District K: Latest News

Dear District K Friends:

Spring is in the air, and with it comes a renewed sense of energy, growth, and opportunity across District K.

April is also National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize the power of service and the impact each of you makes in our community every single day. Whether you are leading a neighborhood association, mentoring young people, supporting local events, or simply showing up when it matters most, your commitment does not go unnoticed.

In District K, we are fortunate to have residents who care deeply about where they live and take pride in making it better. This month, we have several opportunities to put that spirit into action, from community cleanups to neighborhood meetings that help shape the future of our area.

I encourage you to stay engaged, stay informed, and, if you are able, find a way to give back. Even the smallest act of service can make a meaningful difference.

As always, my team and I remain committed to working alongside you to ensure District K continues to grow, thrive, and be a place we are all proud to call home.

Thank you for all you do.

In Service,

Martha

The Hot Team didn’t wait for complaints to pile up… they went straight to the source. Led by Director of Constituent Services Eric Goodine, the team launched a targeted, two-day heavy trash cleanup across District K, hitting known hotspots for illegal dumping and getting to work.

Over the course of two days, the Hot Team visited more than 21 known dumping locations throughout the district. Rather than responding reactively, the team used their knowledge of chronic problem areas to plan an efficient, high-impact sweep, and the results speak for themselves.

The 48.5 tons collected over just 48 hours is a testament to what targeted, community-focused action can accomplish. Illegal dumping doesn’t just create an eyesore, it affects the quality of life for every resident in the district. The Hot Team’s work is a direct investment in cleaner, safer neighborhoods.

We’re glad to share that, after a lengthy process, the burned property at 9607 Riddlewood has officially been demolished.

Thank you to Houston Public Works for working alongside me to move this case forward and navigate the necessary steps to get it resolved. The property owner, a mortgage company based in Dallas, has now complied with our requests.

Situations like this can take time as we work through legal requirements, coordinate utility shutoffs, and address Texas property laws. While the process can be complex, protecting the safety and quality of life in our neighborhoods remains a top priority.

I also want to thank the District K Team, our District K HOT Team, and the residents who stayed engaged and continued to bring attention to this issue. Your persistence truly makes a difference. Together, we will continue working to keep our communities safe, clean, and places we are proud to call home.

I want to take a moment to thank every resident, community partner, and volunteer who showed up and made a difference. Your efforts went beyond cleaning and improving our spaces. You helped strengthen the heart of our community.

Days like this are a powerful reminder that real progress starts when people take pride in where they live and choose to be part of the solution.

District K continues to set the standard, and I am grateful to serve alongside a community that stays engaged, gives back, and continues to move forward together.

Our fight against illegal dumping is getting louder, more visible, and more intentional.

Through a new billboard campaign across District K, we are sending a clear message: keeping our neighborhoods clean is a shared responsibility, and we are committed to protecting the spaces we all call home.

Behind this effort is a team that shows up every day ready to do the work. From responding to resident concerns to supporting initiatives like this campaign, the District K Team continues to lead with purpose and follow through with action.

This campaign is more than awareness. It is about accountability, pride, and creating a culture where illegal dumping is not tolerated.

I am grateful to serve alongside a team that is consistent, committed, and deeply invested in this community. Together, we will continue to take a stand for cleaner, safer neighborhoods.

Recently, our community showed exactly what can happen when people lean in, step up, and take ownership of their neighborhoods. Super Neighborhood 40 now has elected officers and delegates in place, marking an important step forward.

Congratulations to our newly elected leadership:

• President: Amber Wright
• Vice President: Linda Scurlock
• Secretary: Open
• Treasurer: Natalie Broussard

What stood out most was not just the progress, it was the energy. The kind of energy that says, “we’re ready.” The kind that builds stronger connections, engaged neighbors, and a more inclusive community.

This is how transformation begins, neighbor by neighbor, meeting by meeting, decision by decision. Super Neighborhood 40, let’s keep going. This is just the beginning!

Special thanks to Justice Coutee-McCullum, Deputy Chief of Staff, for leading a stellar process alongside the City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods to help revitalize this Super Neighborhood.

The City of Houston is continuing to move forward with a proposed program aimed at improving living conditions in apartment communities across the city.

The ordinance would create a registry of “high-risk rental buildings,” targeting apartment complexes with repeated health and safety violations. Under the proposal, properties that receive 10 citations within a six-month period would be added to the registry and could face daily fines ranging from $250 to $2,000 for each unresolved violation.

