From the Desk of Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Council Member, District D

Rev. Linda Davis

This month, District D is proud to recognize Rev. Linda Davis as our Community Leader Spotlight.



Rev. Davis has made a tremendous impact throughout District D as a faith leader, community advocate, bridge builder, and trusted voice for residents. Through her leadership at Boynton Chapel Methodist Church-Houston and her continued work across Third Ward, she has helped strengthen partnerships, expand access to critical resources, and uplift families in meaningful and lasting ways.

With more than 25 years of experience as an assistant legal administrator in labor and employment law, Rev. Davis brings a strong professional foundation rooted in leadership, equity, and service. After years in the corporate field and several years serving as an associate pastor, she was called to serve as pastor of First United Methodist Church-College Station. She now serves as pastor of Boynton Chapel Methodist Church-Houston.

Rev. Davis has a deep passion for community engagement and social justice. Her work is centered on leveraging the strengths of faith communities, research institutions, civic partners, and residents to address the social determinants of health in underserved communities. Through a special project with the University of Houston, she has supported efforts to build equity and inclusion by strengthening partnerships between UH, Historic Third Ward, and the City of Houston.

Her leadership has also been instrumental in strengthening public safety and community trust. Rev. Davis served as a lead facilitator for a special project with the Houston Police Department and the U.S. Department of Justice focused on strengthening police and community partnerships — work that reflects her commitment to healing, accountability, communication, and collaboration.

Rev. Davis has helped bring critical health resources directly to residents in District D. She co-wrote and helped secure three grants from Texas Mission of Mercy and the Smiles Foundation in 2019, 2022, and 2025, providing charitable dental care to 1,800 patients with services valued at approximately $1.8 million.

In addition to her pastoral leadership, Rev. Davis serves as a member of the University of Houston’s Research Centers in Minority Institutions Community Research Action Board and as a board member of the University of Houston Health Family Care Center.

She has also served as chair of the Faith In Action Workgroup of the Emancipation Economic Development Council and Neighborhood Building for the Northern Third Ward Implementation Project.

Her service reaches far beyond Houston. As leader of the Global Methodist Church Disaster Response Team, Rev. Davis oversees humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts around the world. She has also previously served on the boards of Family Promise of Bryan-College Station and Fort Bend Family Promise and as treasurer for the Brazos Valley Pastor’s Alliance Coalition.

Rev. Davis is also the founder of Boynton Music Academy, a free after-school music program for elementary-age students. This program reflects her continued commitment to youth development, education, mentorship, and access to the arts.

District D is honored to celebrate Rev. Linda Davis for her faith-filled leadership, commitment to justice, and unwavering dedication to improving lives across Third Ward, District D, Houston, and beyond.

Third Ward Community Public Safety Meeting

Brings Partners and Residents Together

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office hosted an important and necessary Third Ward Community Public Safety Meeting, creating space for residents, parents, youth advocates, faith leaders, law enforcement, and community organizations to speak openly about the safety concerns impacting the community.



District D extends appreciation to District Attorney Sean Teare and his entire team, including prosecutor Sarah Seely, for coming directly into the community to listen, engage, answer questions, and hear from residents firsthand. The office also thanks Chief J. Noe Diaz, Constable Smokie Phillips, the more than 20 officers in attendance, and the many public safety partners who showed up ready to collaborate.

Organizations including Harris County Gang Prevention, Pure Justice, OG One, and many others provided meaningful insight into the challenges facing young people and what prevention, intervention, mentorship, accountability, and community-based support must look like on the ground.

District D is not starting from zero. Public safety investments are already underway, including more than 50 solar lights being installed along the Columbia Tap Trail, continued work toward additional cameras around the Columbia Tap Trail, Riverside, and Mills Bennett Park, and $350,000 allocated through the TIRZ and Management District for HPD overtime to address peak activity times along key corridors.

These investments will not cease. As concerns around gangs, violence, and tragic incidents have heightened across the area, District D remains committed to bringing resources, partnerships, and funding to the table to help create a safer, stronger, and more united Third Ward.

Public safety requires enforcement, but it also requires prevention, opportunity, visibility, partnership, and a shared commitment to ensuring young people see a future beyond violence and the streets.

To every resident who showed up, especially on Election Day, thank you. Your voices were heard, your concerns were taken seriously, and your commitment to Third Ward and District D was seen.

The conversations will continue. The partnerships will continue. The action will continue.

