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Join us for our next meeting:
November 20th at 2:00 p.m. at City Hall,
901 Bagby, 2nd Floor, Houston, TX 77002
To learn more about Resilience Committee meetings, click here.
| | A Stronger Houston Starts with Preparedness | | |
Council Member Carter was proud to host three committed partners at the September Resilience Committee meeting to discuss how Houston is preparing year-round for disaster response and recovery.
Tommy Holstien of BakerRipley introduced the Blue Sky Volunteer Planning Group, which aims to recruit and train 5,000 disaster-ready volunteers and streamline the way Houstonians get involved when storms strike. Kelly Hurn from the Mayor’s Office of Recovery and Resilience shared updates from the Houston Ready Roundtable, a citywide collaboration working to improve communication, food access, and housing handoffs during emergencies. Marly Maskill of the Houston ToolBank reported that her team distributed more than $226,000 worth of tools following Hurricane Beryl, supporting 43 organizations in cleanup, cooling centers, and home repairs.
Council Member Carter thanks each speaker for their leadership and looks forward to continued partnerships that keep Houston prepared, connected, and resilient.
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Remembering 9/11:
Two Ceremonies, One Commitment
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September 11th remains a day of profound reflection and national unity. Council Member Carter served as keynote speaker at the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance Ceremony at the Houston National Cemetery, honoring the lives lost and the resilience that carried our nation forward. Surrounded by community members and volunteers, she reflected on never forgetting, leading with compassion, and the call to serve.
It was an honor to also join first responders, civic leaders, and guests at Houston’s 24th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. Among those honored was Retired NYPD Detective Victoria d’Angelo Tompkins, who responded just moments after the towers were struck. Her presence and powerful story offered a vivid reminder of the courage displayed on that day—and the heroes we must continue to remember.
Council Member Carter extends her deepest thanks to JustServe Greater Houston, the City of Houston Office of Special Events, HPD, HFD, and all who made these moments of remembrance possible.
| Breaking Bread with Oaks of Righteousness | |
Council Member Carter attended “Let’s Break Bread,” a heartfelt gathering hosted by Oaks of Righteousness, a nonprofit that helps women rebuild their lives after incarceration through faith, structure, and community support. The evening was filled with powerful testimonies from women who are rising above the challenges of reentry and reclaiming their future.
Sharing a meal and listening to their stories was a moving reminder of the transformative power of compassion and purpose-driven outreach. Council Member Carter applauds Oaks of Righteousness for providing stability, encouragement, and a path forward—and remains proud to support organizations that uplift Houston’s most resilient. Learn more at www.oaksoftexas.org.
| Honoring Women in Leadership | |
Council Member Carter was honored at the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Fall Luncheon, celebrating the achievements of female Houston City Council Members past and present. The event recognized the strength and leadership of women who continue to shape the city’s future through public service.
It was a privilege to be acknowledged alongside Council Members Martha Castex-Tatum (District K), Amy Peck (District A), Tarsha Jackson (District B), and Abbie Kamin (District C), as well as the trailblazers who came before. Mayor John Whitmire opened the program with thoughtful remarks on the importance of representation and the progress made by women in leadership across Houston.
| State of the Southwest District Luncheon | |
Council Member Carter attended the Southwest District’s 25th State of the District Luncheon, a celebration of a quarter century of community partnership, economic growth, and collaborative progress. The event featured remarks on public safety, development, and future planning—highlighting the continued work of dedicated leaders and agencies.
Special thanks to District Attorney Sean Teare and the Houston Police Department for their presence and commitment to keeping Southwest Houston safe and thriving.
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The 2025 State of the County event hosted by the Greater Houston Partnership focused on the region’s progress and challenges ahead. The event gathered public officials, civic leaders, and community stakeholders committed to a thriving Harris County.
Council Member Carter was pleased to connect with Mayor John Whitmire, District Attorney Sean Teare, Kelly Young from the Coalition for the Homeless, President and CEO Dr. Laura Murillo with the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and other leaders focused on resilience, safety, and economic opportunity.
These shared spaces for dialogue reinforce the need for unity and forward-thinking leadership in shaping Houston’s future.
| | OST Lofts & RYSS Academy Ribbon Cutting | |
Council Member Carter attended the grand opening of the OST Lofts and RYSS Early Childhood Academy, a visionary project that brings affordable housing and early education together under one roof. The event was filled with celebration and heartfelt stories, including remarks from resident Raven Lee, who shared how this development brought stability and opportunity to her family.
This project, led by the Tejano Center and MREC Companies, highlights the power of integrated community development. Council Member Carter extends her thanks to State Senator Carol Alvarado, Leo Vasquez from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, and Council Member Joaquin Martinez for their partnership in making this vision a reality.
| Kids' Meals Opens New ExxonMobil Campus | | |
Council Member Carter joined Kids’ Meals CEO Beth Harp and community partners for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the organization’s new ExxonMobil Campus—a major step forward in the fight against childhood hunger in Houston.
Kids’ Meals currently serves children in 56 zip codes across Greater Houston, delivering healthy, free meals directly to families in need. The new campus will expand the organization’s capacity, streamline operations, and create more opportunities for volunteers and partners to get involved.