In its first year, the program is expected to focus on a limited number of properties. The city has already identified approximately 12 apartment complexes that may be included initially.

There are still challenges to address as the program develops. One of the key concerns is capacity, as the City currently has a limited number of inspectors. Most apartment complexes are inspected on a four-year cycle, but under this proposal, follow-up inspections for violations would occur within 30 days, with even faster response times for certain health-related issues.

This is an important step toward holding property owners accountable and improving quality of life for residents, but it will take time and resources to fully scale.

For more details and updates on this proposed program, visit: 311.houstontx.gov/council/4/apt-inspection-reform.html

If you want to stay informed and connected to what is happening in your community, this is a great meeting to plug into.

• 📅 Wednesday, April 15, 2026
• ⏰ 6:30 PM
• 📍 S. Gessner Police Station — 8605 Westplace Dr

This month’s meeting will feature a presentation from the Houston Health Department, offering a closer look at the work they do every day to help keep our community safe and healthy — including inspections and code enforcement, public health risk mitigation, complaint investigations, and how enforcement actions are handled.

These meetings are an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and stay engaged with the people and departments working in your neighborhood. We hope to see you there.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and share their input on a proposed development near the Ridgemont community. The Houston Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Plat Application 2026-0329, South Post Oak Commercial Reserve, which involves replatting the site into a single commercial reserve.

• 📅 Thursday, April 16, 2026
• ⏰ 2:30 PM
• 📍 City Hall Annex — 900 Bagby St., Public Level

The site is located along South Post Oak Road, just south of Court Road, and is being considered for warehouse and office use. Community input is an important part of this process. Residents who would like to share comments or ask questions can:

• 📧 Email: [email protected]
• 📞 Call: (832) 393-6570

There is encouraging news when it comes to public safety, both across the City of Houston and right here in District K.

Citywide, violent crime saw a significant drop at the end of 2025, decreasing by nearly 19 percent in December compared to the previous year. That momentum has carried into the new year, with January 2026 trending 16.7 percent lower than this time last year.

In District K, we are seeing that same progress:

• December 2025: Violent crime decreased by 442 incidents — a 21.2% drop
• January 2026: Violent crime is down by 23 incidents — a 16.7% decrease

These numbers reflect real progress, but they also represent something more important — safer streets, stronger neighborhoods, and a community that continues to stay engaged. Public safety is a shared effort, and we will continue working together to build on this progress.

If you are looking to stay informed and engaged this election season, this is a great opportunity to hear directly from the candidates.

• 🗓 Saturday, April 25
• ⏰ 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
• 📍 Fort Bend Justice Center — Richmond, TX 77469

Community partners, including Engage Texas and the League of Women Voters of Fort Bend, are hosting a candidate forum designed to give voters a chance to learn more about the individuals seeking to represent them. Whether you are a longtime voter or participating for the first time, staying engaged and informed is one of the most powerful ways to make your voice heard.

Being prepared is one of the most important ways we can protect our families and our community, and this event is designed to help you do just that.

• 🗓 Saturday, April 25
• ⏰ 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Sensory-friendly hour: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
• 📍 George R. Brown Plaza — 1001 Avenida de las Americas

This free, family-friendly event features activities, giveaways, and food trucks, all while helping you learn how to prepare for emergencies and unexpected situations.

Learn more at: www.houstonready365.org

This week, Houston City Council approved a 1 percent increase to water rates, part of the City’s ongoing effort to maintain and improve critical infrastructure.

Houston has been implementing scheduled annual rate increases since 2021 to help fund nearly $2 billion in water and sewer system upgrades. These investments are necessary to prevent system failures, reduce sewer overflows, and improve overall service delivery.

We will continue to share updates and advocate for transparency, accountability, and solutions that balance infrastructure needs with affordability for our residents.

Did you know you can follow City Council meetings in your preferred language?

The City of Houston offers free translation and interpretation services to help ensure everyone can stay informed and engaged. During City Council meetings, residents can simply scan the QR code provided during the meeting to access real-time translation.

Language should never be a barrier to understanding decisions that impact your community. When more voices can fully participate, our city becomes stronger for everyone.

More work is underway in District K! Panel replacements are in progress as part of a broader effort to improve mobility across neighborhoods. Better streets mean safer drives, smoother commutes, and a stronger connection between our communities.

Stay patient while traveling between Bob White and Hilcroft — progress is happening. The rehabilitation will be complete by the end of May.

The upcoming Westbury Area Drainage and Paving Improvements project is an important step forward for the community.

