From Your Council Member

Spotlight on Excellence:

Honoring South Union’s Champions: Joan Alexander & Priscilla Jackson

District D takes pride in highlighting the exceptional efforts of Joan Alexander and Priscilla Jackson, also known as the Dynamic Duo, whose unwavering dedication and hard work have brought about a significant positive change in the community. Together, they have revived a crucial civic club, becoming a symbol of hope and action for the district. Their commitment is visible in their work, ranging from National Night Out to Senior Day festivities, and proactive Public Safety Meetings. By working closely with Councilwoman Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz's office, these two women have achieved significant improvements such as bus shelter upgrades, street clean-ups, and the elimination of illegal dumping, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all residents. Joan and Priscilla's approach of direct action and collaboration with the councilwoman's office serves as an excellent model for civic engagement. They remind us that the power of community is realized when we join hands and work together. Their tenacity and palpable love for South Union serve as an inspiration to all. Joan and Priscilla, your spirit of service is a guiding light, showcasing what we can accomplish in unity. We express our gratitude for your unwavering commitment and for being an integral part of our community's heartbeat.

Trunk or Treat with HPD Southeast!

We are immensely grateful to the Houston Police Department Southeast division for organizing an unforgettable Trunk or Treat event for our District D community. The creative costumes and the cars picking up candy made the event truly memorable. Thank you so much for making this possible!

Alpha Merit Community Fall Festival

District D, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your amazing participation and support during our special community event, which was organized in collaboration with Alpha Merit Educational Foundation, Department of Neighborhoods, Houston Parks Recreation, and Houston Health Department, featuring Mayor Sylvester! The event was filled with free family-friendly fun activities, including tasty food and educational resources, and it was all thanks to your enthusiastic participation. We are proud of our District D community and the unity we have built, and we look forward to more such events in the future. #DistrictDUnity #AlphaHouston #HTX #DistrictOfDestination

Halloween Treat Fest & Movie Night at Riverside Park

The Halloween Treat Fest and Movie Night at Riverside Park was an incredibly fun and exciting event that brought together the district youth, their parents, and civic leaders. The park was filled with a cheerful crowd dressed in an array of costumes ranging from spooky to funny. The event featured various activities that catered to all age groups, including trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, and a pet costume contest. The young participants had a great time collecting candies and treats from the exhibitors while showing off their unique costumes. The pumpkin painting activity allowed them to showcase their creativity and artistic skills, while the pet costume contest was a hit among the animal lovers. The highlight of the evening was the screening of the Halloween classic "Hocus Pocus," which was enjoyed by all. It would not have been possible without the support of Friends of Riverside Park Houston, Riverside Civic Association, and Macgregor Superneighborhood, who worked tirelessly to make the event a success.

Crestmont Park Civic Alliance "Celebrating 60 Years of Community" Gala

The Celebrating 60 Years of Community Gala, was extraordinary and elegant. This event was a memorable evening filled with dinner, dancing, music and much more! We celebrated the 60 years of an institution in the District D community by helping support the Crestmont Park's Scholastic Enrichment & Awards, Family and Senior Assistance, Enrichment & Outreach; Culture, Arts, Sports, Health, finances, employment fairs and money management workshops, along with life betterment seminars. This event was a true success and will continue to help the community of Crestmont Park thrive for decades to come!

Grimes Park Grand Opening (Sunnyside)

The grand opening of the Grimes Park improvements was celebrated greatly!

 This park is located in the Sunnyside Super Neighborhood and next to the Garden Bayou Estates Neighborhood. The Houston Parks Board has made significant improvements to the park, including converting the baseball field into a football field and bleachers, replacing the playground equipment and swing set for ages 5-12, upgrading the basketball pavilion, resurfacing the tennis courts, installing a new walking trail loop, improving site lighting, resurfacing and restriping the parking lot, and adding new park furnishings such as benches, trash cans, and grills.

These upgrades were made possible through the 50/50 Park Partners initiative, which is a Mayor Sylvester Turner initiative led by the City of Houston, Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Houston Parks Board, and Greater Houston Partnership. The initiative provides an opportunity for corporations to play a leadership role in supporting neighborhood parks and their surrounding communities. Wells Fargo has committed $175,000 toward park improvements and participated in a volunteer day to help prepare the park for opening.

