March 2025

March is here, and that means it’s Rodeo Season in Houston! In this episode of What's Happening at H-GAC, we’re talking about one of Texas’ biggest events—the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo—and how you can make getting there easier with METRO’s stress-free transit options. We’re also diving into exciting H-GAC events happening this month, from public meetings and board discussions to park tours and policy updates.



Find all our events at: 👉 h-gac.com/calendar

Don’t forget to subscribe to our videos on YouTube, follow us on social media,

and stay connected for more regional updates!

The Houston-Galveston Area Council is excited to share that Texas will receive $3.3 billion in funding through the Texas Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program this year, marking a historic opportunity to expand high-speed internet access throughout our region.

To help you navigate the funding process, H-GAC is hosting a series of Broadband Workshops. These sessions will provide guidance on eligibility, the application process, and strategies for developing strong proposals.

Topics include:

• How to determine eligibility for BEAD funding
• Key requirements and deadlines
• Best practices for developing a competitive application
• Opportunities for collaboration and regional planning

This is a critical opportunity for internet service providers, local governments, nonprofits, and other stakeholders to gain insight into the funding process and ensure our communities receive the connectivity they need.

Next steps:

• Register for an upcoming Broadband Workshop by visiting h-gac.com/broadband
• Stay informed by visiting the Texas Broadband Development Office website: comptroller.texas.gov/programs/broadband
• Begin preparing your project proposal and explore potential partnerships

We, at H-GAC, encourage you to participate in these sessions and take advantage of this unprecedented broadband funding opportunity. If you have any questions, contact Darryl Briscoe at Darryl.Briscoe@h-gac.com or visit h-gac.com/broadband.

The Cost of Environmental Changes in Our Region

Environmental changes are reshaping our region with impacts that carry significant costs for communities, businesses, and local governments. Extreme weather events—such as hurricanes, floods, and prolonged heatwaves—have become more frequent and severe, causing billions in damages to infrastructure, homes, and critical services. The costs don’t stop at repairs. Disrupted supply chains, increased energy demands, and health risks from poor air quality add further financial burdens.

For local governments, addressing these changes involves both immediate responses and long-term investments in resilience. Updating drainage systems to handle more intense rainfall, strengthening building codes, and enhancing emergency preparedness are costly but essential. Ignoring these adjustments; however, could lead to even greater expenses over time as communities face repeated damages and higher insurance premiums.

By investing in climate resilience now, our region can save on future costs and protect the well-being of residents, ensuring a safer and more sustainable future.

Click here to learn about H-GAC's Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program.

Save the Dates: Livable Centers

Series Announced for 2025

H-GAC is pleased to announce the winners of the 19th Annual Parks and Natural Areas Awards.

A recognition ceremony was held Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, at H-GAC. In addition, attendees also heard about universal design in parks and natural areas from Mary Keilers with Clark Condon, a Houston-based landscape architecture firm.

The 2024 H-GAC Parks and Natural Areas Awards honor innovative projects that serve as models for planning and implementing parks and natural areas throughout the region. There were 25 applications submitted by local entities for the 2024 program, with winners selected by a panel of five judges.

Projects were recognized in four categories:

• Planning Process/Policy Tools
• On-the-Ground Projects Over $500,000
• On-the-Ground Projects Under $500,000
•  Programming

The winners exemplify excellence in planning, execution, and programming, setting a benchmark for parks and natural areas in the Houston-Galveston region.



2024 H-GAC Parks and Natural Areas Awards Winners

Planning Process/Policy Tools:

• Herman Brown Park Master Plan (Houston Parks Board)
• Seabourne Creek Park Nature Center (city of Rosenberg, Texas)

Projects Over $500,000:

• Japhet Creek Park (Buffalo Bayou Partnership)

Projects Under $500,000:

• Martin Elementary SPARK Park (Alief ISD - SPARK)
• Truxillo Pocket Park (Houston Housing Authority: Third Ward – Cuney Homes Choice Neighborhood Initiative)

Programming:

• Interpretive & Educational Experiences in Precinct 4 Parks (Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones)

MAR 5

MAR 18

MAR 20

Was this newsletter forwarded to you?

Sign up to receive the Regional Focus monthly in your inbox!