Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Houston public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues with medium priority
Citywide Enterprise Risk Assessment and Audit Plan
The city's new performance management program uses data and quarterly reviews to hold departments accountable and improve core municipal services.
Airport Living Wage Enforcement for Airline Employees
Airport workers raised concerns about airline compliance with executive orders mandating living wages at Hobby Airport.
Transit Budget
METRO just locked in a massive $1.7 billion budget, but it's causing friction by redirecting $40 million away from public transit and straight into local roads. Transit advocates are pretty frustrated because they want those funds used for actual buses and trains instead of car infrastructure.
United Airlines Terminal B Special Facility Revenue Bonds
Council reviewed the final $850 million tranche of bonds for the United Airlines Terminal B project at Bush Intercontinental Airport, wrapping up the $2 billion total authorized under the memorandum of agreement.
Solar Energy Funding
Good news for Houston's green energy scene: a federal judge just ruled the EPA illegally yanked $250 million in Texas solar grants, meaning Harris County could soon get its hands back on $54 million for local projects. That's a massive injection of cash that was supposed to fund clean energy right in our backyard.
Local Crime Suppression and Copper Theft Enforcement
HPD's Kingwood Division and dedicated Crime Suppression Team have utilized data-driven patrols and targeted investigations to reduce violent crime by double digits and crack down on commercial burglaries and backflow preventer copper thefts.
Columbia Street Special Building Line Renewal
Several neighborhoods are locking in their local lot sizes and building lines to keep new construction matching the historic character.
On-Street Parking Regulation and Citation Updates
The city is updating parking rules to allow tickets to be sent in the mail and giving drivers 40 days instead of 30 to fight or pay citations.
Police Liability
Houston is refusing to pay for a driver's car that got completely riddled with bullets during an HPD shooting. It's a frustrating look at how the city dodges financial responsibility when police action destroys innocent people's property.
Industrial District Assessments and Revenue
Staff reviewed industrial district contracts and assessments in the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction, noting potential fee increases as 15-year agreements come up for renewal.
Election Debate
Houston Public Media is hosting a high-stakes debate between Harris County Judge candidates, letting voters see where they stand on big issues like taxes, traffic, and flood control before election day.
Election Lawsuit
Good news for Houston taxpayers: the Texas Supreme Court just threw out a lawsuit that tried to boot Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia over an old 2021 appointment. That means the county dodged a messy and expensive legal drama over who holds the seat.
Astrodome revitalization
Got ideas for the Astrodome? The Astrodome Conservancy is asking local businesses to pitch proposals to finally bring Houston's iconic stadium back to life.