District K | October Community Updates & Events

Dear District K Residents,

Fall is officially here, and while Houston may still be waiting on the cooler temperatures, October brings a renewed energy and plenty of opportunities to connect, engage and enjoy our community.

This month, we are celebrating progress in many forms! From investments in the infrastructure that keeps our neighborhoods strong, to opportunities that help our Super Neighborhoods and small businesses grow. We are also highlighting the people, organizations and institutions that continue to make Houston special, including those who have spent generations serving, educating and strengthening our communities.

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, remember those we have lost, support those currently in the fight, and encourage the people we love to prioritize their health. Awareness matters, and so does making time for the screenings and conversations that can help save lives.

As we look ahead, there are many ways to stay involved whether enjoying arts and community events to taking advantage of available resources and preparing to make your voice heard in the upcoming election. I encourage you to explore this edition, mark your calendars and share these opportunities with a neighbor.

As always, thank you for staying connected and engaged. District K continues to move forward because of the people who call it home, and I am proud of what we are building together.

In Service,

Martha

Make Your Voice Count This Election Season

Make Your Voice Count This Election Season

As we look ahead to the November 3 election, I encourage every eligible District K resident to make a plan to participate. Voting is one of the most important ways we can stay engaged in the decisions that impact our neighborhoods, our city, and our communities.

Take a few moments now to check your voter registration, make note of important deadlines, and decide when and where you plan to vote. Early voting begins October 19, giving residents several opportunities to cast their ballots before Election Day.

Whether you vote early, by mail if eligible, or on Election Day, the important thing is to be informed, be prepared, and make your voice heard.

Key Dates:

October 5 – Last Day to Register to Vote

October 19 – Early Voting Begins

October 23 – Last Day to Apply for a Ballot by Mail

October 30 – Early Voting Ends

November 3 – Election Day

For Harris County voting information, polling locations, and additional election resources, visit HarrisVotes.com.

Houston Celebrates Lizzo Day!

Houston welcomed home one of its own with the official proclamation of September 15, 2026, as Lizzo Day in the City of Houston!

Long before the GRAMMYs, world tours and international success, Lizzo’s story included growing up in Alief, attending Elsik High School, and studying classical flute at the University of Houston. Her return to Houston celebrated another exciting chapter—the debut of her first children’s book, Lil Lizzo Meets Sasha B. Flootin’.

While home, Lizzo spent time inspiring young readers, including visits with the Houston Public Library and students at the Edison Arts Foundation, sharing a message that encourages children to embrace what makes them unique, find their voice and dream big.

From a young Houstonian with a flute to a global superstar inspiring the next generation, we were proud to welcome Lizzo home and celebrate her Houston story.

Watch the Lizzo Day celebration!

Stay Informed: Fort Bend Houston Super Neighborhood 41

Residents of Fort Bend Houston Super Neighborhood 41 are invited to attend the upcoming quarterly meeting and stay connected to issues and investments impacting their community.

This month’s guest speaker, LeRon Wilson with the Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ #25), will share information about the role of the TIRZ and its work within the community.

Thursday, October 8 | 7 p.m.

Quail Run Community Center

16748 Quail Park Drive, Missouri City, TX 77489

Residents from Quail Run, Southwest Crossing, Quail Glen, Green Valley Estates, Ridgegate, Briargate, Chasewood and Mayfair Park are encouraged to attend.

Come out, get informed and stay engaged in what’s happening in your neighborhood.

Music on the Move:

The Concert Truck Comes to District K

Enjoy an evening of live music right in the community!

The Edison Arts Foundation, in partnership with Performing Arts Houston, is bringing The Concert Truck to the Edison Cultural Arts Center for a free outdoor concert.

Bring your lawn chair, gather the family and enjoy live music, food trucks, popcorn and an evening designed to bring neighbors together through the arts.

Wednesday, October 7 | 6 p.m.

Edison Cultural Arts Center

7115 W. Fuqua St., Missouri City

Admission is free and no ticket is required,support by showing up and enjoy the music!

Investing in District K: Partnership in Progress

Funding Available for Houston Super Neighborhoods

Strong neighborhoods start with residents who are

engaged and equipped to serve their communities.