Our City, Our Voice Town Hall Highlights

Houston’s Next Generation of Leaders

The future of Houston was on full display during the “Our City, Our Voice” Town Hall hosted by the Mayor’s Office of Education and Youth Engagement. The evening served as a powerful reminder that the next generation of leaders across our city is thoughtful, engaged, and ready to help shape Houston’s future.

Held in the Legacy Room, the town hall brought together young people from across the city for meaningful conversations centered around the issues that matter most to them. Topics ranged from education and civil service to environmental justice, mental health, community organizing, and the importance of mobilizing together to create lasting change.

I joined fellow City Council Members to share insight and experiences serving the people of Houston, while also taking time to listen directly to the voices of the city’s youth. The event highlighted the importance of creating spaces where young people feel empowered to speak openly, share ideas, and engage in civic dialogue.

What stood out most throughout the evening was the passion, intelligence, and determination shown by every young person in attendance. Their willingness to engage in conversations about the future of Houston demonstrated that the city’s future remains in strong hands.

District D extends its gratitude to the Mayor’s Office of Education and Youth Engagement for hosting such an impactful event and to every student and young leader who showed up, spoke up, and reminded the community that Houston’s brightest days are still ahead.

Houston Honors the Legacy of Congresswoman

Sheila Jackson Lee

It was an honor to stand alongside Mayor John Whitmire, members of Houston City Council, community leaders, loved ones, and residents in celebrating the unveiling of Terminal E at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in honor of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

This moment was especially meaningful, as Congresswoman Jackson Lee was not only a respected public servant, but also a dear friend and line sister. Her life reflected courage, compassion, sisterhood, and an unwavering commitment to service.

Congresswoman Jackson Lee dedicated her career to civil rights, justice, education, healthcare, disaster recovery, and creating pathways of opportunity for those who needed a voice and an advocate. Her work reached far beyond Houston, Texas, and the halls of Congress, touching lives across the world.

Naming Terminal E in her honor ensures that her legacy will continue to be seen, remembered, and celebrated by travelers from across the globe. Her name now lives on in one of Houston’s most important gateways to the world, serving as a lasting reminder of her extraordinary impact and lifelong dedication to people.

This was a profound moment of love, gratitude, and respect for a woman whose service changed lives and whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Lighting Improvements Coming to the Columbia Tap Trail

Major improvements are on the way for the Columbia Tap Trail as District D and community partners continue investing in safer, stronger, and more connected neighborhoods ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

In partnership with the Greater Southeast Management District, East Downtown Management District, the City of Houston, Houston-Galveston Area Council, Federal Transit Administration, and Council Member Joaquin Martinez, 50 new lights will be installed along the Columbia Tap Trail before the World Cup, with additional lighting enhancements planned to follow.

This investment marks an important step forward in improving public safety, mobility, and quality of life along one of Houston’s most important community corridors. The Columbia Tap Trail serves as more than just a trail — it is a vital connection point linking neighborhoods, schools, parks, small businesses, transit routes, and cultural destinations throughout the community.

Improved lighting will help create a safer, more welcoming, and more accessible environment for the residents, families, students, workers, and visitors who use the trail each day. As Houston prepares to welcome visitors from around the world, projects like these continue demonstrating the city’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that benefits both residents and future generations long after the World Cup concludes.

This project also reflects the power of collaboration and community engagement. District D extends sincere appreciation to Friends of Columbia Tap for helping elevate community feedback surrounding safety and visibility concerns along the trail.

Together, these efforts are helping build a brighter, safer, and more connected Columbia Tap Trail for all.

For over 55 years, the SHAPE Community Center has been a powerful and unwavering staple in the District D community. More than just a building, SHAPE has been a beacon of hope, a cultural cornerstone, and a driving force for social justice, education, wellness, and unity—particularly within Houston’s Black community.

Now, this historic institution needs our support.

Through its Restoration Campaign, SHAPE is calling on the community it has served so faithfully to help preserve and restore its beloved facility.  SHAPE is seeking to raise critical funds for restoration repairs, accessibility upgrades, and a brand-new addition that will expand its capacity to serve

The work that has happened within SHAPE’s walls has transformed thousands of lives—and that impact must continue for generations to come. Restoring SHAPE means preserving the heart of a movement, right here in District D.

We proudly stand with SHAPE and urge our community members, supporters, and partners to contribute to this essential effort. Let’s ensure this historic gem continues to shine.

🔗 Learn more and donate at shape.org/restoration-campaign

Edgewood Park Community Center Advances

The Edgewood Park Community Center is one step closer to becoming a reality. Houston City Council approved $8,734,000 from the Parks Consolidated Construction Fund to move this important District D project into the construction phase.

