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Dear District K Residents,
September is a time of transition. Our students and families are settling into a new school year, Fall is on the horizon, and throughout District K, we continue to see progress taking shape in our neighborhoods.
In this month's newsletter, I’m excited to share updates on investments that are strengthening our parks and community spaces, opportunities for residents to make their voices heard, and events that bring us together as neighbors. From public safety and community engagement to resources that help our families and businesses thrive, there is much happening across District K.
This month also marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the attacks on September 11, 2001. As we remember the lives lost and honor the first responders and countless individuals whose courage and service defined that day and the years that followed, may we continue to carry forward that same spirit of service, compassion, and community.
As always, thank you for staying engaged, sharing your ideas, and helping us continue to move District K forward. There is progress happening all around us, and so I’m proud that we are shaping it together.
In Service,
Martha
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September 11: 25 Years of Remembrance | |
This September 11 marks 25 years since the attacks of September 11, 2001.
District K joins communities across Houston and our nation in remembering the nearly 3,000 lives lost and honoring the first responders whose courage, service and sacrifice continue to inspire us.
The Houston Fire Department will mark the anniversary with a citywide remembrance, including simultaneous observances at HFD fire stations and a central ceremony at Fire Station 8.
The observance will also recognize Houston firefighters who traveled to New York to serve at Ground Zero following the attacks.
Houston Fire Department 25th Anniversary Observance
WHEN: Friday, September 11, 2026
WHERE: HFD Fire Station 8 | 1919 Louisiana St.
WHY: Moments of Remembrance | 8:59 a.m. and 9:28 a.m.
HOW: Ceremonial bell tolling and a static flag display
will accompany the observance at Station 8.
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“Twenty-five years later, we remember the lives lost, honor the courage of those who answered the call, and carry forward the spirit of service and unity that brought our nation together.”
— Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum
| Investing in District K: Partnership in Progress | |
District K is proud to celebrate new investments coming to our community through Harris County in partnership with Precinct 1.
Several District K projects are among 16 projects receiving funding, supporting continued improvements to our parks, trails and community spaces.
Among the investments announced are improvements at Westbury Community Garden, a new pedestrian bridge connecting the Willow Waterhole Greenway to trails within TIRZ 25, and additional investment in District K parks, including Simon Minchen Park.
At Westbury Community Garden alone, an $845,000 investment will support new walking paths, a circle drive, improved farm access and enhanced drainage infrastructure.
Congratulations to the District K projects selected for investment, and thank you to Harris County for their continued partnership in moving our communities forward.
View moments captured from the event below
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“District K is honored to have Precinct 1 as a partner in progress. These investments represent what is possible when we work together to strengthen our neighborhoods, improve our public spaces and create lasting benefits for the people we serve.”
— Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum
| | District K: In the Community | | Family Fun Day at Westbury UMC | | |
Bring the family out for a day of fun, fellowship and community connection at Westbury United Methodist Church’s Family FUN Day!
Stop by the Westbury Civic Club (WCC) table while enjoying activities for all ages, health and fitness resources, food trucks, local vendors, games and more.
Saturday, September 12
9 a.m.–1 p.m
Westbury United Methodist Church | 5200 Willowbend Blvd.
Community organizations can get involved, too! Booth spaces are still available, and nonprofit organizations can participate at no cost.
Bring your family, invite a neighbor and come enjoy a fun Saturday in the community!
| | 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.
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41st Annual UNCF Houston Walk For Education | |
Your support of UNCF is helping students like
Brandon Blackmore
turn their dreams into possibilities.
Brandon is a freshman at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas, who is pursuing his dream of becoming a CPA.
Because of the generosity of UNCF donors, Brandon has the opportunity to pursue his education and take another step towards the future he envisions for himself.
By joining us on September 26, you will be walking for students like Brandon to help make sure they have resources, support and opportunities to succeed!
| | District K Supports L.I.F.E. Houston’s Citywide Formula Drive | | |
Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum is proud to serve as Honorary Chair of L.I.F.E. Houston’s Citywide Formula Drive,
taking place throughout September in recognition of Infant Hunger Action Month.
The month-long campaign will help provide infant formula and essential nutrition support to Houston families in need.
Campaign Details
Dates: September 1–30, 2026
Formula collection locations and volunteer opportunities will be announced soon.
Sponsorship and community participation opportunities will also be available.
Save the date and stay tuned for more information on how you can join Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum and L.I.F.E. Houston in helping feed Houston’s youngest residents.
| | Discover More with Your Houston Public Library Card | | |
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and Houston Public Library is reminding Houstonians that a free MYLink library card opens the door to much more than books.
With a MYLink card, residents can access e-books, streaming movies and music, online learning resources, creative technology studios, Houston history collections, and even unique items through the Library of Things.
Whether you’re learning a new skill, researching family history, finding your next great read, or exploring something new, there’s something for everyone at Houston Public Library.
Already have a card? This is a great time to rediscover what it can do. Need one? September is the perfect time to sign up!
Get a free MYLink library card
| | Houston Businesses Get Certified | | |
Business owners and entrepreneurs interested in doing business with the City of Houston are invited to attend the IThrive: City of Houston Certification
Workshop, hosted by the City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity in collaboration with Council Member Joaquin Martinez and Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum.
