What a month it has been! It sure did feel like it flew by!
As always, we have surveys for you. We help distribute this information so you can have a voice.
- Super Neighborhood Feedback – You can fill out the form here
- Harris County Pct 2 – Milby St. Corridor Study – Community Input Survey
- Buffalo Bayou East Priority Improvements Survey
- You can learn more about the design concept here.
In addition, District I is giving away free trees for kids! To sign up for tree pickup for your child, click on this link and select “Option #1: Register my child for a free tree.”
What YOU are telling us
We are always looking at how we can serve you better. We have been asking you all to fill out surveys, and roughly 63% of respondents have stated they have not attended a Super Neighborhood meeting. From the feedback we have received so far, we are hearing:
We have been asking for feedback to address your concerns. This is what we are seeing so far…
Transportation & Infrastructure
- Railroad improvements are a top priority — quiet zones and grade separations have been long overdue, and residents are frustrated by the lack of progress
- Better and safer roadways for all users, including improved sidewalks, bike paths, and speed reduction measures
- Opposition to disruptive downtown/EaDo construction impacting the area
Police & Traffic Accountability
- Residents want law enforcement held accountable for traffic violations they commit or ignore, including speeding, running red lights, and failing to enforce traffic laws for others
Immigration & Federal Enforcement
- Strong call for the neighborhood to take a clear stance against ICE activity in the East End and advocate for community protection
Community Building
- More events that bring residents together face-to-face and foster genuine connection
- Empowering local civic associations and finding shared priorities so the community can speak with a unified voice
Homelessness & Park Safety
- Concerns about homeless individuals and stray dogs impacting safety in parks and public spaces
Resources from Super Neighborhood Meeting
We covered a lot of information at our February Super Neighborhood meeting. If you missed it, you can see what we talked about here.
We elected our officers for the next two years
- Lindsay Williams, President
- Lisa Hunt, Vice-President
- Naomi Gonzales, Secretary
- Amy Dinn, Treasurer
Our next Super Neighborhood Meeting
Our next Super Neighborhood meeting is going to be:
- Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM
- Location: Magnolia Multiservice Center, 7037 Capitol St., Houston, TX 77011
Flooding Update: Franklin/Navigation Underpass
Many of you have noticed increased flooding in the Franklin/Navigation tunnel in recent years — and your concerns are valid.
The tunnel has a drainage system designed to carry stormwater directly to the bayou, but at some point over the last couple of years, that drainage system became blocked. Instead of flowing out, water has been backing up into the tunnel, creating hazardous conditions for anyone trying to use the underpass.
The good news: city staff is now actively working on an emergency plan to clear the blockage and restore proper drainage flow through to the bayou. We’ll be monitoring this closely and will share updates as work progresses.
Important Metro Fare Update
The METRO Q® Fare Card is being phased out and replaced by the new RideMETRO card. Reloads will be allowed through March 1, 2026, and full discontinuation will occur on April 4, 2026. Riders should switch to the new RideMETRO card or app, which allows tapping with credit/debit cards, phones, or new physical cards, while maintaining the 10-ride-for-free benefit.
Key Updates and Actions
- Transition Period: Current Q Cards can be used until April 4, 2026, but cannot be reloaded after March 1, 2026.
- New System: The new RideMETRO system features tap-to-pay using credit cards, smartphones (Apple/Google Pay), or a new physical RideMETRO card.
- Rewards: The free ride benefit continues: after 10 paid trips, additional trips are free.
- How to Switch: Create a new account at the METRO Online RideStore or use the new RideMETRO app.
- Existing Balance: Use up the balance on your old Q Card, as it cannot be transferred online.
- Q-Ticketing App: The old Q-Ticketing app is being phased out in favor of the new RideMETRO app.
For the most up-to-date information, visit www.ridemetro.org.
Houston is changing its heavy trash pickup
What’s changing: Houston is ending scheduled heavy trash collection routes and switching to an on-demand, appointment-based system starting around March 2. Instead of waiting for a truck to come through your neighborhood, residents will call 311 to schedule a pickup.
Why: The old system — where crews drove every street regardless of whether trash was set out — was unsustainable and led to delays and backlogs.
How it works: Residents call 311, provide their address, and Solid Waste will confirm an appointment by phone or email. Collection will happen within five working days of the scheduled date, with photo verification upon completion. Each address is limited to four pickups per calendar year.
Illegal dumping: The on-demand system is only for legitimate residential heavy trash; a separate dedicated team will handle complaints about illegal dumping.
Have questions? We are collecting questions we can relay to the city. You can share them here.
What you need to know about the HISD Closures
On February 26, HISD’s state-appointed board of managers voted 9–0 to close or consolidate 12 campuses at the end of this school year, citing declining enrollment and deteriorating facilities.
Nearly 80 community members, parents, and elected officials pleaded for a delay — but the board moved forward anyway. Because HISD remains under a state takeover (initiated in 2023), elected trustees have no voting power, leaving residents without a direct line of accountability to decision-makers.
CM Edward Pollard has called for Superintendent Mike Miles to appear before the Houston City Council to answer questions publicly. Affected families will be reassigned to receiving campuses and can also apply through HISD’s school choice program. Teachers at impacted schools will learn their reassignment options by April 17.