The City of Houston’s Super Neighborhood Grant Initiative (SNGI) is now accepting applications, with up to $2,000 available to active Super Neighborhoods for eligible administrative needs.

Funding can support items such as meeting essentials, marketing and promotional materials, and certain communication software applications to help Super Neighborhoods stay organized, connected, and engaged with the residents they serve. SNGI FY26-27 Admin Flyer

Applications are due April 26, 2027.

Interested Super Neighborhood leaders can scan the QR code on the flyer to learn more and apply.

Up to $7,000 Available for Super Neighborhood Projects

District K Super Neighborhoods have another opportunity to turn community ideas into neighborhood improvements through the City of Houston’s Super Neighborhoods Grant Initiative (SNGI).

Eligible Super Neighborhoods may apply for up to $7,000 in reimbursement funding for proposed projects designed to improve publicly accessible spaces and benefit the community.

Project Application

Applications must include required supporting materials, including a project scope and cost estimate, photographs of the proposed property, Super Neighborhood approval, letters of support and any required City approvals.

Project Application Application Deadline:

October 19, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Maximum Reimbursement: $7,000

Project Completion Deadline:

May 31, 2027

This is a great opportunity for our Super Neighborhoods to identify projects that can make a visible difference in their communities.

Looking to lower your energy use

and add a little more shade to your yard?

Trees For Houston is partnering with CenterPoint Energy and the Arbor Day Foundation to provide eligible Houston-area electric customers with up to

TWO free trees at our Oct. 31 Energy Saving Trees event.

Properly placed shade trees can help reduce summer cooling costs by up to 35%, making your yard more comfortable while helping you save energy.

All species available at this giveaway are energy-saving friendly. No matter what species you select, remember to follow the principle of Right Tree, Right Place when choosing where to plant.

Event Details

Date: Oct. 31

Time: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

Location: 1911 W. 34th Street, Houston, TX 77018

Each registered participant may receive up to two (2) trees. Trees will be distributed in

5-gallon containers.

Available species include:

American Beautyberry

American Sycamore

Common Elderberry

Eastern Redbud

Overcup Oak

Registration is required to participate.

Please review the full details and register for your desired tree species using the link below:

For questions, or if you need assistance registering, please reach out to the

Arbor Day Foundation directly at 1-855-234-3801. 

RestoreHER: Release + Renew

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take time to care for your body, mind and spirit. SurviveHER invites survivors, thrivers and community members to RestoreHER: Release + Renew, a restorative yoga experience centered on movement, renewal and wellness.

Led by Alicia Stephenson, the Yoga Queen, the evening offers an opportunity to slow down, reconnect and move with intention in a supportive community.

Thursday, October 22 | 6:30 p.m.

Brentwood Baptist Church – Lifelong Learning Center Ballroom

13033 Landmark Dr., Houston, TX 77045

Participants are encouraged to wear pink athletic or yoga attire and come ready to release, renew and restore.

The K Perspective: District K in Action

Wastewater Lift Station Rehabilitation

Another infrastructure project has reached a major milestone in District K.

A final inspection was completed September 17 for the City of Houston’s Wastewater Lift Station Renewal & Replacement Project, which includes lift stations at W. Orem, Hillcroft and Quail View.

The project is part of the City’s ongoing work under its Consent Decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to improve Houston’s wastewater system and strengthen its long-term reliability.

WHAT: Renewal and replacement of wastewater lift station infrastructure

WHERE: W. Orem, Hillcroft and Quail View

WHY: To improve the reliability and performance of Houston’s wastewater system

PROGRESS: Final inspection conducted September 17, 2026

“These are the kinds of infrastructure investments residents may not always see, but they are essential to maintaining reliable City services and building stronger, more resilient neighborhoods.“

Martha Castex-Tatum

Safer Streets Ahead in Southwest Crossing

New traffic-calming improvements are coming to Southwest Crossing!

Phase A construction began August 10.

See more details below.

What: New speed cushions and related traffic-calming signage.

Where: Locations throughout the Southwest Crossing Phase A project area (see project map).

Why: To help reduce vehicle speeds, encourage safer driving,

and improve safety along neighborhood streets.

When: Construction completion anticipated by November 8, 2026.

