Taipei Smart City Summit & Expo
Council Member Edward Pollard represented the city of Houston at the 10th anniversary of the Smart City Summit & Expo in Taipei, Taiwan. The two cities have maintained a strong relationship since it began back in 1961. The Smart City Summit was attended by council members and mayors representing 129 cities and 43 countries from around the world, who learned how Taipei and other cities are using artificial intelligence, big cloud, data analysis, software and hardware advances, and cutting-edge technology to more effectively and efficiently run municipalities. The council member shared some of the activities happening in Houston around modern advances and digital transformation, including highlighting the Innovation District and the city’s vision of becoming the tech city of the South. Houston’s participation in the Expo reinforced the city’s position as a global metropolitan. Special thanks to Kenneth Li, Chairman of the Southwest Management District, and Leo Yao of Houston First for attending the event. View pictures from the Taipei trip here.
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Water and Wastewater Rate Increase
City Ordinances require certain automatic annual adjustments to the water and wastewater rates based on inflationary indices. The one-year inflationary index for our area is 8.2%. The City of Houston population increased by 1%. The inflationary index of 8.2% when combined with the population increase of 1% results in an automatic annual water and wastewater rate increase of 9.2% on April 1, 2023.
This year, in addition to the 9.2% automatic annual rate adjustment, Ordinance No. 2021-515 adopted the 2021 Water & Wastewater Cost of Service Rate Study, which allows for new annual rates over a 5-year period. These rate adjustments are necessary to pay increases in the cost of operating, maintaining, and repairing the combined water and wastewater utility system, debt service on the utility system's bonds and other obligations of the utility system, protect the financial integrity of the utility system, and comply with certain bond covenants and all other applicable law. New rate tables are now posted at www.HoustonWater.org.
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Spring Water Events
Houston Public Works invited the public to the following spring water programs and events. For more information, visit the following web pages:
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Bellaire/Hillcroft Project Update
The project to replace a 24-inch main water line on Hillcroft and Bellaire is on track to be completed by the end of April. Lanes along Hillcroft that were previously closed will now be open, which will alleviate traffic congestion in that area. Houston Public Works has created a web page on EngageHouston.org that details the progress of the project. Interested parties may follow this link to access the page. Thanks to the team at Houston Public Works for their diligent efforts to move this project along despite unexpected delays. https://www.engagehouston.org/bellaire-hillcroft-wl.
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Air Quality in Gulfton
Gulfton residents are encouraged to take part in the community air monitoring program conducted by the Houston Air Alliance. The program calls upon residents to help improve air quality by hosting monitors outside their homes, businesses, schools and other venues.
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CASE for Kids Provider Fair
Learn about quality academic and enrichment activities for school-aged youth participating in out-of-school time programs, and network with more than 50 out-of-school time providers offering services such as homework help, tutoring, robotics, golf, dance, photography, and more. This is a great opportunity for organizations and educators who work with youth and are looking to network and build community partnerships. The fair takes place on April 21st. To register, visit this link.
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Forum Park Ribbon Cutting
Council Member Edward Pollard was on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony for Forum Park in the Alief Westwood area of District J. The event was a debut of the $1.7M dollar park renovation. The once-vacant park now has a full-court soccer pitch, new parking lot, lighting, walking trails, trees, basketball court, and playground. This revitalized park is part of Mayor Sylvester Turner's 50/50 parks initiative that created public/private partnerships. Special thanks to HPARD, the Houston Parks Board, the District J staff, Betty Best Elementary, Memorial Hermann, Episcopal Health, Texas Children’s, US Soccer Federation, Houston Dynamo, Houston Dash, and all other community partners and organizations that contributed to this project.
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Houston Toolbank Webinar
The Houston ToolBank will host an introductory webinar on Tuesday, April 4 at 10:30 a.m. via Zoom. The Houston Toolbank is a nonprofit that serves community-based organizations by providing tools, equipment and expertise for charitable projects. Webinar attendees will learn about the organization’s missions, goals and projects, and leaders will discuss how Toolbank has helped the community during recent disasters in partnership with the City of Houston, the City of Beaumont and council members. Visit this link to join the webinar.
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Small Business on Display at Texas Black Expo
The entire family is invited to the 20th Annual Texas Black Expo Summer Celebration, taking place May 18 – 21, 2023 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The Expo celebrates Black entrepreneurship and culture and offers a wide variety of vendors, empowerment sessions and entertainment. Attendees can take advantage of free health screenings, fitness sessions and cooking demos at the health and wellness pavilion; games and fun activities at the Kids Zone; hair and beauty tips and samples at the beauty pavilion and so much more. Business icon and NBA Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson will deliver the keynote address at the corporate luncheon (ticketed event). For more information, visit www.TexasBlackExpo.com.
