| Dear Neighbors, I hope this message finds you well and staying cool in this Texas summer heat! As we move into the heart of summer, I want to take a moment to reflect on the resilience and unity of our District K community. From responding to recent weather events to celebrating milestones and preparing for the busy months ahead, I continue to be inspired by your strength, compassion, and commitment to one another. This month, my heart is also with our neighbors in the Hill Country and across Texas who were impacted by the devastating floods. As Texans, we understand all too well the challenges that come with extreme weather. Let’s continue to lift up those communities with our prayers, resources, and support as they begin to recover and rebuild. In this newsletter, you’ll find important updates on city programs, community events, safety tips for the heat, and hurricane preparedness. Whether you’re looking for volunteer opportunities, or ways to stay engaged, we’ve gathered the information to keep you informed and connected. As always, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your Mayor Pro Tem and District K Council Member. I remain committed to working with you and for you — together, we make our community stronger. Stay safe, stay hydrated, and stay involved. In Service, Martha |
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CIP Amendment Brings
Flood Relief Focus to District K
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| Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum continues to advocate for stronger, safer neighborhoods with the successful passage of Amendment 16.02 to the City of Houston’s FY2026–2030 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). This amendment secures a drainage analysis for the Westwood Subdivision, a critical first step toward addressing long-standing flooding concerns in the area. There is also good news for Almeda Plaza! Critical drainage and street infrastructure upgrades in the neighborhood are officially moving forward. This amendment ensures dedicated funding is in place to begin design work and prepare for construction. Residents have long voiced concerns about flooding and deteriorating road conditions — and this project reflects a direct response to those needs. “We must continue prioritizing the safety and resilience of our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum. “This drainage study is a win for Westwood and a direct result of the voices and advocacy of the residents who’ve stayed engaged.”
The $16.7 billion CIP, approved on June 25, 2025, outlines key investments across Houston. Other notable amendments include: Good news for Almeda Plaza! Thanks to a recently approved Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) amendment, critical drainage and street infrastructure upgrades in the neighborhood are officially moving forward. This amendment ensures dedicated funding is in place to begin design work and prepare for construction. Residents have long voiced concerns about flooding and deteriorating road conditions — and this project reflects a direct response to those needs. Amendment 6.01 – Northwest Police Station Replacement Council Member Amy Peck advanced $2 million in funding to accelerate rebuilding the Northwest Police Station by FY2026–27. Transparency Amendments – Council Member Julian Ramirez Introduced for committee review, these proposals would: - Require monthly updates on project changes from the Mayor’s Office
- Allow Council Members to formally object to project adjustments
- Mandate public comment on procurement changes
These updates reflect the city’s commitment to infrastructure, accountability, and neighborhood resilience — and District K is leading the way. #DistrictK #CIPUpdate #FloodMitigation #WestwoodHouston #InfrastructureMatters #Transparency #MarthaCastexTatum #StrongerNeighborhoods |
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Understanding Property Laws &
Deed Restrictions |
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| In District K, protecting our neighborhoods means staying informed and engaged — especially when it comes to the laws that shape how our communities grow and thrive. That’s why I recently hosted a Post-Legislative Discussion focused on property laws and deed restrictions, bringing together residents, civic leaders, and HOA members for a timely conversation on how to safeguard our neighborhoods and investments. Our homes are often the biggest investment we make — and understanding the legal tools available to us is key to fighting blight, preventing unwanted development, and preserving our community character. |
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| If you weren’t able to attend, I encourage you and your neighbors to watch the conversation featuring Suzy Rice, Esq., one of Texas’ top experts on deed restrictions, HOAs, and property law. ▶️ Watch the replay here: https://youtu.be/4xqnYDebU90 Let’s continue working together to keep District K strong, informed, and protected. 💚 Are you active in your Super Neighborhood, Civic Club, or HOA? We’d love to hear from you! #DistrictK #NeighborhoodProtection #PropertyRights #DeedRestrictions #EmpoweredCommunities #PostLegislativeDiscussion |
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Legislative Session Wrap-Up:
What It Means for Houston
