The Carter Chronicles: August, 2026

Friends,

As we turn the calendar to August, the weather forecast is hot, humid, and hurricane ready—stay prepared!

Back to school means back to building the future—one lesson, one friendship, and one opportunity at a time. I want to thank every teacher, administrator, bus driver, crossing guard, school employee, and parent preparing for another school year. Investing in our children is investing in the future.

Across our city, you’ll continue seeing investments in public safety, infrastructure, neighborhood improvements, solid waste services, parks, and community partnerships. While there is always more work to do, every improvement represents our commitment to making Houston stronger.

I encourage everyone to stay engaged with your local government. Whether attending meetings at City Hall, community meetings, participating in civic organizations, volunteering, or simply reaching out to my office with questions or concerns, your voice matters. Good government begins with listening, and I remain committed to serving every corner of our great city.

Together, by working with purpose, respecting one another, and remaining committed to common sense solutions, I believe Houston’s best days are still ahead. Thank you for the privilege of serving.

Onward and upward,

Click here for a larger view of the domestic violence statistics from above.

RESILIENCE COMMITTEE

Join us for our next meeting:

August 10th at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall

901 Bagby, 2nd Floor, Houston, TX 77002

Presentations by:

Andi Cook & Gary Flaharty, TGCRVOAD

“TXGCVolunteers: Connecting Volunteers, Building Resilience.”

Joe Fuentes & Rocio Witte, BakerRipley

“BakerRipley’s Community Resilience Strategy.”

To learn more about Resilience Committee meetings, click here.

OUT AND ABOUT

Celebrating 20 Years of Kids' Meals

More than 9,000 meals were packed as Kids' Meals, Inc. celebrated its 20th anniversary, bringing together volunteers from across Houston to help feed children in need. Council Member Carter joined Council Member Amy Peck, Council Member Joaquin Martinez, the City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods, and many other community partners for the special day of service.

Kids' Meals, Inc. delivers healthy meals directly to preschool-aged children facing food insecurity, providing more than 13,000 meals each weekday throughout the Greater Houston area. Beyond delivering meals, the organization also connects families with resources that help build brighter futures. It was wonderful to celebrate two decades of service while supporting an organization that continues to make a difference for children and their families.

To get involved and help end childhood hunger in Houston, click here.

Helping Students Start the School Year Strong

As a new school year approaches, Council Member Carter joined families and community partners at several back-to-school events across Houston, helping connect students with the supplies, health services, and resources they need for a successful school year.

Among those events was the 19th Annual Back to School Drive, Health Fair & Business Expo at PlazAmericas, where more than 5,000 students and their families received school supplies, health resources, and information from local organizations. At the 16th Annual Mayor's Back 2 School & Health Fair sponsored by Shell and the Houston Food Bank, more than 20,000 backpacks were filled with school supplies and distributed—alongside free health screenings, immunizations, dental and vision services, and other community resources. The Council Member also attended the World Youth Foundation's Back 2 School Jam at the Sunnyside Multi-Service Center, where students and families received backpacks, school supplies, community resources, and enjoyed family activities and giveaways.

Together, these events helped prepare thousands of Houston students for a successful school year by connecting families with the supplies, services, and support they need both inside and outside the classroom.

Building Safer Communities Together

Council Member Carter spoke at the Midwest Apartment Positive Interaction Program (PIP) alongside the Houston Police Department's Homeless Outreach Team, where apartment owners, property managers, and business representatives discussed the City's response to homelessness, available outreach services, and resources designed to assist individuals experiencing homelessness.

The At-Large 3 Team also participated in several other PIP meetings throughout the month, including the Northwest PIP, Citywide PIP, and Eastside PIP. Presentations covered topics such as Project Lifesaver, auto theft prevention, and emergency and hurricane preparedness, providing valuable information while strengthening communication between residents, businesses, Houston Police Department, and City departments.

Interested in attending a PIP meeting?

Contact the At-Large 3 Office at 832-393-3005, and we'll be happy to share the August meeting schedule dates, times, and locations to help you get connected in your area.

Staying Connected to Houston's Neighborhoods

Every neighborhood has its own priorities, and staying connected to those conversations helps ensure residents have a voice in the decisions shaping their communities. Council Member Carter met with Downtown Super Neighborhood #61 to discuss the City's efforts to address homelessness, including how the new 419 Emancipation facility will serve as a central location connecting individuals with housing, supportive services, and resources that promote long-term stability.

