It’s August, which in Houston means two things: it’s hot enough to bake cookies on your dashboard, and it’s time to dig out the backpacks. While the kids squeeze in their last days of summer, take a few minutes with a cold glass of something and catch up on what’s happening around the neighborhood this month.
To start, we are sharing links to information and the most current surveys we could find:
- Harris County Precinct 2 2027 Budget Survey
- Harris County Flood Resilience Action Plan
- State Rep Christina Morales Constituent Feedback Form
Resources & Helpful Links
- Super Neighborhood Linktree
- Our New Disaster Preparedness page on our website
- Our New Immigration Resources page on our website
- Join our Super Neighborhood WhatsApp Community
Want to learn more about the proposed Union Pacific – Norfolk Southern merger?
- Check out this explainer we put together to help you understand the merger details.
- Tell us your train story! – We are collecting resident impact stories for the merger.
- Super Neighborhood Train FAQ
Spring is an exciting time here in the East End, and there’s a lot going on in the neighborhoods before it gets too hot to be outside!
Resources from Super Neighborhood Meeting
We covered a lot of information at our Super Neighborhood meeting. If you missed it, you can see what we talked about here.
Our Next Super Neighborhood Meeting
Our next Super Neighborhood meeting is going to be:
- Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM
- Location: Magnolia Multiservice Center, 7037 Capitol St., Houston, TX 77011
We are trying out a Zoom option!
News from your Elected Officials
Senator Carol Alvarado
When Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was shot and killed on July 7, our community demanded answers. I moved quickly to bring transparency and accountability.
I joined my colleagues in the Harris County legislative delegation in requesting that the Texas Department of Public Safety open an independent Texas Ranger investigation. The Rangers hold statewide jurisdiction to investigate officer-involved shootings, including those involving federal officers.
I pressed publicly and persistently for this independent investigation, but the Houstonians who demonstrated, called their elected officials, and made their voices heard were decisive.
Our effort was not in vain. On July 15th, the governor ordered the Texas Rangers to begin investigating the shooting.
The Salgado family deserves answers. I will continue advocating for a transparent and thorough investigation
Council Member Joaquin Martinez
District I Career Fair
Council Member Joaquin Martinez is partnering with Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast to host the first District I Career Fair on Thursday, August 6, 10 AM–12 PM at HCC Northeast (555 Community College Dr., Room 230). A great chance to connect with local employers.
RSVP by clicking here or scanning the QR code on the flyer.
Community Captains
The District I office is recruiting Community Captains, neighborhood leaders who serve as a direct link to Council Member Martinez’s office during emergencies, sharing critical information and helping coordinate response when it matters most.
Sign up by clicking here or using the QR code.
Houston Disaster & Recovery Expo
The City’s Housing and Community Development Department hosts this free expo Saturday, August 22, 10 AM–1 PM at Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center (6402 Market St.). Highlights include the launch of the new Single-Family Home Repair Program for residents affected by the 2024 Derecho and Hurricane Beryl.
Register at bit.ly/recoveryexpo. Thanks to the District I office for sharing.
News Around the Neighborhood
July Super Neighborhood Meeting
We had a huge July meeting, and we want to extend our thanks to District Attorney Sean Teare (and the District Attorney’s office), Senator Carol Alvarado, Council Member Salinas, Council Member Ramirez, and our very own Virginia Ivañez of LOVI Law for attending, sharing information, and answering questions.
Our follow-up: Many questions were answered in real time, and there are many we need to follow up on. We have packaged up all of the questions and sent them to the corresponding offices. Once we have those returned, we will send them out.
Also, there will be a Public Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM, where Houston Police will be speaking and answering questions from City Council about the fatal shooting in Magnolia Park.
Want to attend in person? This committee meeting will be held in the City Council Chambers on the 2nd Floor at 901 Bagby St.
If you cannot attend in person, you can listen online on HTV.
What is the Super Neighborhood Working on?
We have been busy in the last few months! Take a look at what we’ve been doing to advocate for an improved quality of life in the East End.
Public Statements
- On July 7, Robert Gallegos and Lindsay Williams spoke at the city council public session to express concern about the Tire Fire, which impacted residents in our Super Neighborhood and beyond. We asked for ordinances that target bad actors and geo-fenced OEM messaging so that residents closer to an incident receive instructions tailored to the incident.
- On July 14, Robert Gallegos and Lindsay Williams spoke at city council public session to express concern for our neighbors after the horrific death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, and to advocate for body cameras, clear identification of ICE agents, and our support for an independent investigation of the murder.
- On July 28, Lindsay Williams spoke at the Proposition A committee meeting about our support for the CM Salinas Right to A/C ordinance, which our Super Neighborhood voted on in our June 2026 meeting.