Attendees will learn how to become certified with the City, explore the benefits of certification, and have an opportunity to begin the certification process during the workshop.
Participants should bring a laptop to get started.
Wednesday, September 24 | 2–4 PM
SER Jobs – Multipurpose Room
1960 Tellepsen St., Houston, TX 77023
Scan the QR code on the flyer to RSVP
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The K Perspective: District K in Action
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Public Hearing: Lomcrest Plaza Replat | |
Residents in the Fondren community are encouraged to stay informed about a proposed replat at 14217 Main Street at Lomcrest Street.
The Houston Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding Plat Application 2026-1328 – Lomcrest Plaza. According to the applicant, the developer is requesting to replat the property as one unrestricted reserve, with plans to place a pre-engineered
metal building on the property.
How to Participate
Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 2:30 PM
City Hall Annex – Public Level
900 Bagby Street, Houston, TX
Residents may attend in person or submit comments & questions by email to speakercomments.pc@houstontx.gov.
Your voice matters. District K residents are encouraged to review the proposal and participate in the public hearing process.
| | Drainage Repair Coming to Ludington Drive | | |
Houston Public Works will soon begin an important drainage repair project at 6500 Ludington Drive in District K.
The work will repair an outfall cave-in, helping address the damaged infrastructure and maintain proper drainage in the area.
What: Repair of an outfall cave-in
Where: 6500 Ludington Drive
When: Construction begins September 28, 2026
Timeline: Approximately 30 days
Contractor: Grava LLC
Residents near the project area may notice construction activity while work is underway. District K will continue to share updates as the project progresses.
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Safer Streets Ahead in Southwest Crossing
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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 is scheduled for August 10, 2026,
with completion anticipated by November 8, 2026.
See the map for planned traffic-calming locations throughout Southwest Crossing.
| | ICYMI in District K: Houston Headlines | |
The 2025 Draft CAPER is Now Available
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The City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) has released the 2025 Draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for public review and comment.
This report details the progress and outcomes achieved from July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026, including how our Annual HUD Grants were invested. These grants include:
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
- HOME Investments Partnerships Program (HOME)
- Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
- Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS (HOPWA)
Residents can now view the Draft Caper on HCD's website and provide feedback before the report is finalized and submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The report includes activities across several areas, including:
- Homelessness
- Home rehabilitation & new construction
- Homebuyer assistance
We value your input and encourage you to review the Draft 2025 CAPER and share your feedback by September 22. Thank you for staying engaged.
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Public Comment Period
The draft report will be available for public comment beginning Monday, September 7th, through Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026.
How to Submit Comments
Residents are encouraged to review the draft report and share their feedback.
Comments may be submitted by email to HCDPlanning@houstontx.gov using the subject line Draft 2025 CAPER, or by mail to:
Houston Housing and Community Development Department
2100 Travis St.
Houston, TX 77002
Attn: Planning and Grant Reporting Division
| | | Keeping District K Clean: Illegal Dumping Enforcement | | |
District K continues working with our City partners to address
illegal dumping and protect our neighborhoods.
Recent enforcement efforts on Court Road resulted in an individual being taken into custody in connection with illegal dumping activity—a reminder that
dumping is not only harmful to our communities, but can also carry serious consequences.
Our message is simple:
District K is committed to cleaner, safer neighborhoods, and we will continue working with residents and our partners to identify problem areas, address illegal dumping, and hold violators accountable.
See illegal dumping? Report it to 311
so the appropriate City department can investigate and respond.
| | | Opportunities in District K | | TECHLink Vinson Grand Opening | | |
Houston Public Library is excited to celebrate the grand opening of TECHLink Vinson, located inside the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center!
Join us for a day of community, innovation, and hands-on discovery as we unveil this new state-of-the-art technology space.
Explore equipment demonstrations, take guided tours, and experience interactive creative areas designed to inspire, empower, and connect Houstonians of all ages.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: 10:00 am – Noon
Where: 3810 West Fuqua St. Houston, TX 77045
Parking: Free in the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center lot
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Enter the TECHLink Music & Video Contest | | |
Houston is a city full of stories, sounds, and creativity, now it’s your turn to share yours!
Enter the TECHLink Music & Video Contest by creating an original song or video inspired by the theme “Linked to Houston: What does Houston mean to you?”
Need help bringing your vision to life? Visit any TECHLink location for FREE access to professional recording studios, music production software, video equipment, and creative workspaces—all available with your MYLink library card.
Show us your talent, share your voice, and celebrate Houston’s creativity.
We can’t wait to see (and hear) what you create!
| | Get to Know HPD: Citizens’ Police Academy | | |
The Houston Police Department South Gessner Division invites residents to its September Positive Interaction Program (PIP) Meeting, featuring representatives from HPD’s Citizens’ Police Academy.
Residents will learn how the academy provides an inside look at HPD operations, specialized units, officer training, and the responsibilities of Houston police officers.
The meeting also offers an opportunity to ask questions, share community concerns, and continue building positive relationships between residents and HPD.
Wednesday, September 16 | 6:30 PM
South Gessner Police Station
8605 Westplace Drive, Houston, TX
Community members, apartment representatives, and neighborhood partners
are encouraged to attend.
Plus, there will be a few raffle prizes!
| | | KEEP DISTRICT K MOVING... | | | | |