Throughout the month, the At-Large 3 Team also stayed engaged by attending meetings with the Crestmont Park Civic Alliance, Fourth Ward Super Neighborhood #60, Washington Avenue Coalition/Memorial Park Super Neighborhood #22, South Acres/Crestmont/Minnetex Super Neighborhood #76/77, Harrisburg TIRZ #23, Gulfgate TIRZ #8, TIRZ #28, and Memorial TIRZ #17. These meetings help strengthen relationships, keep our office informed, and ensure local voices remain part of the conversation.

Celebrating 50 Years of Community Healthcare

For 50 years, the Northeast Hospital Authority has helped improve access to quality healthcare for families throughout the Lake Houston area and northeast Houston. Established in 1976, the Authority played a key role in bringing hospital services to the region and continues to support community health initiatives, including programs that provide free breast cancer screenings and treatment for those in need.

Council Member Carter joined community leaders in celebrating the Northeast Hospital Authority's 50th anniversary and presented a Certificate of Appreciation recognizing the organization's longstanding commitment to improving the health and well-being of generations of residents. Milestones like this reflect the lasting impact that dedicated organizations and strong community partnerships have on the people they serve.

Supporting Those Who Served

Council Member Carter joined HFD Chief Thomas Muñoz, City of Houston Office of Veterans and Military Affairs' Dr. LaShondra Jones, veterans, and community partners at the Houston Fire Department Veteran Resource Fair to recognize the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served our nation. The event provided an opportunity to connect with veterans, learn more about the challenges they face, and highlight the many organizations working together to ensure they receive the benefits and support they have earned.

Hosted in partnership with the Houston Fire Department Firefighter Support Network and the City of Houston Office of Veterans and Military Affairs, the resource fair offered assistance with VA disability claims, healthcare information, education benefits, family support, advocacy services, and other valuable resources. Events like these reflect Houston's continued commitment to caring for those who have dedicated themselves to serving our country.

Connecting Neighbors & Public Safety

Community conversations over a cup of coffee continue to provide valuable opportunities for residents and Houston Police Department officers to connect in a welcoming, informal setting. Council Member Mary Nan Huffman, in partnership with Midwest HPD, hosted Coffee with the Community, where HPD Chief J. Noe Diaz joined residents and officers for discussions on public safety and neighborhood engagement.

The Westchase District also hosted Coffee with a Cop, with Westside Division Captain Tim Trometer meeting with community members to answer questions, discuss local concerns, and strengthen relationships with residents. These gatherings foster trust, encourage open communication, and reinforce the partnerships that help keep Houston's neighborhoods safe, informed, and connected.

Council Member Carter remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen community engagement and foster positive relationships between residents and public safety partners.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Breaking Ground on South Central Patrol Station

A major investment in public safety is underway as construction begins on Houston's new South Central Patrol Station. Council Member Carter joined Mayor John Whitmire, HPD Chief J. Noe Diaz, Council Member Julian Ramirez, Council Member Willie Davis, Council Member Joaquin Martinez, and Houston police officers to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new facility on South Lockwood Drive.

The new station will transform the former E.B. Cape Learning & Development Center into a modern police facility serving East Downtown, Third Ward, the Texas Medical Center, and surrounding neighborhoods. Once completed, the renovated building will expand from approximately 20,000 to 28,000 square feet, providing additional space, updated resources, and improved accessibility for one of Houston's busiest patrol divisions.

Scheduled for completion in the Fall of 2027, the new station reflects the City's continued commitment to supporting our police officers and strengthening public safety for the communities they serve.

Exploring Willow Waterhole Greenway

Council Member Carter toured Willow Waterhole Greenway to learn more about one of Houston's hidden gems and the important role it plays in both recreation and flood mitigation. Nestled in southwest Houston, the nearly 300-acre greenway features scenic lakes, native prairie, marshland, walking and biking trails, wildlife habitat, and peaceful spaces where residents can enjoy the outdoors.

Beyond its natural beauty, Willow Waterhole also serves as a vital part of Houston's flood control system. The six detention basins can hold up to 608 million gallons of stormwater, helping reduce flooding while preserving habitat and creating opportunities for fishing, kayaking, birdwatching, picnicking, and community gatherings.

To learn more about Willow Waterhole Greenway and everything it has to offer, visit www.willowwaterhole.org.

Preparing Houston Before Disaster Strikes

Preparing for disasters before they happen can make all the difference, and that was the focus of the latest Mayor's Houston Ready Roundtable. Local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, emergency management professionals, and community partners gathered to share ideas and strategies aimed at strengthening Houston's resilience before hurricanes, floods, winter weather, and other emergencies occur.

