The Carter Chronicles: November, 2026

Friends,

Happy Fall, Y'all! The most important thought for November, specifically Election Day tomorrow-

GET UP, GET OUT AND GO VOTE!

As Thanksgiving approaches, I am especially grateful for the neighborhood leaders, nonprofit organizations, business owners, volunteers, first responders, and residents who give their time and talent to make Houston stronger. It takes all of us, working together, with a shared commitment to doing what is right for our city.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving you. I never take that responsibility lightly. There is plenty of work ahead, and I intend to keep asking the tough questions, advocating for our neighborhoods, and pushing for practical solutions that put Houstonians first.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with family, friendship, good health, and gratitude for the blessings that matter most.

Onward and upward,

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

OCTOBER - DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

2026 Texas Council on Family Violence Statewide Conference: This year’s theme, “I’m OK. Are You OK?” is a simple question, an awareness initiative, that has turned awareness into action!

Thanks to Clear Channel Outdoor for your support with this statewide effort!

A Conversation That Matters: Huge thanks to Crime Stoppers of Houston for hosting Common Grounds, a conversation on domestic violence. We took a closer look at the numbers behind TCFV’s Honoring Texas Victims 2025 Report and heard from local leaders, law enforcement, and advocates about what’s happening in our communities, how we can better assist victims, and what we can do together to stop domestic violence.

Panelists: Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Board Certified Family Law Attorney Christine K. Jonté, TCFV CEO Gloria Terry, Texas Family Violence Criminal Homicide Prevention Task Force Member Shari Nightingale (Appointed by Governor Greg Abbott)

Click here to watch the conversation!

AVDA’s Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Press Conference: AVDA unveiled their new campaign - The Cycle Ends With Us with support from Clear Channel Outdoor. The message is simple: recognize the signs of abuse, reach out for help, and know that no one has to face domestic violence alone.

Standing Together for Safer Families: Domestic Violence Awareness Month was a chance to celebrate advocates, law enforcement officers, and community partners who put their hearts into protecting families. Their work matters, so do the lives they touch. Together, we do good work well!

Events: AVDA's Home Safe Home Gala, The Power Awards - Going Out Divine, Crime Stoppers of Houston's Raise 'Em Up for Texas Gala

RESILIENCE COMMITTEE

Building a More Resilient Houston: Houston’s arts community is an important part of what makes our city special. At October’s Resilience Committee meeting, Houston Arts Alliance shared how it assists local artists and arts organizations prepare for disasters, get back on their feet, and stay strong financially for years to come.

Join us for our next meeting:

November 5 at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall

901 Bagby, 2nd Floor, Houston, TX 77002

Presentations by:

Kara Cook-Schultz, Greater Houston Disaster Alliance

Mary Vazquez, United Way of Greater Houston

To learn more about Resilience Committee meetings, click here.

OUT AND ABOUT

2026 National Night Out: The At-Large 3 team connected with neighbors, first responders, and community leaders from Midtown to Montie Beach, Eastwood, Idylwood, Sunnyside, Westchase, Memorial Trails, Spring Shadows, Lazybrook, Hyde Park, North Montrose, First Ward, and Reveille Park Place.

A great evening of good conversations, stronger neighborhoods, and getting to know the people who keep Houston safe!

Fall Tour for YouHou: From Super Neighborhood meetings to HPD PIP meetings, Civic Clubs, and Management District meetings, ground was covered all over Houston. A great opportunity for listening, sharing updates, and talking about what matters most to our communities. The final stops included Harrisburg TIRZ #23 and Super Neighborhood #24 in Neartown/Montrose.

There's nothing like hearing directly from Houstonians about what's working, what needs attention, and what MATTERS!

Building Together for Houston: Our city is better because of you- the hardworking men and women who build it and keep it running. The Regional Hispanic Contractors Association's "Built by Ella Luna Awards" and the Houston Contractors Association's 70th Anniversary were great opportunities to celebrate the people and generations of hard work behind our city's roads, buildings, and infrastructure.

History Matters: The Heritage Society's Evening of Heritage brought us together for an evening of fascinating stories and a colorful look at Houston's Past! Renowned Texas historian Dr. Stephen L. Hardin and Judge Ken Wise took guests back to Houston's early days. The event raised awareness of the need to support and preserve Houston's history.

Learn more and plan your visit at: www.heritagesociety.org/tickets

Celebrating Growth in West Houston: There's a lot of progress happening in our city. The West Houston Association's 2026 Public Officials & Awards Reception was a chance to catch up with community leaders, celebrate the area's growth, and recognize those making a difference. A special congratulations to Marlene Gafrick, named the association's 2026 Star of Excellence.