Meetings we have attended
- On July 16, Clay Dippel, Amy Erickson, and Lindsay Williams attended the HART Focus Group to advocate for community needs to the Gulf Coast Rail District as the HART Group works to prioritize projects and address the train problem in the East End.
- On July 27, Clay Dippel, Lisa Hunt, and Lindsay Williams attended a meeting with TIRZ 23 and the Harrisburg RDA to share resident feedback on the Telephone Road redesign and to collaborate on ideas for improving pedestrian safety within the TIRZ constraints.
- On July 29, Lindsay Williams and Amy Dinn attended the District I Disaster Preparedness Workshop to learn from the OEM Director about planning for a natural disaster.
In the news!
- Houston Matters: ICE Shooting Reaction from neighbors (starting at min 7:40)
- Houston Chronicle: Community Meeting with District Attorney Sean Teare about Shooting
- Fox 26 Houston: Community Meeting about ICE Shooting
- KHOU 11: Community Meeting about ICE Shooting
- ABC 13: Malfunctioning train arms in our community
- ABC 13: People crawling through trains
Surface Transportation Board Filings about proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger
- Comment on Blocked Crossing Mitigation in East End Houston
- Comment on Data Inconsistencies between application and FRA Crossing Inventory
- Comment on Data Integrity and Adequacy of Environmental Review
Neighbor News: Idylwood Civic Club
August is a busy one in Idylwood! The Civic Club meets Tuesday, August 18 at 7 pm at Forest Park Lawndale (6900 Lawndale St.), with guest presentations from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management on disaster preparedness, plus updates from elected officials and local patrol officers.
Then, on Thursday, August 20, the Social Committee hosts its fourth monthly “Thirsty Third Thursday” happy hour in Spurlock Park from 5 to 7 pm. BYOB; bring your own chair.
The neighborhood’s Blue Tile Project is also going strong: 18 new blue-tile street curbs were installed across six streets this spring, and Phase 2 fundraising is underway, with a goal of $9,000 by year’s end to secure a matching grant from the City, all in time for Idylwood’s 100th anniversary. Donations can be made to the Civic Club via Zelle (note “Blue Tile Project” in the memo); details are at idylwood.org/bluetile.
Looking further ahead, mark your calendars for the Idylwood Fall Cleanup on October 17, and start dreaming about the Centennial Home Tour, “Gems of Idylwood,” coming in March 2028.
Mark your calendars: Next Civic Club Meeting August 18 at 7 pm at Forest Park Lawndale
Neighbor News: Houston Country Club Place
Congrats to the Ybarra Family for winning Yard of the Month! 🏆
If you’re looking for a way to stay active, the IDILIK Run Club meets the 3rd Saturday of each month at Cool Heads Prevail Record Store (Lawndale at Fair Oaks); the next run is August 15, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., along Brays Bayou Greenway Trail.
Reminder: If you hire a contractor to cut down trees on your lot, all waste created must be hauled away by the contractor, per City of Houston Ordinance
Friendly reminder that political signage cannot be placed on your lot until six weeks before the election. Five days after the election, signage must be removed.
Stay cool out there: hydrate, wear light clothing, and keep outdoor activity to mornings and evenings.☀️ Questions? Contact civicclub.hccp@gmail.com
Next Country Club Place Meeting:
Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 6:30 PM at 115 Jocelyn St., 77023
Neighbor News: Eastwood Civic Association
Residents of Eastwood are participating in a contest to see who can pick up the most litter during regular neighborhood walks. Every day, our neighborhoods are getting just a little cleaner!
SAVE THE DATE! The Annual Eastwood Civic Association Home Tour – Presented by the East End District – will be on October 17-18, 2026.
For a printable PDF version of the latest Eastwood Voice Newsletter, click HERE.
Next Eastwood Civic Association Meeting
Monday, August 3 at 6:30 PM at the Ironworks Hall on 711 Milby St. (entrance on St. Joseph)
Neighbor News: East Lawndale Civic Association
Port Houston Community Grants – Good News for Mason Park
Port Houston has awarded $500,000 in Port Community Grants to 32 organizations across the port region, selected from 194 applications requesting $6.6 million in total, so the competition was steep.
Great news close to home: Fit Houston received a $10,000 grant for the revitalization of Mason Park. Congratulations to Fit Houston, and thanks to Port Houston for investing in our community’s green spaces.
SAVE THE DATE! Hallows Eve on the Hill will be on October 31, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM
Next East Lawndale Meeting
Tuesday, August 4 at 6:30 PM at the gazebo at Mason Park (541 S 75th St)
City of Houston Solid Waste Operation Update
We learned some helpful information about Heavy Trash. First, at least for now, all tree waste and bulk waste will be picked up together. The schedule is still every other month, and pickups should be scheduled for August, October, and December. We are sharing the scheduled dates for each neighborhood below.