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Persian New Year Celebration
Council Member Pollard had the honor of giving remarks for the Persian New Year, NoRouz Dinner, at the Zoroastrian Community Center, which celebrates its 25th Anniversary. Special thanks to the Bhandara family for leading a tour of the Bhandara Atash Kadeh Temple and teaching about their faith based on Good Thought, Good Deeds, and Good Work.
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Supporting Law Enforcement at the Assist the Officer Gala
District J Chief of Staff Paul Young joined Council Member Pollard at the Assist the Officer, Inc. gala at the Ballroom at Bayou Place in downtown Houston. Assist The Officer is a non-profit organization providing short-term, immediate need financial assistance for officers critically injured or disabled in the line of duty. Assist The Officer symbolizes the appreciation for every officer’s dedicated service and commitment to the safety of citizens.
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Hobby School of Public Affairs
Council Member Pollard spent time with students from the University of Houston as part of the school's Civic Houston Internship Program. He shared his experiences as a public servant and attorney and answered questions from the spring cohort of students. the Civic Houston Internship offers government internships to UH students each fall and spring semester. So far, the program has placed over 1400 interns in local political offices.
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Members of the Jewish community from all around Houston gathered for the 10th Annual Kosher Chili Cookoff at Congregation Beth Yeshurun. Those in attendance sampled chili, enjoyed music and children's activities and mingled with one another. The event concluded with the selection of a cookoff winner. This is another example of the great diversity that makes District J a great place to live.
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Black Restaurant Weeks
Looking for a delicious way to support your local dining scene? Look no further than Houston Black Restaurant Week in partnership with Stella Artois and Sysco. Black Restaurant Week is an annual event supporting African American, African, and Caribbean cuisine where participating restaurants offer special menus and deals to customers. It's a great way to support local restaurants, while also indulging in some delicious food. This year's Restaurant Week is happening from April 2 - April 16. From classic Barbecue to trendy Vegan spots, there's something for everyone. For more information, visit
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Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church
Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church located right outside the border of District J, recently celebrated its 158th church anniversary. Founded by freed slaves in 1865 in what was once Piney Point, Texas, Pilgrim Rest has contributed significantly to our city. Congratulations to Pastor Wilkins and the entire congregation on this historical milestone. Council Member Pollard attended the worship service to celebrate.
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India House Hosts Appreciation Dinner
Local dignitaries and community leaders gathered at India House for an Appreciation Dinner in honor of the Honorable Lt. General Depinder Singh (retired) from the Army of India, who gave an address detailing his time in the military. Special thanks to Col. Vipin Kumar for inviting Council Member Pollard to represent District J.
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Baker Ripley Family Festival
Baker Ripley held the Eid Nowruz Family Festival in District J in March. Council Member Pollard spoke with many new Houston residents to share with them many of the resources and programs Houston has to offer. Thanks to CHAT, eMgage and other vendors and volunteers of the event.
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National Arab Orchestra Reception
The National Arab Orchestra Reception took place at the Hobby Center with a theme of Treasures of the East. The event showcased musical performances that highlight the Arab world's cultural diversity.
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March on Crime in District J
Council Member Pollard served as the keynote speaker for the March on Crime ceremony and Luncheon organized by the Southwest Management District at Houston Christian University.
In addition, law enforcement, city leaders and members of the community came out for the second annual March on Crime event in District J, organized by the Gulfton Management District in conjunction with HPD. The community took to the streets to let their voices be heard and rally together to speak out against crime. Collaboration between community and law enforcement is critical to improving public safety and decreasing crime. Special thank you to Tammy Rodriguez and the entire Gulfton Management District, HPD and all law enforcement, the District J staff, the mayor and elected leaders, and the community and volunteers for making the event a success.
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The Alliance Receives Federal Funding
The Alliance is a nonprofit organization located in District J that provides programs to immigrants and refugees who are new to Houston. Recently, Congressman Al Green presented The Alliance with a check for $1.5 million, which will be used to fund construction and infrastructure improvements to their headquarters. With these resources, the organization will be able to help new Houston residents become self-sufficient and thrive within the local community. The District J office gives a big thanks to Congressman Green for all his efforts in securing this funding.