McWilliams Dog Park Opening (Herman Park)

On October 13, we were delighted to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the McWilliams Dog Park, which was hosted by the Hermann Park Conservancy and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. This 2-acre off-leash park is located between Brays Bayou and South MacGregor and is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The dog park has been thoughtfully designed and includes separate areas for small and large dogs, areas for dogs and their owners to play together, interactive water features, a dog wash station, plenty of natural shade, dedicated surface parking, and much more.

A-Rocket Moving & Storage Warehouse Opening

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the team at A-Rocket for the groundbreaking of a brand new warehouse within District D's Third Ward. This is a significant development for the area, as it will provide job opportunities for residents, leading to economic growth and development. We are thrilled to have A-Rocket as a part of our community, and we hope to continue working together to make the District of Destination a fantastic place to live and work. Once again, thank you for investing in our community and helping to make it a better place for everyone!

Housing for All in District D

Celebrating Milestones

In District D, everyone deserves a place they can call home. We're excited to announce the recent completions of affordable housing units tailored for our families, seniors, and vulnerable women/families.

Highlighting Our Newest Additions:

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Units: Our commitment to ensuring affordable housing for all families remains unshaken. We're proud to introduce new housing options that provide security and comfort.

🧓 Senior Residences: Recognizing the need for specialized housing for our older residents, we're thrilled to unveil dedicated units tailored for their unique needs.

Houston Area Women's Center Building: A safe haven for women in need, this brand-new facility symbolizes hope, resilience, and community support.

👶 New Hope Housing @ Reed Road with Pre-school: Ensuring a bright future starts early. Our newest housing complex on Reed Road doesn't just provide a roof but also facilitates early education with an integrated pre-school.

Housing is more than just four walls and a roof – it's about building communities, fostering growth, and ensuring every resident of District D has access to safe and affordable living options. From our youngest to our most senior, we're dedicated to nurturing an environment where everyone thrives,

IMPROVING OUR INFRASTRUCTURE

Championing Infrastructure

Impactful Investments:

• $1.469 Million on Traffic Signals: Safeguarding 5 key locations in District D to ensure smoother commutes and reduced accidents.

• $424,308 for Rehabilitation Programs: Revitalizing 2 crucial locations to ensure longevity and usability for residents.

• $161,346 in Sidewalk Improvements: Enhanced pedestrian mobility across 3 significant locations in Sunnyside.

• $545,000 on CDSF: Addressed infrastructural needs in 7 locations in Sunnyside - Third Ward - Midtown/Museum District, prioritizing citizen accessibility and comfort.

"Every dollar invested is a step closer to a stronger, safer, and more resilient District D."

PUBLIC SAFETY WINS 2023

Ensuring Safety & Security

Safety Enhancements:

• $100,000+ for Southeast & SouthCentral HPD OVERTIME: Directly responding to safety needs and ensuring added patrol during critical hours.

• $110,000+ for Southeast & SouthCentral on ATVs for Park Patrol: Amplifying accessibility and rapid response in District D parks.

• $5,337 invested in Digital Noise Meters: Tackling noise pollution head-on to ensure serene neighborhoods and enforcement.

• $110,000 on LDR Cameras: Deployed for live surveillance, acting as a deterrent and a valuable tool for crime prevention.

"Your safety is paramount. Our investments reflect a commitment to a secure and harmonious District D."

HPD Vehicle Pursuit Policy: A Leap Towards Safer Policing

Over the years, the safety of our community has been a paramount concern. Unnecessary high-speed chases and the subsequent risks they posed were matters of grave concern. Councilwoman Evans-Shabazz has been at the forefront, consistently calling for the need for policy changes to address this pressing issue.

Since the Policy Change 30 Days Ago:

• 40% Fewer Vehicle Pursuits
• 35% Fewer Collisions Resulting From Pursuits
• 35% More Pursuit Terminations

Read the Houston Chronicle Article highlighting the results of the policy implementation

HPD sees high-speed chases plunge 40% after Chief Troy Finner implements tighter policies

Crime Rate and Community Safety

Statistical Impact:

📊 It brings me immense pride to share that, month after month, violent crime rates in District D have been on the decline. We've seen a notable reduction in violent crime.

📉 11% down as of August, 2023

📉 12% down in July, 2023 and significant

📉 21% decrease as of April 2023."

This change did not materialize out of thin air. It's the outcome of concerted and dedicated efforts, many of which have sprouted from valuable community conversations, like the one below bringing together leaders from the city and the community to take actionable changes.

CREATING A RESILIENT DISTRICT D

Elevating Our District D Community

🤝 Community Partnerships 🤝

🚌 HHH Partnership 🚌

• Funding: 💵 Up to $250,000
• Comprehensive transportation services for 23 agencies, 52 weeks a year.