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| The 89th Texas Legislature wrapped up its session with several major wins and surprising losses. From teacher pay raises and a school voucher program to THC bans and changes to property taxes, lawmakers passed just 13.8% of more than 8,700 filed bills — the lowest rate in three decades. From property taxes to infrastructure and public safety, lawmakers tackled several issues that affect our communities at the local level. Here is a look at some of the key legislation lawmakers tackled during the 2025 session. |
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| Let’s continue working together to advocate for the needs of District K and ensure our voices are heard at every level of government. #DistrictK #LegislativeWrapUp #TexasLegislature #InformedCommunities #PolicyMatters |
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City of Houston Launches Support for
Home Repairs & First-Time Buyers
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| We’re excited to announce that the City of Houston’s Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) has officially launched two impactful programs to support Houston residents: 🔹 Winter Storm Uri Single-Family Home Repair Program 🔹 Harvey Homebuyer Assistance Program 2.0 Whether you’re recovering from Winter Storm Uri or ready to buy your first home, these programs are designed to help you move forward with financial peace of mind. Need help applying or want to learn more? Join HCD and community partners at the upcoming Resource Fair: Friday, July 12
10 AM – 1 PM
Third Ward Multi-Service Center
3611 Ennis St, Houston, TX 77004 Get answers to your questions, explore available resources, and receive on-site application assistance. Let’s make progress—together. #DistrictK #HoustonHousingHelp #WinterStormUri #HarveyRecovery |
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You’re Invited:
HPW Virtual Community Meeting – July 17
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| Make plans to join Houston Public Works for a virtual Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) meeting on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 5:30 PM. This is an important opportunity to learn about two major flood mitigation projects happening right here in District K: Your input matters! These projects are designed to improve drainage and reduce flood risk in our neighborhoods — and your feedback helps shape how they move forward. 🔗 More info and meeting details: Community Development Block Grant – Mitigation | Engage Houston Let’s show up, stay informed, and keep advocating for safer, stronger neighborhoods in District K! |
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Powering Up Westbury: CenterPoint Upgrades
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| If you live in the Westbury area and have experienced frequent power outages, we’ve got some good news to share. CenterPoint Energy has completed a major rehab project in the neighborhood to improve reliability and keep the lights on — especially during storms and peak usage times. Here’s what’s been done: 🔧 Replaced 39 utility poles 🔌 Upgraded over 4,000 feet of primary electrical lines 🔁 Swapped out all transformers in the area ⚙️ Replaced every secondary conductor (the wires that connect to homes and businesses) These upgrades are designed to strengthen the system, reduce the number of outages, and shorten response times when issues do occur. Thank you to CenterPoint for making this long-needed investment in Westbury, and thank you to the residents for your patience and persistence in raising these concerns. #DistrictK #WestburyUpdates #CenterPointEnergy #InfrastructureMatters #StrongerNeighborhoods |
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Spring Village Demolition Update
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| We’re excited to share that a major milestone has been reached! The environmental abatement process — which began in February 2025 and was carefully monitored by an independent environmental consultant — is now officially complete. As for the demolition phase, we’re making great strides: 🚧 What’s Already Done: - All 18 primary buildings and three of the four service buildings have been fully demolished.
- Six of the 22 building foundation slabs have been broken down, with cleanup and debris removal actively underway.
- Crews spent most of the past week removing large quantities of concrete, which turned out to be thicker and deeper than anticipated.
🚧 What’s Up Next: - The final service building is on track for demolition by July 7.
- Additional heavy equipment is expected to arrive by July 14 to help speed up the removal of the remaining slabs and piers.
- Full site clearing — including asphalt, slabs, trees, and fencing — is projected to be complete by July 25.
- The overall demolition is expected to wrap up by July 18.
🚧 Possible Buried Pools: Crews are also investigating two areas on the property that may contain buried swimming pools, likely covered with pavement over the years. - One suspected pool on the north side appears to have already been addressed.
- A second possible pool near the southeast corner will be checked by July 7. If confirmed, HCD will work with the contractor to excavate and fill the area to keep the project on schedule — especially as we prepare for future detention pond construction by HPW.