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Pollard Receives Public Servant Award
Prevention Zone, Inc. awarded Council Member Pollard with the Public Servant Advocate Award at the Circles of Excellence Criminal Justice Awards reception at Match Theatre. The Council Member was recognized for his leadership in creating the city's Houston Police Transparency Dashboard and his nonprofit organization, Suits for Success. Prevention Zone Inc., is a nonprofit that focuses on criminal justice reform, services for persons who were convicted and later exonerated, and youth programs to stop the school to prison pipeline. Special thanks to Daphine Priscilla Brown-Jack for her leadership and vision, and to Abenaa Bailey for her support.
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Female Entrepreneurship Day
During Women's History Month, the District J office was proud to recognize many local women business owners who are thriving in various industries. Council Member Pollard honored several entrepreneurs with proclamations at City Hall. According to the National Women's Business Council, there are 1.2 million women-owned employer firms in the United States.
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Greater Houston Port Bureau Luncheon
The Greater Houston Port Bureau held its March Commerce Club Luncheon, with guest speaker Col. Michae El. Fossum as the guest speaker. Col. Fossum is Vice President of Texas A&M University, COO of the Galveston campus, and Superintendent of Texas A&M Maritime Academy. The Houston Pilots invited Council Member Pollard to the event to hear about cutting edge advancement in the maritime space.
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Houston Bar Association Auxiliary Luncheon
The Houston Bar Association Auxiliary held the Annual Leon Jaworski Awards Luncheon at the Briar Club to honor this year's recipient, Attorney Glen Rosebaum. Council Member Pollard gave the keynote address, which challenged the audience to be inspired by Rosenbaum's service to others. He also presented the honoree with a proclamation. Rosebaum is a senior partner at Vinson & Elkins and has been practicing law there for 50 years.
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District J Projects
Blossom Heights Speed Bumps
In response to constituents concerned about speeding in the neighborhood, speed cushions were installed at Blossom Heights.
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Braeburn Glen II Speed Bumps
A project to install speed bumps on Braeburn Glen II has been expanded. The original project called for 8 speed bumps (Valley View, Reamer, Shadow Crest and Birdwood). It was determined that additional speedbumps were needed on Ariel, which has been approved.
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District J Jobs
Looking for a new job is a job in itself. Between searching for positions online, updating your resume and preparing for interviews, job hunting takes a lot of effort. DistrictJJobs.com is a resource for Houstonians looking for work. The site provides access to dozens of companies with hundreds of jobs at various levels and in many industries. In addition to links to employment opportunities, the website now has a new "Resources" section with videos and articles containing tips to help anyone searching for a job. Resume writing, interviewing, negotiating salary and other topics are available.
As you travel in the district and throughout Houston, you may also notice new billboards around town promoting the District J Jobs initiative. Interested job seekers can also scan the QR codes posted in select METRO bus stops throughout the district. Residents all over Houston are encouraged to use this resource in their search for new employment.
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HOT Team
The HOT Team assists with picking up scattered debris, removing heavy trash, tree waste and illegal dumping, and handling specific landscaping issues. All requests for assistance from the HOT Team should be submitted via 311. The HOT Team makes pickups according to the following schedule:
1st Thursday - Sharpstown
2nd Thursday - St. George, Gulfton and Richmond Plaza South
3rd Thursday - Braeburn Area
4th Thursday - Alief/Westwood
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Homeless Encampment Cleared
The District J office was notified about a homeless encampment near the intersection of Southwest Freeway and Fondren. The District J HOT Team assisted with the cleanup of the area.
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Silkwood/Willow Meadow
The District J HOT Team removed illegally dumped furniture and other items from the CenterPoint Easement Silkwood/Willow Meadow area.
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Consuela/Willow Meadow
The District J HOT Team removed illegally dumped items from the side of the road in the CenterPoint Easement Consuela/Willow Meadow area.
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District J Patrol is a three-pronged approach to public safety bridging the gap between the law enforcement officers in District J and the communities they serve. Sponsored by the District J office, this pilot initiative includes community patrolling by Houston Police Department’s Differential Response Team (DRT), the use of two Polaris vehicles and the District J Patrol Task Force. Residents may report small neighborhood violations and infringements, such as panhandling, loitering, overgrown lots, graffiti, homeless encampments and other public nuisances. To file a report, visit the online portal at www.DistrictJPatrol.com.
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District J Office Staff
The District J office staff is here to serve you.
David "Alex" Brizuela, Director of Constituent Services
Ana "Francis" Ellis, District Coordinator
Council Member Edward Pollard
Misty Starks, Director of Communications
Paul Young, Chief of Staff
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Council Member Edward Pollard
City Hall Annex, 900 Bagby, First Floor, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 393-3015
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