MAY 2025

In the May 2025 edition of What’s Happening at H-GAC, we celebrate Mother’s Day and share a heartfelt thank-you to all the amazing moms and caregivers who make our communities stronger. Plus, get updates on upcoming programs, events, and resources from the Houston-Galveston Area Council that support families across the region. Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at H-GAC!


Learn more about events at the Houston-Galveston Area Council at

👉 h-gac.com/calendar


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

and stay connected for more regional updates!

Announcing H-GAC's New Chief Transportation Officer

H-GAC Receives Investment Policy Distinction

H-GAC is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Certificate of Distinction by the Government Treasurers’ Organization of Texas (GTOT) for its investment policy.


This recognition highlights

H-GAC’s continued commitment to financial excellence and transparency.


The award reflects the organizations adherence to GTOT’s rigorous standards and its dedication to maintaining a comprehensive and well-crafted investment policy.


The certificate is valid for a two-year period through April 30, 2027.

Addressing Environmental Challenges in the

Houston-Galveston Region

As the Houston-Galveston region faces more frequent extreme weather—such as hurricanes, flooding, and extreme heat—our response includes two important approaches: strengthening short-term resilience and planning for long-term solutions.

 

Short-term strategies focus on preparing for and recovering from severe weather events. These include improving drainage infrastructure, enhancing flood planning, and deploying renewable energy sources to power essential services like cooling centers during outages.

 

Long-term strategies aim to reduce the factors that contribute to environmental change. By expanding the use of renewable energy, supporting cleaner transportation options, and improving energy efficiency, we can help build a more sustainable and resilient region.

 

H-GAC offers several programs and tools to support these efforts:

 

Together, we can strengthen our communities and prepare for the future.

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

Public Comment Period Now Open for H-GAC MPO's Unified Planning Work Program

The public is invited to review and provide feedback on the H-GAC 2025 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). Your input is vital to shaping the future of regional transportation planning.


View the 2025 UPWP documents and submit your comments today!

h-gac.com/unified-planning-work-program

H-GAC to Host National Elder Abuse

Prosecution Institute

Apply by May 15, 2025 – Secure Your Spot Today!

The Houston-Galveston Area Council is hosting the 2025 National Institute on the Prosecution of Elder Abuse (NIPEA) from June 10 - 13. This 3.5-day course is designed for prosecutors and will provide important information about elder abuse and practical skills needed to successfully prosecute elder abuse crimes.


Topics include case evaluation and litigation skills, dementia and capacity issues, common injuries and the use of medical experts, ethical issues, available resources to support prosecutors, and more.

 

Attendees may qualify for approximately 18 continuing legal education (CLE) credit hours including at least one hour of ethics credit.

 

NIPEA is open to prosecutors only. Preference will be given to prosecutors from agencies participating in theOffice of Violence Against WomenTraining and Services to End Abuse in Later LifeProgram. All others will be considered in the order applications are received. 


Interested prosecutors may apply to attend by completing an online application.

Submitting an application does not guarantee a spot. Application deadline is May 15, 2025. 

 

This event is co-sponsored by the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life, the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), and AEquitas.


For more informationcontact Ann Laatsch at alaatsch@ncall.us.

Trash Bash® Celebrates 31 Years of

Waterway Cleanups



On March 29, the River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash® held its 31st annual litter cleanup event. A total of 2,414 volunteers helped remove 38.69 tons of trash and 119 illegally dumped tires from 58 miles of shoreline in the lower Galveston Bay watershed.

 

When combined, volunteers have removed 2,543.86 tons of trash and 12,529 illegally dumped tires since the first event in 1994.


Learn more about Trash Bash® online.

MAY 14

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JUN 24

Save the DateRegistration coming soon!

Watch our website for updates: Leading with Purpose Workshop

This comprehensive leadership workshop is a tailored program aimed at developing strong and purposeful leadership among government employees that will positively impact their organizations and communities. This workshop offers public servants a chance to improve their leadership capabilities, make principled decisions, and drive meaningful change in their workplaces and the wider communities.

 

Scan the QR Code in the graphic above to Save the Date to your calendar – we look forward to seeing you at the workshop on June 24th!

JUN 26

H-GAC continues its three-part 2025 Livable Centers Roundtable and Workshop Series – exploring the critical connections between transportation planning, design, and public health. This series brings together experts and practitioners to discuss how the built environment, transportation systems, and planning decisions influence community health, and how we can work across disciplines to create healthier, more livable communities. 


This series is a must-attend for urban planners, transportation planners, public health professionals, designers, policymakers, and community leaders interested in shaping a future where the built environment supports well-being for all. Participants can attend any or all events.  


Remaining events in the series include:


All events are held at H-GAC in conference rooms on the second floor. Participant networking is from 9 to 9:30 a.m. for each event. Program activities begin at 9:30 a.m. each day.


For more information, contact Sarai Osorio at livablecenters@h-gac.com.

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