Scenic Houston Keeps Our City beautiful: It's all about making Houston a better place to live! Scenic Houston's 2026 Annual Dinner celebrated those working to improve our city's appearance and quality of life. Congratulations to TxDOT Commissioner Steven D. Alvis, this year's recipient of the Scenic Visionary Award.

Support Matters: The Fire Fighters Foundation of Houston always steps up for our HFD, it was our turn to step up for them! The annual Keep Our Fire Fighters Safe fundraiser celebrated 20 years of providing for our first responders, raising funds for lifesaving equipment and protecting those who keep us safe!

Staying Connected: Houston is growing, and there's a lot that goes into making sure our city is moving in the right direction. From the future of energy to the state of Port Houston, transportation improvements, and downtown development, these conversations truly impact our city, providing job opportunities, connections, and real investments in our city's economy.

Events: GHP's State of the Port, GHP's Future of Global Energy Conference, Houston East End Chamber of Commerce's Port Houston Appreciation Luncheon & Business Expo, The State of TxDOT, Downtown Houston+ State of Downtown

Flood Mitigation Matters MOST: The Kingwood Area Flood Action and Solutions Task Force meeting convened local civic leaders to discuss next steps and address accountability for infrastructure and flood mitigation projects. The newly formed Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District's priority is addressing sediment buildup, waterway maintenance, and reducing flood risks.

WOWZA - IAH's Stunning New Terminal B: Big changes are taking flight at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, including the largest United Club in the world, great food, and the best artwork around! The multibillion-dollar United Airlines investment is part of a continued investment in Houston as a major aviation hub, continuing to create opportunities for economic growth and improving the travel experience for millions of passengers!

Thank you, United Airlines!

Learn more and explore the project at: www.iahbunited.com

MEMBER MENTIONS

Houston tax abatement reform delayed at City Council

https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/houston-tax-abatement-reform-delayed-233025131.html

Houston takes aim at water billing woes with unanimous $5.5M vote

https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/10/21/houston-takes-aim-at-water-billing-woes-with-unanimous-dollar55m-vote/

Lake Houston Dredging District Update

https://reduceflooding.com/2026/10/19/lake-houston-dredging-district-update/?utm_source=Kingwood.com

Leaders discuss flood mitigation for Greater Houston

https://communityimpact.com/bay-area/government/leaders-discuss-flood-mitigation-for-greater-houston/

COUNCIL MATTERS

City Council approved several agenda items in October focused on keeping property taxes steady, strengthening public safety, supporting first responders, addressing homelessness, and improving essential City services. Below are a few highlights:

We said NO to increasing your property taxes!! $0.51919 per $100 valuation - SAME rate as last year
Supporting HFD! $381K for HFD recertifications - keeping firefighters certified and ready to serve, also approved application for $10M FEMA SAFER grant to strengthen HFD staffing and emergency response, and secured $350K for a new industrial fire training system to give our firefighters more hands-on training
Public Safety Matters!! Approved $1.5M for promotional testing and assessments for HPD's future Sergeants, Lieutenants, and Commanders
Extended The Harris Center’s Independent Living Program grant that addresses mental health in the homeless community
Sound the Alarm!! We are keeping the much-needed renovations coming to HFD Station 17. Additional expenditures - APPROVED!
Water & Sewer Matters! Erroneously high water/sewer bills = $30M in outstanding water bills!! Approved an additional $5.5M for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure System for HPW

HOUSTON HAPPENINGS

Cultural Connections: Celebrating Native American Heritage

Bring the whole family to Houston Public Library for a celebration of Native American Heritage Month! Enjoy an afternoon of cultural performances, hands-on activities, art, music, and storytelling that showcase the traditions and heritage of Native American communities. Special guest Aryn Ward will share music and culture during this family-friendly event for all agaes.

Date: Saturday, November 7

Time: 2–4 p.m.

Location: McGovern-Stella Link Neighborhood Library, 7405 Stella Link Road, Houston, TX 77025

Carya String Quartet America 250: A Multicultural Heritage

Celebrate America's 250th anniversary with an afternoon of music at Houston Public Library! The Carya String Quartet will explore the diverse cultures and journeys that have shaped American music, featuring a brand-new composition by acclaimed Houston composer Mark Buller, along with works by African American composers and other musical voices.

Date: Friday, November 13

Time: 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Location: Central Library, Jesse H. Jones Building, 500 McKinney Street, Houston, TX 77002

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