This progress brings us one step closer to transforming the space and improving flood mitigation in our community. Thank you for staying engaged as we continue building a safer, stronger District K! |
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South Post Oak Rd. – Concrete Panel Replacement |
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| We’re pleased to share that Houston Public Works has kicked off a long-awaited concrete panel replacement project along South Post Oak Road, stretching from Tidewater to Anderson Road. This significant infrastructure upgrade is scheduled to be completed in late January 2026. This project is a major step toward improving road safety, ride quality, and overall quality of life in our community. It’s a direct investment in the future of District K — and we’re excited to see it move forward! During construction, please drive with caution, obey posted signage, and be mindful of workers in the area. Your patience and awareness help keep everyone safe. Thank you for supporting progress in District K! #DistrictK #PostOakProject #InfrastructureMatters #DriveSafe #SlowDownInWorkZones #HoustonPublicWorks #SaferStreetsAhead |
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Roadway Rehab Project #2 is Underway |
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| We’re excited to share that FY2025 Roadway Rehabilitation Project #2 has officially kicked off in District K, thanks to a newly awarded $7 million contract with DCE Construction. This important project falls under Houston’s Street Renewal program and includes: - Mill-and-overlay paving on multiple neighborhood streets
- Replacement and repair of curbs, gutters, and driveway ramps
- Upgrades to sidewalks and ADA-compliant ramps
It’s all about making our roads smoother, safer, and more walkable — for drivers, pedestrians, and people on bikes. Make sure to watch for construction signs and slight detours over the coming months, and thanks in advance for your patience. These updates will bring long-term benefits to our community quality of life. Let’s get ready to roll! #DistrictK #RoadRehab2025 #StrongerStreets #NeighborhoodImprovements |
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Cambridge @ 610 Project Complete
Big Win for Mobility in Houston
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| We just celebrated the completion of the I-610 Cambridge Project, and let me tell you — this is a big deal for Houston! This $117 million investment tackles one of the most congested intersections in the city — 610 and SH 288 — and it’s already making a difference. If you’ve ever sat in traffic trying to get to the Texas Medical Center, NRG Park, a concert, a game, or work — you’ll feel this improvement. It’s all about moving faster, safer, and smarter. Big thanks to TxDOT and all of our partners for helping bring this project to the finish line. This is what real progress looks like — and it’s for you. The project included: - Reconstruction of I-610 main lanes and frontage roads (Cambridge to Scott)
- A new freeway overpass at Cambridge
- 8 new direct connector ramps to/from SH 288 and the Express Toll Lane system
Thank you to TxDOT and all the community members who stayed patient and engaged throughout the process. This is what investing in Houston’s future looks like! #DistrictK #CambridgeProject #TxDOT #HoustonMobility #InfrastructureMatters #TransportationInnovation #ConnectingCommunities |
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Meet Our District K Summer Interns
The Future of Public Service is Bright!
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| It’s such a joy having our college summer interns in the District K office! Meet Sydney Yorke, Justice Prince, Matthew Whitehead, and Xy’kryiah Short. Their energy, curiosity, and passion for making a difference have already made an impact — and we’re just getting started. From thoughtful conversations to real-world projects, they’ve jumped right in and brought fresh perspective to our work. Honestly, we’re learning just as much from them as they’re learning from us! We’ve already developed some meaningful plans of action for the summer, and I can’t wait to see the positive changes unfold in our community. If you see them out and about at events or community meetings, please say hello! I hope you get a chance to connect with these bright young public servants — they truly represent the next generation of leadership. Investing in them is one of the most rewarding parts of this work. 💚 #DistrictK #FutureLeaders #SummerInterns #PublicServiceInAction #NextGenLeadership #CommunityImpact |
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Curbside Know-How:
Trash & Recycling Reminders
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| Let’s keep our neighborhoods clean and clutter-free! A few quick reminders from the City’s Solid Waste Management team: ✅ Yard waste must be in city-approved compostable bags (look for the city logo!) ✅ Tree waste = odd months | Junk waste = even months ✅ Set garbage/recycle carts 3 feet apart, away from obstacles like cars and mailboxes ✅ Extra garbage? Use “Tags for Bags” from local stores or sign up for Add-A-Can through 3-1-1 ✅ Need to drop off big items? Visit a neighborhood depository up to 4x a month (ID & utility bill required) Let’s do our part to protect our streets, our city, and our planet. 🌎 Learn more: www.houstonsolidwaste.org #DistrictK #TrashFacts #SolidWasteTips #RecycleRight #KeepHoustonClean |
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IAH Downtown Direct Offers Fast,
Affordable Transit
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| Getting to and from Bush Intercontinental Airport just got easier! METRO has launched IAH Downtown Direct, a convenient non-stop bus service between IAH Terminal C and the George R. Brown Convention Center in Downtown Houston. 🕒 Runs every 30 minutes
📅 7 days a week
💵 Just $4.50 one-way
🎓 Students & seniors ride for half-off! With cushioned seating, overhead lights, and storage compartments, you’ll travel in comfort — and once downtown, you can easily connect to METRORail or use the free Community Connector rideshare service. 🔗 Learn more or plan your ride: RideMETRO.org/500 |
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Remembering Lives Lost at WildHeather Park
