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.
chron.comTV-radio listings: Nov. 10
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...
chron.comHouston City Council Approves Relief Plan For Musicians and Music Venues
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.
houstonpress.comHarris County Cuts Property Tax Rate By 2% โ Houston Public Media
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 โ a roughly 2% cut from last year. "Even in the COVID season, we see the property values are going up this year 6%,โ 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.
houstonpublicmedia.orgDate set for Houston City Council District B runoff over a year after the original election
HOUSTON โ 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. โItโs a shame that it has taken this long to determine the future of District B, but Iโm glad that this matter will soon be put to rest,โ Hollins said in a written statement. โVoters in District B will have an important decision to make this December.โThe District B seat is still filled by Councilman Jerry Davis, who was to vacate the seat because of term limitations.
Houston City Council passes ordinance to ban parking on bike lanes
HOUSTON โ 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. โThe 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.
City aims to make Houston more walkable and transit-oriented
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 City Council members suggest sweeping police policy reforms in letter to Mayor Sylvester Turner
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.
5 things for Houstonians to know for Thursday, August 20
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.
Appeals court upholds ruling that convicted felon can remain on City Council District B runoff ballot
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.
HPD Chief Art Acevedo makes appearance on โThe Viewโ to discuss police reform in Houston
HOUSTON โ Houston police Chief Art Acevedo called for better policing during an interview on โThe Viewโ 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 โqualified immunity,โ 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.
Faced with $169M hole due to coronavirus, oil price slump, Houston City Council passes $5.1Bn budget for FY 21
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.
Houston officials increase police budget as Dallas and Austin officials consider decreases in wake of police brutality protests
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.
Houstonโs $15 million in rent assistance runs out in just two hours
HOUSTON โ 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 community
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.
chron.comCity Council candidate Cynthia Bailey with felony conviction continues fight to remain on ballot
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.
Felon running for Houston City Council says she wants to serve her community
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."
Carolyn Evans-Shabazz leads race for District D
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.
abc13.comNearly all Houston council races headed to runoffs
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.
chron.com