The celebration included performances by the Stratford High School band and cheerleaders, adding a festive touch to a meaningful occasion.
| | Positive Soles: Every Sole Matters | | |
The At-Large 3 office recently celebrated the success of “Positive Soles: Every Sole Matters—Every Step Counts,” a citywide shoe drive led by Council Member Carter in partnership with Fleet Feet Houston—to benefit Harmony House, Inc.’s Navigation Center.
Thanks to the generosity of Houston residents and all seven Fleet Feet locations, the drive collected nearly 1,000 pairs of shoes—with every Harmony House resident receiving two pairs of new socks and the opportunity to select shoes from a thoughtfully arranged display that honored their dignity and individual needs.
“Houston is at its best when we come together to extend compassion where it’s needed most. This shoe drive isn’t just about providing shoes—it’s a gesture of solidarity, support, and respect for our neighbors in their journey from homelessness to housing.” - Council Member Carter
Heartfelt thanks to Hanes, Sole Loved, Houston Run Clubs, Anheuser-Busch, and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department for their support; to Fleet Feet for stepping up; and to Harmony House for the life-changing work they do every day.
| | Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month | | |
In September ALMAAHH Texas and the Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Board hosted the City of Houston’s Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff Celebration. The event paid tribute to the cultural traditions, leadership, and contributions of Houston’s Latino community.
Surrounded by fellow council members, community leaders, and residents, the celebration reflected the heart of Houston’s diversity. Council Member Carter extends special thanks to Commissioner Adrian Garcia for his remarks and ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all.
| | Rooted in Change: Tackling Food Insecurity | |
Council Member Carter attended Rooted in Change: A Policy Roadmap to End Food Insecurity, hosted by the Houston Food Bank. The gathering focused on the intersections between food access, housing, health, and economic equity, and how policy-driven collaboration can address long-standing disparities.
Panelists from Harris County Economic Equity and Opportunity, Harris Health, Children at Risk, Raise Texas, and Texas Housers provided insights into comprehensive solutions for ending hunger across Houston communities. Council Member Carter remains committed to supporting food justice and ensuring that every family has access to nutritious, affordable meals.
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Infrastructure and Innovation:
TAG Houston Port Luncheon
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Regional leaders gathered to discuss freight, infrastructure, and the future of connectivity in the Houston region at the Transportation Advocacy Group’s (TAG) Houston Port Luncheon. The event highlighted the critical role of Port Houston in supporting commerce, jobs, and economic growth.
Council Member Carter thanks Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston, for his insights into port expansion, logistics, and long-term strategies to keep Houston globally competitive. Events like this help ensure policy, planning, and progress remain aligned for Houston’s future.
| Community Support for the Unhoused | |
The At-Large 3 office participated in the North Montrose Civic Association’s September meeting, where residents engaged in a meaningful conversation titled “Unhoused in North Montrose.” The discussion centered on compassionate, constructive solutions to homelessness and public safety in the neighborhood.
With remarks from Mike Nichols, Director of the City of Houston Housing & Community Development Department, attendees explored current housing initiatives, outreach strategies, and ways the community can work alongside the city to support unhoused individuals.
If you’re interested in learning more about your local Super Neighborhood Council or Civic Association, please reach out to our office at (832) 393-3005—we’ll be happy to connect you with your area’s leadership and meeting schedule.
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Spot our Newest Additions
There are a few adorable new faces to meet during your next Zoo visit. A rare okapi, an endangered eastern bongo, a playful tapir calf, and a boat-billed heron chick now call Space City home. By visiting the new additions guests are helping to save their wild counterparts around the world. We are proud to support 33 wildlife conservation projects in 17 countries around the world, including regions where these animals are found in the wild.
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Zoo Boo presented by King & Spalding
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As the cooler temps roll in, fall is the perfect time to visit the Zoo. This month-long event, allows you to experience the best season with family and friends. Make it a fall to remember!
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Zoo Boo Extended Hours Dates:
October 3,10, 17-19, 23-24, 26-30
Open until 9:30 p.m., last entry at 8:00 p.m.
| | Discover the art of quilting at Quilting 101, a beginner class on Saturday, October 4, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Jesse H. Jones Central Library. Learn quilting basics in a fun, hands-on setting—bring supplies and a sewing machine if you have one, or simply come ready to create and connect. | |  | Celebrate Halloween at Spook-Tacular Fall Fun on Friday, October 31, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at the Jesse H. Jones Central Library. Families can enjoy seasonal crafts, festive games, and lighthearted stories before showing off costumes in a friendly contest with prizes, laughter, and plenty of community spirit. | | | Click here to visit the Texas Council on Family Violence. | | Click on the resources below to be redirected to the webpage. | | |
Amy Peck, District A
districta@houstontx.gov
Tarsha Jackson, District B
districtb@houstontx.gov
Abbie Kamin, District C
districtc@houstontx.gov
Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, District D
districtd@houstontx.gov
Fred Flickinger, District E
districte@houstontx.gov
Tiffany D. Thomas, District F
districtf@houstontx.gov
Mary Nan Huffman, District G
districtg@houstontx.gov
Mario Castillo, District H
districth@houstontx.gov
Joaquin Martinez, District I
districti@houstontx.gov
Edward Pollard, District J
districtj@houstontx.gov
Martha Castex-Tatum, District K
districtk@houstontx.gov
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