Located at 5803 Bellfort Avenue, the new facility will be approximately 12,000 square feet and will provide residents with a modern, accessible, and functional space for recreation, programming, meetings, and neighborhood engagement.

The new community center will include an indoor gymnasium, meeting spaces, a warming kitchen, recreational staff offices, restrooms, storage areas, sidewalks, landscaping, irrigation, furniture, fixtures, equipment, IT, and security improvements.

This project is a meaningful investment in Edgewood Park and the surrounding community. It represents progress toward creating a stronger neighborhood gathering place where residents of all ages can connect, participate in programs, access resources, and enjoy a safe and welcoming public space.

Appreciation is extended to Mayor John Whitmire, Houston City Council, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the General Services Department, and the Edgewood Park Civic Club for their partnership, advocacy, and continued support in helping move this project forward.



As construction advances, continued collaboration with the Mayor’s Administration, city departments, civic leaders, and community stakeholders will remain essential to monitoring progress and keeping residents informed.

Public Safety & Quality of Life Remain a Priority in District D

Public safety and quality of life remain at the forefront of the work taking place throughout District D, the District of Destination. As our neighborhoods, cultural corridors, entertainment areas, parks, universities, churches, and commercial districts continue to welcome residents, visitors, and major activity, it is important that safety, accountability, and responsible operations remain central to District D’s continued growth.

The District D office continues working closely with public safety agencies and community partners to support a balanced approach that protects neighborhoods while also supporting responsible business activity. These conversations are especially important along key corridors where residents, businesses, visitors, and entertainment activity intersect.

Recent coordination has included meetings and ongoing conversations with the Houston Police Department, Harris County Precinct 7, the Greater Southeast Management District, and the OST/Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 7 to discuss enhanced public safety strategies along major corridors, including Emancipation Avenue, Almeda Road, and surrounding areas.

In addition, advocacy continues for more than $100,000 in enhanced public safety funding to support increased public safety presence during critical peak periods, including late-night and early-morning hours when activity is highest. These efforts are intended to strengthen visibility, support law enforcement, assist commercial establishments, and help ensure residents, businesses, visitors, and stakeholders can safely enjoy all that District D has to offer.

As Houston prepares for major events and increased visitors, this work reflects a continued commitment to proactive public safety, stronger coordination, and protecting the quality of life of the residents who call District D home.

Fuqua Street from Cottingham Street to Kier Road, work is being done to apply a surface treatment known as a fog seal. This process helps preserve the roadway by sealing the pavement surface, protecting it from further wear, and extending its lifespan. Construction started on February 26, 2026, and is ongoing.

On Crestmont between Bellfort and Doulton, crews are also performing mill and overlay work, removing the old top layer of pavement and replacing it with new asphalt to improve the overall roadway condition. This project began on March 2, 2026, and is in progress.

Along Wheeler from SH 288 to Ennis, another mill and overlay project is taking place to improve the road surface and provide a smoother, safer drive for those traveling through the area. Construction started on January 26, 2026, and is in progress.

If you have any concerns about our community, the first step is to call 311 to report the issue and obtain a service request number. This number is crucial for tracking the progress of your concern and ensuring it gets addressed.

Once you have your service request number, reach out to our dedicated Director of Constituent Services, Ms. Ingrim Mitchem. Known for her commitment and efficiency, Ms. Mitchem is here to support you with any challenges you may face. You can contact her directly at 832-393-3001 or via email at ingrim.mitchem@houstontx.gov.

For those who would like to meet with Ms. Mitchem in person, she will be available at the Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center 4410 Reed Rd. Houston, TX 77051, where she will personally assist and engage with constituents. To secure an appointment for Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, please call our office on Monday or Tuesday to schedule your time.

District D is proud to stand alongside Career and Recovery Resources in support of workforce development and meaningful community outreach. These new electric vehicles mark an exciting step forward in expanding the reach and impact of both the E2E and Uprise programs.

With these vehicles, outreach efforts can be strengthened in a way that allows teams to engage residents more directly, bring services closer to the community, and help connect individuals to valuable opportunities and support systems. This investment helps ensure that resources are not confined to one location, but instead are able to reach people where they are and where they are needed most.

This is a strong example of what intentional partnership looks like — creating greater access, expanding opportunity, and helping move residents toward pathways that can have a lasting and life-changing impact. District D remains committed to supporting initiatives that uplift our communities and empower residents through connection, opportunity, and purpose.

PJ Trucking Services Application

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.

Council Member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz



City Hall Annex 

900 Bagby, First Floor

Houston, TX 77002

Telephone: (832) 393-3001

E-Mail: districtd@houstontx.gov

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