- East Lawndale – Heavy trash pickup scheduled for August 4
- Idylwood – Heavy trash pickup scheduled for August 4
- Country Club Place – Heavy trash pickup scheduled for August 5
- Eastwood (East of Lockwood) – Heavy trash pickup scheduled for August 5
- Eastwood (West of Lockwood) – Heavy trash pickup scheduled for August 7
*Please note these are estimates based on a few addresses. Want to check the schedule for your address specifically? Check out the address lookup tool.
Don’t forget that if your heavy trash is not picked up on the designated day, submit a 311 report to document it so Solid Waste has a record of where locations are missed.
Solid Waste Management Customer Service
The Solid Waste Management Department has a new Customer Service Line to better support residents with questions and concerns, including inquiries about collection services, cart issues, recycling, and other matters.
Solid Waste Management Customer Service Line: 832-394-1453
Agents available Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
This line is intended for follow-up on existing 311 Service Requests.
Understand the Draft FEMA Floodplain Maps for Your Home or Neighborhood
Harris County Flood Control District and FEMA have released draft flood maps through MAAPnext, the county’s most comprehensive flood-mapping effort ever, reflecting updated rainfall data, new technology, and recent flood-mitigation projects.
The maps are still in draft form (so no changes to insurance or building rules yet), but you can preview your property’s risk using the easy online viewer at hcfcd.org/MAAPnext.
Speak Up: Two EPA Comment Deadlines This August
1. Don’t Let TCEQ Decide Whether You Get a Say on Air Permits
Comment deadline: Thursday, August 21
For decades, federal rules have guaranteed communities the right to know about, and speak up on polluting facilities proposed in their neighborhoods. Now the EPA wants to hand those public engagement responsibilities over to state agencies. In Texas, that means TCEQ, the famously reluctant regulator, would write its own rules for notifying the public about air permits, providing language access, and more. If this proposal moves forward, the public’s voice in air permitting would depend on an agency with a long track record of siding with polluters over people.
Take action: Submit a written comment to the EPA by August 21 at regulations.gov. Need help getting started? Use our talking points sheet.
2. Tell the EPA: Keep Pollution Controls on Diesel Trucks
Comment deadline: Friday, August 29
The EPA is proposing to drop emission control technology requirements from new heavy-duty diesel trucks. By the agency’s own numbers, this rollback would increase ozone-forming nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution from heavy-duty trucks by 4.2% in 2030, and by 11.6% by 2055. Critically, the EPA didn’t even model what that added pollution would mean for air quality or human health. For a region already struggling with ozone, more NOx from trucks is the last thing we need.
Take action: Submit a written comment to the EPA by August 29 at regulations.gov.
Need help getting started? Use our talking points sheet.
Heads up: Construction Closures Affecting the District
Chartres Street – Full Closure (~6 months)
With the World Cup wrapped up, construction of the storm sewer resumes near the former Fan Fest area. Chartres Street will be fully closed between Commerce and Runnels beginning Monday, August 3 at 9 AM, through Sunday, January 31, 2027. Crews will be installing 12′ x 12′ storm sewer boxes beneath the street.
Hamilton & Tuam – Continuous Closure (~3 weeks)
Hamilton Street at Tuam and Tuam in both directions at Hamilton are closed continuously from Monday, July 27 at 9 AM through Monday, August 17 at 3 PM for storm sewer box installation under Hamilton Street.
I-69 Southbound – Nightly Lane Closure (through August)
The inside (left) lane of I-69 southbound between Elgin and Alabama will close nightly from 9 PM to 5 AM, except Saturdays, from Wednesday, July 29 through Monday, August 31, so the contractor can haul material out of the work area.
A bit of good news…
We had been receiving reports of the lights being out on Interstate 45 from Lockwood to about Milby. We learned that they are back on, even in the underpass!
Houston City Council actions in July
Response to the July 7 shooting
City Council’s July 14 meeting was its first since an immigration agent fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo on July 7. Residents filled City Hall during the public session, and many speakers called on city leaders to respond. The meeting drew heavy attendance. This follows earlier developments on the same policy front: the first report on police-ICE interactions required by City Council showed Houston transferred 18% of people with immigration-related warrants to ICE custody.
Proposed air conditioning requirement for rentals
Councilmember Alejandra Salinas introduced an ordinance on July 13 that would require rental properties to provide and maintain working air conditioning. The current code allows landlords to provide window screens as an alternative cooling method. Under the proposal, landlords could comply using central air, window units, or portable units, and older buildings would not be required to retrofit for central air.
