September Newsletter

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Join us for our next meeting:

September 18th at 2:00 p.m. at City Hall,

901 Bagby, 2nd Floor, Houston, TX 77002

To learn more about Resilience Committee meetings, click here.

Texas Pace Authority Visits Resilience Committee

As Chair of the Resilience Committee, Council Member Carter was pleased to welcome Charlene Heydinger and James Cargas with the Texas PACE Authority to present at the August 25th committee meeting. Their presentation highlighted how the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program supports energy and water efficiency upgrades across a wide range of properties—including commercial, multifamily, nonprofit, and industrial sites. By enabling upfront funding with no taxpayer dollars, this program helps modernize infrastructure, lower utility costs, and strengthen Houston’s long-term resilience.

For more information, please visit: www.texaspaceauthority.org.

Back-to-School Events Bring Houston Together

This back-to-school season, Council Member Carter joined several impactful events across Houston to help students and families start the academic year prepared and supported. At the Mayor’s Back to School & Health Fair, presented by Shell, more than 20,000 backpacks were distributed at the George R. Brown Convention Center—alongside free dental, vision, mental health, and immunization screenings that ensured children were ready to learn, inside and out.

Council Member Carter also participated in the COHAP Annual Back to School Bash, where she presented a Certificate of Recognition to Natasha Wilson, founder of COHAP Outreach Corporation, for her dedication to youth and community uplift. The World Youth Foundation’s Back 2 School Jam brought hundreds of families together for a joyful day filled with resources, support, and connection—thanks to partners like HPARD, and the Houston Health Department.

These events reflect the best of Houston: neighbors helping neighbors, organizations rising to the occasion, and leadership rooted in service. Council Member Carter remains committed to ensuring every child has what they need to thrive—because when students succeed, our whole city shines.

AL3 Team Visits 3rd Annual Resource Fair

Council Member Carter and the At-Large 3 Team had a great time participating in Council Member Mary Nan Huffman’s Third Annual Resident Resource Fair, an event focused on empowering residents through access to city services, information, and support.

The AL3 Team hosted a resource booth and connected with dozens of community members, answering questions and sharing updates on citywide initiatives. The event also featured partners from across the city, including Houston ISD, Houston Police Department, HPARD, Houston Permitting Center, Public Works, BARC, and the Houston Public Library—all working together to strengthen civic engagement and neighborhood access to services.

These community-driven events highlight the power of collaboration and the importance of meeting residents where they are. Council Member Carter remains committed to ensuring all Houstonians have the tools and connections they need to thrive.

St. Elizabeth Place Opens Doors in Fifth Ward

A historic space in Houston’s Fifth Ward has been given new life. Council Member Carter joined community leaders and partners to celebrate the ribbon cutting of St. Elizabeth Place, a former hospital that has now been transformed into mixed-income housing—blending historic preservation with modern opportunity.

Once a vital healthcare hub for this historically underserved neighborhood, the newly restored building now serves as a model for equitable development that honors community roots while creating space for the future. Touring the site was a powerful reminder of how thoughtful reinvestment can preserve legacy and promote dignity.

Special thanks to Fifth Ward CRC, Cloudbreak-Houston Communities, the City of Houston Housing & Community Development Department, HUD, the Texas General Land Office, Cantwell-Anderson, and many others for bringing this vision to life. To learn more about leasing opportunities, visit www.stelizabethplace.com.

Beta Academy “Confetti Campus” Ribbon Cutting

Council Member Carter was honored to join Beta Academy for the official ribbon cutting of their brand-new Confetti Campus, marking a decade of educational excellence and community impact. This milestone celebration welcomed nearly 1,000 scholars and their families to explore the school’s vibrant new Pre-K through 4th grade facility.

Spanning 85,000 square feet, the Confetti Campus reflects Beta Academy’s deep commitment to academic rigor, character development, and joyful learning. With individualized instruction, state-of-the-art classrooms, and a culture rooted in excellence, the new campus is designed to unlock student potential and inspire the next generation of Houston leaders.

From confetti cannons and scholar-led performances to the roar of proud families and the sparkle of future dreams, this ribbon cutting wasn’t just about a building—it was a celebration of purpose, progress, and possibility. Council Member Carter congratulates the entire Beta Academy team on this powerful step forward.

Houston Welcomes New Fire Cadet Graduates

Council Member Carter had the honor of celebrating a proud moment for our city—the graduation of Cadet Class 2025E from the Houston Fire Department. These 25 dedicated individuals completed intense training and are now officially part of one of the most respected departments in the nation.

During the ceremony, Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz spoke about the courage it takes to answer the call and the impact these new firefighters will make in every neighborhood they serve. The Honorable Judge Nelly Treviño Santos from the City of Houston Municipal Courts led the cadets in a ceremonial oath, a powerful moment that marked the start of their life of service.

Council Member Carter applauds each graduate for stepping up to protect and serve. Houston is better and safer thanks to their commitment, and we celebrate their courage as they begin this important journey.

Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston

Highlights Community Impact

At a recent Legislative Update hosted by Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, community partners and stakeholders learned more about the organization’s far-reaching impact through its Meals on Wheels and Refugee Services programs—two essential supports for vulnerable populations in our city.

This year alone, IM Houston will serve 1.3 million meals to homebound seniors—offering not just nourishment, but also safety and wellness checks that help ensure seniors feel seen, cared for, and connected. Their Refugee Services program has assisted more than 9,600 legal refugees with housing, job training, and cultural orientation, with an impressive 90% reaching self-sufficiency within eight months.

These efforts reflect the compassionate, inclusive spirit that defines Houston—providing life-changing support to those who need it most and helping build a stronger, more resilient community for all.

Fire Station #19 Celebrates 100 Years

Council Member Carter was honored to have the AL3 Team represent her at the 100-Year Anniversary Celebration for Houston Fire Department’s Station 19, a landmark occasion recognizing a full century of dedicated service to the community.

The event featured heartfelt remarks from Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz and a special proclamation from Mayor John Whitmire, honoring the bravery and legacy of those who have served since Station 19 first opened its doors in 1925. The celebration also included the delivery of Engine 19, a brand-new Spartan Star Series vehicle built to serve with reliability, performance, and pride for years to come.

This centennial milestone not only honors the past but strengthens the future of public safety in Houston. Council Member Carter extends her warmest congratulations to the firefighters, leadership, and community who continue to carry the Station 19 legacy forward.

Meet our Newest Addition

Say hello to the newest (and most adorable) resident of South America’s Pantanal — a baby Baird’s tapir! Born overnight on July 23 to parents Moli and Noah, this spotted sweetie came into the world at 18 pounds and is already up to 30 pounds. Guests can see the spotted tapir in the mixed-species habitat where she can be found living with giant anteaters, capybara, and rheas.

The Houston Zoo is taking part in a national study to learn how visitors understand the role of zoos and aquariums in conservation efforts. Share your thoughts about the Houston Zoo’s wildlife-saving work by filling out this survey.

Land Your Dream Job: Open Lab for Job help on Friday, September 26th, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Turtle Neighborhood Library; get one-on-one support with resumes, cover letters and interview prep to boost your job search.

Author Visit with Jasminne Mendez: Thursday, September 18th, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Robinson-Westchase Library; join an engaging Hispanic Heritage Month conversation with the award-winning author.

For more Houston Public Library e vents, click here.