November 11th, 2024

Four years ago, on August 25, Hurricane Harvey landed on the shores of Texas, dumping over 52 inches of rain upon our city and region. Hurricane Harvey was a defining moment for Houston.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner says we are building forward in the right way for a stronger and more resilient city that is prepared to withstand the challenges of the future. To do it right takes precision. To do it right takes partnership. To do it right takes thoughtfulness. And as we navigate the challenges that our region continues to face, from hurricanes to winter storms to health crises, we have not stood still.

Despite complicated and bureaucratic processes involving extensive reviews, procurement rules, acquisition delays, and environmental regulations, the City continues to move forward with our partners and own resources.

Are we safer today than we were four years ago? Yes.

COMPLETED PROJECTS

In four years, we have invested $780 Million in infrastructure repairs from local funding for fully completed projects:

  • 42 Capital Improvement Projects and an additional nine that are in construction, totaling $501 Million in total investment in drainage.
  • 124 Local Drainage Projects totaling over $21 Million, by the end of the Fiscal Year, an additional 40 projects will be completed. These are projects are less than $3 Million in costs and are usually delivered at a faster pace.
  • 124 SWAT projects have been constructed totaling $34.7 Million; An additional 18 are in construction or in design to be completed by the end of this Fiscal Year, bringing the total number of projects to over 142.
  • Six large-scale TIRZ inter-agency projects have been completed, exceeding $33 Million, and three more are in construction, adding over $76 Million in investments for drainage infrastructure.
  • Ten properties have been acquired for detention at the cost of $70.5M and resulting in 357.6 acres of added detention.
  • $120M combination funding of Federal and State funds resulted in the dredging of 3 million cubic yards of sand/sediment from the West Fork of the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston.

HOME ELEVATION

The City is also protecting housing investments through individual home mitigation strategies utilizing the FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance program:

  • $66.1M to elevate over 260 homes since Harvey and many more homes are in the planning stages for future funding.

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

And we continue to invest in our nature-based infrastructure for a holistic and integrated drainage system.

  • Thirty green storm water infrastructure projects were implemented in 2020.
  • With the launch of 3 out of the four incentives for green development, we expect this number to increase every year as we combat flooding at every scale.

 

 REGULATIONS

To continue to be protected, we must ensure we develop policies that prepare us for the future. Since Hurricane Harvey, these policies include:

  • Updating Chapter 19 regulations to build higher.
  • Adopting new rainfall data and new detention rates as a result of NOAA Atlas 14 increased precipitation estimates.
  • Strengthening and establishing our international relationships to collaborate on water-related challenges.

 

CURRENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

Knowing that City coffers cannot fund all the needed projects, we continue to seek and have received funding for:

  • $57M indirect allocation for local infrastructure projects from CDBG-Mitigation grant funds.
  • $300M from FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant funds for regional detention and flood damage reduction projects. (Inwood, Lake Houston Dam, North Canal, TIRZ 17).
  • $50M in State grant funds for additional dredging of Lake Houston.
  • $32M in State subsidized loans and grants for two flood-damaged reduction projects.
  • $23M in CDBG-DR funds for infrastructure planning recovery and resilience projects.

The Recovery Office will present a 4th anniversary report to City Council in the coming week, including a comprehensive overview of recovery, hazard mitigation, and housing.

In four years, we have made investments in our infrastructure. We have strengthened partnerships. We have released Resilient Houston and the Climate Action Plan to prepare better and mitigate, focusing on equity and in our Complete Communities, to ensure that the most vulnerable are at the center.

“I recognize the importance of infrastructure and the valuable role engineering plays in climate adaptation. I am in support of the ASCE and Stimson Center’s declaration for Climate Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure,”  Turner said. “It calls for making climate resilience a priority; avoiding climate-related disasters that harm the lives of the most vulnerable, like Harvey; advancing innovation in infrastructure projects, and achieving our climate goals.”

 

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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