Super Neighborhood Board members put together a map to understand where the closures are, with an overlay of active railroad tracks and with the streets identified on the high-injury network.
If you have feedback on this, please share it with:
- District I – districti@houstontx.gov – 832-393-3011
- District H -districth@houstontx.gov – 832-393-3003
- State Representative Christina Morales – 713-718-5915
- State Senator Carol Alvarado – 713-926-6257
You can also email the HISD Board of Managers:
- Richard.Campo@houstonisd.org
- Angela.Flowers@houstonisd.org
- Paula.Mendoza@houstonisd.org
- Michelle.Arnold@houstonisd.org
- Edgar.Colon@houstonisd.org
- Janette.GarzaLindner@houstonisd.org
- Marty.Goosen@houstonisd.org
- Lauren.Gore@houstonisd.org
- Marcos.Rosales@houstonisd.org
Houston City Council Actions in February
$2 Billion George R. Brown Convention Center Expansion Bonds
On February 11, the City Council quietly approved $2 billion in bonds to expand the George R. Brown Convention Center. The bonds are to be repaid from future hotel revenue and occupancy tax, a mechanism made possible by a bill Whitmire passed in 2023 as a Texas state senator — bypassing the usual voter approval requirement for bonds.
Police & Fire Overtime Budget Overruns
The city’s budget overruns were a flashpoint, with police and fire projected to overshoot overtime budgets by more than $50 million. Mayor Whitmire defended the excess, saying Houstonians expect service no matter the cost, while City Controller Hollins raised alarms — only to be talked over and cut off by both the mayor and a councilmember.
ICE and HPD Cooperation Debate
Council was deeply divided over ICE’s presence in Houston. CM Pollard advocated for law enforcement to prioritize violent criminals and leave people peacefully contributing to society, while several speakers urged the council not to restrict how HPD reports warrants to ICE.
Stormwater Demolition Funding & Flood Mitigation
A $30 million allocation of stormwater funding toward building demolition — proposed by the Whitmire administration — narrowly passed the council in a 9-7 vote, drawing criticism from some candidates and community members concerned about diverting flood-mitigation resources.
Apartment Inspection Ordinance & Tidwell Park Pool
The long-delayed apartment inspection reform moved forward, with CMs Thomas and Castex-Tatum hosting community meetings in February ahead of a committee hearing. Separately, the council approved $13 million for the rehabilitation of the Tidwell Park pool, largely funded by the state, with CM Jackson calling it transformative for the community.
A couple of these have East End relevance — the stormwater/demolition funding vote and the ICE/HPD debate are both worth watching. The Fifth Ward TIRZ budget also passed in February, with some controversy over conflicts of interest and community engagement, which aligns with broader TIRZ dynamics you’re familiar with.
Helpful resources from committee meetings in February
Quality of Life Committee
- Municipal Setting Designations
- 419 Emancipation Updates
- Housing Department Updates
- Community Code Enforcement Prohibited Yard Parking
Budget And Fiscal Affairs Committee (joint meeting with Government Operations Committee)
- Parks and Private Parks
- Analyzing Overtime Trends
- Upcoming Financial Transactions
- Solid Waste Management Collections Update
- Quarterly Update on Overtime Usage (HPD, HFD, SWD)
- EY Category Management
- Committee Report to Mayor
Economic Development Committee
- Tax Abatement Proposal for NRG Greens Bayou 6 LLC
- Main Street Promenade Outdoor Dining Guidelines
- Main Street Promenade Ordinance Overview
Resilience Committee
Ethics and Governance Committee
Housing and Affordability Committee
Public Safety Committee (joint meeting with Government Operations Committee)
- FIFA World Cup Safety & Security
- Driving Policies & Post-Crash Procedures (HPD)
- Driving Policies & Post-Crash Procedures (HFD)
Keeping our Community Healthy
FREE Telehealth Weight Management Program with MD Anderson
A 6-month, 16-session weight management program to guide you on making changes to your diet and exercise based on healthy lifestyle recommendations. You also get:
- A fitness tracking device
- Access to a weight support line with a trained health coach
- Tailored educational resources and materials on nutrition and physical activity.
Are you interested? You can sign up here!
Improve the quality of your child’s diet
MD Anderson and Baylor College of Medicine are teaming up to work with parents of children ages 3-5 who have internet access. You can get up to $120 in compensation, and cooking ingredients will be delivered to you.
Are you interested? You can sign up here!
Screenings and health services with Harris Health
Harris Health Department offers screenings, clinical services, and dental services. You can check out their website for nearby mobile clinics.
Free Tow on Houston Freeways
If your car breaks down on a Houston freeway, the Tow and Go Program will tow you up to one mile to a safe location at no charge — and will change your flat tire for free if you have a spare. Call 713-881-3333 or use the Houston TranStar app.
Questions? Contact HPD’s Auto Dealers Detail at 832-394-4869 or visit TowAndGo.com
We are working on keeping helpful information for you on the website.
Other helpful links
- Report blocked trains: FRA Blocked Crossings Portal
- Houston Police Department Alert Slip (Use for Vacation Watch & Patrol Requests)
- Harris County Precinct 6 Vacation Watch Form
- Harris County Precinct 6 Patrol Request Form