Topics included free disaster preparedness workshops offered through United Way of Greater Houston, updates to Harris County's Flood Resilience Plan, lessons learned from this year's winter weather response, and plans to develop neighborhood resilience hubs that would connect residents with emergency resources, food distribution sites, medical services, cooling and warming centers, and other critical support during disasters.

For the latest disaster preparedness tips, hurricane resources, emergency alerts, and readiness information, click here.

Investing in Houston's Future

Across Houston, new developments continue to strengthen neighborhoods, expand opportunities, and improve quality of life for residents. This past month marked the groundbreaking of Trinity East Village Senior, a new 90-unit affordable senior housing community in Houston's historic Third Ward that will provide older adults with high-quality housing while helping them remain in the community they know and love.

Another milestone was the groundbreaking of the new Edgewood Community Center, which will expand opportunities for recreation, educational programming, and neighborhood gatherings while serving as a valuable resource for area residents.

The new Fonde Park Playground officially opened, creating another welcoming space where children and families can play, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors. Together, these investments reflect Houston's continued commitment to building stronger neighborhoods, enhancing public spaces, and improving the places where residents live, gather, and connect.

Honoring a Distinguished Career of Service

Council Member Carter was honored to join HFD Chief Thomas Muñoz as he presented a proclamation from Mayor John Whitmire recognizing Executive Assistant Fire Chief Rodney West on his retirement after 36 years of dedicated service to the Houston Fire Department and the City of Houston.

Throughout his career, Chief West exemplified exceptional leadership, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to protecting Houston's residents. His decades of service helped strengthen one of the nation's busiest fire departments while leaving a lasting impact on the firefighters he mentored and the community he faithfully served.

COUNCIL MATTERS

Houston City Council approved several agenda items in July focused on public safety, infrastructure, housing, neighborhood improvements, and essential city services. Below are a few highlights:

Approved amendment to increase contract funding by $250k for Houston Area Women's Center to continue providing shelter and support services to survivors of domestic violence.
Authorized four state grant applications totaling $6.44M to support public safety initiatives, including $2.92M for the Auto Crimes Task Force, $930K for catalytic converter theft prevention, $880K for commercial motor vehicle enforcement, and $1.71M for traffic safety enforcement.
Approved submission of FY27 Rifle-Resistant Body Armor Initiative state grant application for $587K to equip HPD with updated protective gear and enhance officer safety.
Approved submission of FY27 Project Safe Neighborhoods Program state grant application for $125K to support HPD's efforts to reduce violent crime and strengthen enforcement in high-need areas.
Authorized acceptance of $1.7M in FY2027 Homeless Housing and Services Program funds from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to support homeless housing, case management, and prevention efforts.
Approved lease agreement with Harmony House, Inc. to operate the Housing Navigation Center on Jensen Drive and provided up to $10.5M for shelter operations, supportive services, and pathways to permanent housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Approved $1.38M for playground improvements and replacements across city parks, including new equipment, drainage enhancements, and site upgrades to enhance safety and accessibility.
Authorized submission of $500K grant application with U.S. Department of Justice's Youth Gang Prevention and Intervention Program to support targeted efforts to reduce youth gang activity.

These actions reflect continued investments in public safety, critical infrastructure, neighborhood improvements, housing initiatives, and quality-of-life projects that strengthen communities and enhance services for Houston residents.

HOUSTON HAPPENINGS

Scan the QR-code or click here to join the interest list.

What Residents Should Know:

Eligible homeowners must have household incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income
Qualified applicants may receive up to $100,000 for home rehabilitation
Homes requiring full reconstruction may qualify for up to $300,000
A simplified application process is being developed to make it easier for residents to apply
A dedicated phone line and email address will be available to assist with programming and application questions

Residents are encouraged to visit the City of Houston Housing and Community Development website to subscribe for the latest news, program updates, and announcements.

www.houstontx.gov/hcdrecovery | www.houstontx.gov/housing

Senior Social Hour: Enjoy an afternoon of conversation, laughter, and community during Senior Social Hour at the Houston Public Library. Designed to bring people together in a relaxed and welcoming environment, the gathering offers opportunities to make new friends, reconnect with familiar faces, and enjoy games, music, and other engaging activities. The event will take place Thursday, August 13, 20, and 27, 2026, from 2:00–3:00 p.m. at the Tuttle Neighborhood Library and is open to adults.

Embroidery Basics Workshop:

Discover the art of embroidery while learning how modern technology can bring creative ideas to life. During this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of digital embroidery design using Brother multi-spool embroidery machines, from creating a custom design to watching it stitched with automated equipment. The workshop will be held Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at TECHLink Scenic Woods and is open to teens and adults.

For more Houston Public Library events in August, click here.