🏥 TSA Partnership 🏥

• Funding: 💵 Over $626,000
• Preventing homelessness through financial assistance, mediation, and counseling."

💼 Economic Empowerment & Job Training 💼

🎓 Capital IDEA 🎓

• Funding: 💵 $250,000
• Investing in workforce development to empower 125 Houstonians with living-wage jobs.
• Workforce Development Stats:
• 60% Completion rate
• 80% Job placement rate
• Our focus in District D is not just on training but also on successful job placement and retention."

❤️ Supporting Vulnerable Populations ❤️

🤗 H.E.A.R.T. Program 🤗

• Funding: 💵 $250,000
• Empowering 40 adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities through job training.

EMPOWERING THE YOUTH OF DISTRICT D

The heart of Council District D beats stronger than ever as we champion the future of our youth. In an exemplary collaboration, The Center for Afterschool, Summer, and Enrichment for Kids (CASE for Kids), a division of Harris County Department of Education, joined hands with the esteemed office of Council Member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz. The joint venture centered on funding ten remarkable out-of-school time (OST) programs through the City Connections grant program, touching the lives of 706 young souls.

Highlighting the Impact:

From October 31, 2022, to April 21, 2023, a plethora of activities opened doors of knowledge, creativity, and well-being for our students, ranging from 4 to 18 years of age:

• 📚 Literacy & Reading Enhancement
• 🔬 Engaging STEM Modules
• 🏃 Physical Fitness Sessions
• 🎨 Fine Art Masterclasses
• 🤝 Social Skills Development Workshops

Challenges like reduced attendance due to pandemic-induced interruptions were deftly navigated, with grantees displaying resilience and adaptability.

Our commitment to creating enriching afterschool spaces for our youth has never been stronger. These programs are more than just activities; they are building blocks of our community’s future”

🤝 Together, with such dedicated partnerships and a focus on holistic development, the horizon looks brighter for the youth of District D.

ILLEGAL DUMPING SOLUTIONS

🚚 Special Focus: HOT Team

• Total Funding: Over $400,000



• Resources: 4 Men, 2 Trucks, 2 Trailers

• Our HOT Team is a direct response to the needs of District D community —effective, equipped, and engaged.

• Rapid Response time within 48 hours with the 311 two Step Process

BEFORE

AFTER

CREATING A RESILIENT DISTRICT D

District D Public Safety And Quality of Life Community Meeting

Thank you for joining us for the impactful conversations on public safety and quality of life that took place in two separate meetings tailored for our distinct communities within District D. One meeting focused on residents in the Southeast HPD jurisdiction—covering neighborhoods like Sunnyside, Crestmont, South Park, and Sagemont.

The other was centered around the South Central HPD area, which includes Greater Third Ward, South Union, Museum District, and Midtown. These discussions brought together community members, leaders, and experts to share valuable insights and formulate actionable plans in areas such as public safety, neighborhood blight, noise and nuisance, and compliance.

Your active participation is not only appreciated but crucial for the betterment of our district. By focusing on the unique needs of both Southeast and South Central HPD areas, we are working diligently to ensure that our solutions are as inclusive and effective as possible.

Together, we can continue to make District D a safer, more vibrant, and more livable place for all residents. Thank you for being part of the solution.

Public Safety And Quality of Life Community Meeting

(Sunnyside, Crestmont, South Park, Sagemont)

National Night Out 2023



National Night Out was such a big hit in our District D community! I was thrilled to see so many happy faces at all the different National Night Out events that took place throughout the area. I just want to give a huge shoutout and thank you to all the amazing people who put in so much hard work to make this year's NNO such a fantastic time for everyone in our community. Let's keep this positive energy going and make next year's event even more spectacular!

To learn more visit

www.dontdump.org

Illegal Dumping: Report Violations

Illegal Dumping continues to be problematic in District D. We need your help to ensure our community stays beautiful. Please alert the District D office of any sightings of illegal dumping.

Two-Step Process

1. Please call 311 to report your concern and get an Service Request after receiving the SR # number- ask to be transferred to the District D office
2. Call 832 393-3001 to report the SR# number
3. or send an email explaining the concern and provide the SR# number.

https://thegoodmancorp.mysocialpinpoint.com/columbiatapsurvey#/

Council Member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz



City Hall Annex 

900 Bagby, First Floor

Houston, TX 77002

Telephone: (832) 393-3001

E-Mail: districtd@houstontx.gov