See the map for planned traffic-calming locations throughout Southwest Crossing.

Get Involved: Super Neighborhood 40 Meeting

Your voice helps shape your community. Residents of Super Neighborhood 40 are invited to attend the upcoming community meeting to stay informed, connect with neighbors and engage in conversations about issues and opportunities impacting the area.

Monday, October 19 | 6 p.m.

Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center

3810 W. Fuqua St., Houston, TX 77045

Whether you’re a longtime resident or looking for a way to become more involved in your neighborhood, this is an opportunity to get connected, share your voice and make an impact.

District K: In the Community

Helping Houston Businesses Get Certified and Grow

Supporting Houston’s small businesses means making sure entrepreneurs have the tools and information they need to access new opportunities.

Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum joined Council Member Joaquin Martinez and the City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity for the IThrive Certification Workshop, where local business owners received hands-on guidance through the City’s certification process.

Participants learned about certification requirements, bidding and procurement opportunities, and the documentation needed to begin their applications—with the opportunity to get started right there in the room.

Thank you to our partners and every entrepreneur who joined us ready to learn, grow, and take the next step.

When our local businesses thrive, Houston thrives.

Celebrating 50 Years of Houston’s Central Library

What a milestone for the Houston Public Library!

The DIstrict K team joined library leaders, community partners and guests to celebrate the

50th anniversary of the Jesse H. Jones Central Library

building and five decades of learning, discovery and connection in the heart of Houston.

The celebration took guests back to 1976, the year the building opened, while recognizing the important role the Central Library continues to play in connecting Houstonians to books, technology, history, resources and one another.

Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum was proud to present a City of Houston proclamation commemorating the occasion and recognizing this special chapter in Houston Public Library history.

Congratulations to the Jesse H. Jones Central Library on 50 years of serving Houston

and here’s to the stories still to be written!

National Night Out:

Community, Connection & Family Fun

Join our neighbors in the Five Corners District for National Night Out 2026, an evening focused on strengthening relationships between residents, law enforcement, and the community.

Bring the family out for music, raffles, snow cones, a fun zone, and more while connecting with neighbors and local public safety partners.

Tuesday, October 6 |

6–8 PM

West Orem Family YMCA |

5801 W. Orem Dr.

The event is free, family-friendly, and happening rain or shine. Vendor and sponsorship opportunities are also available—scan the QR codes on the flyer for details.

National Night Out in Brays Oaks

Brays Oaks Management District invites neighbors to come together for National Night Out and an evening of community connection and family fun. Meet neighbors and local public safety partners while enjoying a live DJ, food, games, prizes and more.

Tuesday, October 6 | 6–8 p.m.

Fiesta | 11240 Fondren Road

Free and family-friendly

Celebrating Those Who Help Shape Our Community

There is something special about celebrating the people whose love, wisdom, and guidance have helped shape generations.

Holman Street Baptist Church, in partnership with Community Health Choice,

brought families together for Celebrate Grandparents 2026, a morning dedicated to honoring grandparents, caregivers, and the important role they play in strengthening our families and communities.

Guests enjoyed fellowship, health and wellness resources, entertainment, and opportunities to connect all while celebrating the legacy of the grandparents and caregivers who continue to pour so much into those around them.

The District K team was proud to recognize this special occasion and join in celebrating the grandparents and caregivers who make a lasting difference in the lives of Houston families.

To our grandparents and caregivers: thank you for the wisdom you share, the traditions you carry forward, and the love you give so generous!

Help Shape Safer,

More Walkable Streets in Southwest Houston

Residents are invited to join the Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Redevelopment Authority, AARP and community partners for the Southwest Houston Walkability Audit.

Participants will walk the area together and identify opportunities to improve pedestrian safety, accessibility and neighborhood connectivity. Community input gathered during the audit can help inform conversations about creating safer, healthier and more accessible streets for everyone

.

Saturday, October 10 | 8:30 a.m.

Meet at 14083 S. Main St. | Houston, TX 77035

Wear comfortable shoes and come ready to walk, observe and share your perspective

Colors of the Prairie Comes to Willow Waterhole

Keeping District K Clean:

Illegal Dumping Enforcement

Houston City Council District K | 900 Bagby, 1st Floor | Houston, TX 77002 US