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| We’re heartbroken by the recent tragedy at WildHeather Park, where two of our District K neighbors lost their lives. As we continue to process this senseless loss, our thoughts remain with their families and loved ones. In response to this heartbreaking event, we’ve asked HPD’s Southwest Division for increased patrols in and around WildHeather Park. Public safety is—and will always be—a top priority. This tragedy is also a reminder of how important it is to stay connected and engaged. I encourage all residents to attend your local Positive Interaction Program (PIP) meetings to stay informed, raise concerns, and hear directly from law enforcement. Let’s continue looking out for one another. Together, we can honor those we lost by building an even stronger, more watchful, and more compassionate District K. #DistrictK #NeighborhoodSafety #StayAlert #PIP #InMemory #StrongerTogether |
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Precinct 7 Constable Smokie Phillips Town Hall
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| You’re Invited! 🗓 Monday, July 14, 2025 | ⏰ 7:00 – 8:30 PM
📍 Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center – 3810 W. Fuqua St., Houston, TX 77045 Join Harris County Constable Precinct 7 for a community town hall and hear directly from Constable James “Smokie” Phillips and the Precinct 7 Command Staff. This is your opportunity to: ✅ Meet the team working to keep our neighborhoods safe ✅ Learn about programs and public safety initiatives in Precinct 7 ✅ Ask questions and share your concerns ✅ Connect and stay informed on community issues and events This event is open to all. Come be part of the conversation and stay engaged! #ConstablePrecinct7 #HCTXPrecinct7 #HiramClarke #CommunityMatters #DistrictK |
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| Deadline Extended to July 14 at 6 PM CST The South Post Oak Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ 9), in partnership with the Houston Arts Alliance, is inviting local artists and artist teams to help create something truly special — a lasting tribute to the late Council Member Larry V. Green. Artists from across the Greater Houston Area, ages 18 and up, are encouraged to submit qualifications for the design, fabrication, and installation of a permanent public artwork to be placed at Simon Minchen Park in District K. Larry V. Green made history in 2011 when he was elected as the first council member for District K. He served with vision and passion, representing a diverse area that stretches from the edge of the Texas Medical Center to the Fort Bend County line, and includes key landmarks like the Reliant/Astrodome Complex, as well as communities in both Houston ISD and Fort Bend ISD. This is more than an art installation — it’s an opportunity to celebrate a legacy of leadership, service, and impact. 🎯 Artists, this is your moment. Help us bring this tribute to life. 🔗 Click here to apply #LarryVGreen #PublicArt #HoustonArts #DistrictK #HAA #SimonMinchenPark #TIRZ9 #CallForArtists |
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Back 2 School Supply Drive July 18th
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| Get ready for the new school year with help from HPD and community partners at the Back 2 School Supply Drive happening: 📍 HPD S. Gessner Storefront
6227 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074
🕘 Friday, July 18 | 9:00 AM until supplies last Free backpacks and school supplies will be given out — but don’t forget, children must be present to receive a backpack. #BackToSchool #DistrictK #HPDCommunity #SchoolSupplies #StrongerTogether |
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Drive-Thru Backpack Giveaway – July 26th
at Marian Park |
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Teachers, This One’s For YOU! |
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| Share! Tag! Screenshot! Tell a Teacher! We know most Back to School events are focused on students — but this one is all about our amazing educators. Join us for a special event to mingle, network, and pick up FREE school supplies for your classroom. It’s our way of saying thank you for all you do! 🎒 First come, first served
🎓 School badge required for entry Let’s celebrate our teachers and get you stocked for a strong start to the school year! For more information, call: Amber Wright – 832.393.5502 #ForTheEducators #TeacherAppreciation #DistrictK #BackToSchool #ThankYouTeachers #SupportOurEducators |
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You’re Invited to a Magical Celebration!
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| Calling all witches, wizards, and muggles — the Houston Public Library is hosting a Harry Potter Birthday Bash and you’re invited! Expect spellbinding fun for the whole family as we celebrate The Boy Who Lived with themed activities, games, and more. 📅 Thursday, July 31, 2025
📍 Vinson Neighborhood Library – 3810 W. Fuqua St., 77045
🕒 3 PM – 5 PM (Registration encouraged) There’s also a second celebration downtown: 📍 Central Library – 500 McKinney St., 77002
🕑 2 PM – 4 PM Don’t miss this enchanting afternoon of family fun! 🔗 Register or learn more: houstonlibrary.org #DistrictK #HarryPotterBash #HoustonLibrary #FamilyFun #WizardingWorld #VinsonLibrary #CentralLibrary |
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Madison Marlins & Westbury Huskies
2025 Football Schedule
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| Football season is almost here, and the Houston Madison Marlins and Westbury Huskies are ready to hit the field! From Homecoming to Senior Night, mark your calendars for Friday nights under the lights. 📍 Home games at Butler Stadium
🎉 Highlights:
🏈 Homecoming – Sept. 19 vs. Westbury
🎓 Senior Night – Nov. 7 vs. Sharpstown
🗓 Full schedule starts Aug. 29 vs. Wheatley at Barnett Stadium! |
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📍 Home games at Butler Stadium
🎉 Highlights:🏈 Homecoming – Sept. 19 vs. Madison
🎓 Senior Night – Oct. 10 vs. Spring WoodsLet’s show up, and support all of our student-athletes all season long!#MadisonMarlins #WestburyHuskies #DistrictK #FridayNightLights #HighSchoolFootball #CommunitySpirit |
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