The measure is co-sponsored by Councilmembers Sallie Alcorn, Mario Castillo, and Edward Pollard, and the Houston Apartment Association has expressed support. The proposal stalled procedurally in late July. At the July 28 Proposition A committee meeting, the committee lost its quorum after nearly an hour of public testimony, delaying the item’s placement on the full council agenda.
Council members raised differing views during discussion. Councilmember Twila Carter questioned whether the requirement could raise electricity costs for tenants with limited incomes. Salinas responded that tenants would retain the choice of whether to use the equipment, while landlords would no longer be able to withhold it.
World Cup spending
Houston’s final World Cup match was July 4, and the FIFA Fan Fest in East Downtown ran through July 19. Council had been approving related spending on a near-weekly basis, including meal reimbursements and housing for first responders, with that spending winding down as the tournament concluded.
New fiscal year and storm preparation
The fiscal year 2027 budget, approved in June, took effect on July 1. A new $5 monthly solid waste fee will begin appearing on water bills in August. Council also has pre-approved hurricane plans in place, covering ice delivery and staging, generators at multi-service centers, and emergency center operations.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Eastwood Civic Association General Membership Meeting
- Where: The Hall at Ironworks, 711 Milby St (Entrance on St Joseph St)
- Date: Monday, August 3, 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM
TIRZ 23, Harrisburg RDA Evening Meeting
- Where: 3211 Harrisburg Blvd., Houston, TX 77003
- Date: Monday, August 3, 2026
- Time: 6:00 PM
Magnolia Park Civic Club Meeting
- Where: Community Family Centers, 7524 Avenue E, Houston, TX 77012
- Date: Monday, August 3, 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM
East Lawndale Civic Association Meeting
- Where: 541 S 7th St., Houston, TX 77023
- Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM
Precinct 6 Constable National Night Out
- Where: 5900 Canal St., Houston, TX 77011
- Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Joint H-GAC Regional/GCRD/Metro Safety Action Plan Public Meeting
- Where: 3555 Timmons Ln. Houston, TX 77027
- Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026
- Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
District I Career Fair
- Where: NCC Northeast, 555 Community College Dr., Room 230, Houston, TX 77013
- Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Baker Ripley Back to School: Health & Disaster Preparedness Resource Fair
- Where: Baker Ripley, 4410 Navigation, Houston, TX 77011
- Date: Friday, August 7, 2026
- Time: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Christina Morales HD145 Back to School Bash (Free backpacks & school supplies)
- Where: 705 Cavalcade St., Houston, TX 77009
- Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM
Super Neighborhood 63 Second Ward Meeting
- Where: HCC Felix Fraga, 301 N Drennan, Houston, TX 77003
- Date: Monday, August 10, 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM
City Council Public Safety Committee Meeting
- Where: City Hall, 901 Bagby, Floor 2, Houston, TX 77002
- Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM
Downtown + Board Meeting
- Where: 1221 McKinney St., Suite 4250, Houston, TX 77002
- Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2026
- Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Gulf Coast Rail District Meeting
- Where: Houston TranStar, 6922 Katy Rd. Houston, TX 77024
- Date: August 11, 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM
EaDo Management District Meeting
- Where: 2910 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77003, USA
- Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
- Time: 9:30 AM
Greater East End Townhall
- Where: 7305 Navigation, Houston, TX 77011
- Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
- Time: 12:00 PM
Eastside PIP Meeting
- Where: 7575 Sherman St
- Date: Monday, August 17, 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM
Downtown Super Neighborhood 61 Meeting
- Where: Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 500 Clay St., Houston, TX 77002
- Date: Monday, August 17, 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM
South Central PIP Meeting
- Where: 2202 St Emanuel
- Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2025
- Time: 6:30 PM
Idylwood Civic Club Meeting
- Where: Forest Park Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale, Houston, TX 77023
- Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM
Houston Disaster & Recovery Expo
- Where: Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center, 6402 Market St., Houston, TX 77020
- Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Country Club Place Civic Club
- Where: 115 Jocelyn St
- Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM
Super Neighborhood 64 & 88 Meeting
- Where: Magnolia Multiservice Center, 7037 Capitol St., Houston, TX 77011
- Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM
LULAC Council 60 Meeting
- Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM
- Email for details: lulaccouncil60@gmail.com
East End District Board Meeting
- Where: 3211 Harrisburg, Houston, TX 77003
- Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026
- Time: 3:30 PM
H-GAC Greater Houston Freight Subcommittee Meeting
- Where: 3555 Timmons Ln. Houston, TX 77027
- Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026
- Time: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
H-GAC Transportation Policy Council
- Where: 3555 Timmons Ln. Houston, TX 77027
- Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
- Time: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM