District K | Thank You To Our Veterans! + November Updates

Dear District K Residents,

As we enter November and approach the holiday season, I am reminded of how much we have to be thankful for across District K. From neighborhood improvements and community partnerships to opportunities that bring us together, we continue to see what is possible when residents, organizations and our City leaders work toward a shared vision.

This Veterans Day, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the brave men and women who have served our nation. Your courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms are gifts we must never take for granted. To our veterans throughout District K and beyond, thank you for your service. We also recognize the families who have stood beside you, sharing in the sacrifices that service often requires. Your dedication deserves our appreciation not just on Veterans Day, but every day!

As we reflect on the spirit of gratitude this season, I encourage you to stay connected by supporting one another and continue making your voices heard. Thank you for helping make District K a community we are proud to call home.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, joyful and blessed Thanksgiving season!

In Service,

Martha

Honoring Our Heroes This Veterans Day

This Veterans Day, Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum and the District K team proudly honor the brave men and women who have answered the call to serve our nation.

To every veteran, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your courage, sacrifice and commitment to protecting the freedoms we cherish. We also recognize the families whose love, strength and sacrifices have supported our service members along the way.

Your service is remembered. Your sacrifices are appreciated. Your legacy continues to inspire us.

As Houston comes together to celebrate our heroes, residents are invited to attend the Houston Salutes American Heroes Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11:30 a.m. in downtown Houston.

Whether you’re attending the parade or traveling through downtown, please review the parade route and scheduled street closures below to plan accordingly.

To all who have served, thank you. Today and every day, we salute you.

Know Before You Go | Veterans Day Parade

Planning to attend the parade or travel through downtown Houston on Wednesday, Nov. 11? Please allow extra travel time and be mindful of temporary street closures.

Street closures

9 a.m.: Allen Parkway in both directions between Taft and Bagby streets, plus the north bike lane along Lamar Street near Sam Houston Park.
9:45 a.m.: Bagby Street between Clay and McKinney streets, plus southbound Bagby at Walker Street. The McKinney off-ramp will remain open.
Additional restrictions: Curb-lane closures along portions of McKinney and Walker streets from Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 8 a.m. through Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 5 p.m.
The parade begins at 11:30 a.m.

Please review the parade route map and plan accordingly.

K Perspective In The Community

Clean Streets, Stronger Communities: Five Corners Comes Together!

Neighbors, volunteers and community partners rolled up their sleeves for the Five Corners Improvement District Fall Community Cleanup on Oct. 24.

Held in partnership with Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum’s Office and the Clean & Green Initiative, the event brought the community together around a shared goal: keeping our neighborhoods clean, welcoming and beautiful.

A special thank-you to Five Corners Improvement District, FountainLife Center and everyone who volunteered their time to make a difference.

When we work together, we help keep District K clean and green!

RestoreHER: A Celebration of Strength, Wellness and Sisterhood

An evening of movement, mindfulness and meaningful connections! On Oct. 22, Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum partnered with SurviveHER for RestoreHER: Release + Renew, a restorative yoga experience in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Led by yoga instructor Alicia Stephenson, the event brought women together for an opportunity to slow down, recharge and prioritize their physical and emotional well-being.

From moments of reflection to shared smiles and encouragement, the evening served as a reminder that wellness is an important part of every journey.

Thank you to SurviveHER, our community partners and everyone who joined us for this uplifting experience.Together, we continue to honor survivors, support those navigating breast cancer and encourage one another to make self-care a priority.

Banking on Your Business: Connecting Entrepreneurs With Opportunities

Houston’s business community came together Oct. 29 for the Banking on Your Business 2.0 Financial Symposium, hosted by the Office of Council Member Will Davis.

The event brought together entrepreneurs, financial professionals and community partners for conversations about business financing, financial resources and opportunities to support small-business growth.

Thank you to Council Member Davis and the participating organizations for helping connect Houston’s business owners with valuable information, resources and relationships to support their success.

Building Connections, Creating Opportunities in Hiram Clarke

Conversations about community growth and investment took center stage at the Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Redevelopment Authority’s Developers Networking Reception.

The event brought together developers, financial professionals and community leaders to explore opportunities for residential and commercial development, including financing strategies and approaches to infill development.

Through panel discussions and networking, participants exchanged ideas about attracting investment, supporting responsible development and creating new possibilities for the Hiram Clarke and Fort Bend communities.

Thank you to the Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Redevelopment Authority and participating partners for helping move these important conversations forward. Strong partnerships help build stronger communities!

Beyond the Badge | A Special Thank-You to HPD Officer Johns

Sometimes, making a difference goes beyond answering the call. Following a medical emergency involving Mayfair Park resident Nancy, Houston Police Department Officer Johns and the Southwest Differential Response Team (DRT) demonstrated compassion that left a lasting impression.

Officer Johns not only assisted during the emergency but also followed up with flowers, balloons and a personal visit to check on Nancy during her recovery.

Mayfair Park Civic Club President Marilou Ballow recognized Officer Johns and the Southwest DRT for their kindness, dedication and genuine concern for a neighbor in need.

Thank you to Officer Johns and the entire team for reminding us that community policing is about more than public safety. It’s also about showing up, building trust and caring for the people we serve.

A Sweet Thank-You From Our Youngest Neighbors!

Sometimes, the smallest gestures bring the biggest smiles!

Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum and the District K team helped spread a little Halloween cheer by donating candy for the Marian Park Community Center and Sunrise Center’s Trunk or Treat celebration on Oct. 31.

But the sweetest treat came afterward! The children surprised the office with colorful, handwritten thank-you notes filled with drawings and heartfelt messages.

To our young neighbors: Thank YOU for making our day! And a special thank-you to the Marian Park and Sunrise teams for bringing families together and creating special memories for our community.

Investing in District K: Partnership in Progress

Spellman Detention Basin Earns Statewide Recognition

AWARD-WINNING INFRASTRUCTURE

$6 million in savings. A greener approach to drainage. An award-winning approach to drainage improvements! The Spellman Detention Basin Project has received the Building Excellence in Standards & Thinking Award in the under $25 million category from the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA).

The project also accommodates a crossing for an existing community multiuse path.By replacing the originally proposed concrete lining with a more natural, grass-lined design, the project team achieved approximately $6 million in cost savings while creating a more environmentally compatible drainage facility.

The team also incorporated a crossing for the Harris County Flood Control District’s multiuse path, helping connect important drainage infrastructure with an existing community amenity.

Congratulations to Prakash Luetel, Jessika Carey and Loi Ma, along with the entire project team, for their innovation and commitment to improving Houston’s infrastructure!

Community Notice | Proposed Development at

Fondren and Court Roads

The City of Houston Planning and Development Department is reviewing a proposed 83-acre development near Fondren Road and Court Road, between Fort Bend Parkway and Blue Ridge Road.

The proposal includes light industrial warehouses and drainage facilities. The applicant is requesting two exceptions to City development standards involving street spacing and the proposed alignment of Fondren Road.

Residents are invited to learn more and share their feedback at the Houston Planning Commission meeting.

Thursday, Nov. 12 | 2:30 p.m.

City Hall Annex, 900 Bagby St.

City Council Chamber, Public Level

Questions? Contact City Planner Petra Hsia at 832-393-6626 or [email protected].

Written comments may also be emailed to

[email protected] at least 24 hours before the meeting.