This Capital Improvement Plan project is scheduled to begin construction in Fall 2026. It is focused on addressing long-standing drainage challenges while improving the condition of our streets — reducing flooding risks, improving daily travel, and strengthening the infrastructure our neighborhoods rely on.

Residents are encouraged to stay connected and follow progress through Engage Houston, where you can subscribe for updates and stay involved every step of the way.

The Sims Bayou Well 8 project, part of the City’s Capital Improvement Plan, is now moving ahead of schedule. Originally expected to be completed in Fall 2026, completion is now anticipated by Summer 2026.

This work is about strengthening our water supply, preparing for continued growth in the area, and building a system that is more efficient and resilient for the long term.

Residents are encouraged to follow updates on this and other Capital Improvement Plan projects by visiting Engage Houston.

Good news for Brays Bayou Greenway users — a major safety improvement is on the way.

Houston Parks Board is beginning construction on a new trail segment between Stella Link and South Rice Avenue. This project will eliminate the need to cross fast-moving traffic at the 610 feeder road by creating a dedicated path underneath the 610 West Loop.

The nearly two-mile addition will include a pedestrian bridge, improved neighborhood and transit connections, and a more seamless trail experience. Once complete, the greenway will stretch nearly 45 miles, connecting communities, parks, schools, and key destinations like the Texas Medical Center.

Construction is expected to wrap up in late 2026. During this time, please use caution and avoid marked work areas.

Work Authorization #15 has officially been issued for concrete panel replacement along Ludington Drive, from Bob White Drive to Landsdowne Drive in the Westbury community.

Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2026. While road work can bring temporary inconveniences, these improvements are designed to create smoother, safer streets for everyone who lives, works, and travels through the area.

We appreciate your patience as this work gets underway.

The Briargate and Ridgegate communities are scheduled to receive asphalt overlay work on West Fuqua Drive, from Bazel Brook Drive to the city limit at Independence Boulevard.

Construction is already moving forward, with completion expected by May 2026.

Work Authorization No. 8 under the FY2026 Local Drainage Program has been issued for outfall repair work at 5303 Spellman Road. This project is designed to improve how water flows out of the area, helping reduce standing water and localized flooding during heavy rain.

Construction is scheduled to begin later this month, with completion expected this summer.

Phase 2 of the Westridge and Braes Terrace Street Improvements Project is now in the design stage. Houston Public Works will host a virtual meeting to share a design update and project overview:

• 🗓 Tuesday, May 5, 2026
• ⏰ 5:30 PM
• 💻 Join at EngageHouston.org

Residents are encouraged to subscribe for updates and share feedback. Your input helps shape projects like this.

Our future leaders are already stepping up, and the Mayor’s Youth Council is helping lead the way. This program brings together high school students from across Houston who are passionate about making a difference. Participants gain hands-on experience in civic engagement, public service, and community advocacy.

• 📝 Who can apply: Houston area high school students
• 📅 Application deadline: Typically late spring or early summer

Apply at: www.houstontx.gov/myc/apply.html

The City of Houston is inviting residents to take part in a community survey focused on key issues that impact daily life — including safety, city services, and overall quality of life.

Your feedback helps shape decisions, prioritize resources, and guide future improvements across our neighborhoods. The survey only takes a few minutes to complete, and every response counts.

Join us for the 5 Corners Community Bike Ride as we explore the Sims Bayou Trail and take a look at current and future projects in the area.

• 🗓 Saturday, April 25, 2026
• ⏰ Starting at 10:00 AM
• 📍 Blue Ridge Park — 13845 Blue Ridge Road, Houston, TX

Bring your bike or e-bike and ride along with neighbors, families, and community leaders. No bike? No problem — complimentary bike rentals will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

The AIR Project Youth Leadership Conference is designed to equip young people with real-life skills they can use now and in the future — from mental readiness to financial literacy.

• 🗓 Saturday, May 16
• ⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• 📍 3222 Texas Parkway — Missouri City, TX 77489

Sessions include self-defense, mental health, financial literacy, and business building, along with mentorship opportunities. Lunch provided. Giveaways and prizes throughout the day. Free, but space is limited.

Register at: www.abuseisreal.com

Bethel’s Family Christian Academy recently celebrated its groundbreaking ceremony, officially launching an expansion that will allow the academy to grow its impact in the community.

As the academy expands, it will create space to serve more students, enhance learning environments, and strengthen its mission of developing young leaders academically, spiritually, and socially.

We look forward to watching this progress unfold and to the lasting impact it will have on students, families, and District K as a whole.