Revive2Thrive: A month of project milestones

In addition to breaking ground on the Pine Trails Subdivision Drainage Improvement Project, Precinct 2 also marked the start of two other major projects and the completion of a new trail.

Challenger 7 Memorial Park is getting a $4.3 million upgrade! This project will create a more accessible and engaging outdoor space for all.

A $21 million sanitary sewer project is underway in Westfield Estates in East Aldine. This investment will protect public health and greatly improve the quality of life of the residents by taking more than 700 homes of septic waste disposal and well water.

It’s time to enjoy the newly upgraded Southbelt Hike and Bike Trail! This completes phase 2 of the trail improvement project connecting to the new Juneteenth Park trail.

Commissioner Garcia is dedicated to making Precinct 2 the best place to live, work, and play for everyone. Through our Revive2Thrive initiative, our team works alongside residents to prioritize investments in infrastructure improvements and community programs.

You're invited to participate in upcoming community meetings to help shape the future of Precinct 2. These plans aim to address issues such as mobility, housing, and sustainability. Your involvement is crucial. Please take note of these dates:

• Reimagine Jensen Drive: March 12 at 6 pm at New Bethlehem Baptist Church, 9126 Jensen Dr, Houston, TX 77093
• Reimagine Aldine Mail Route: March 18 at 6 pm at East Aldine District Office, 2909 E Aldine Amphitheatre Dr, Houston, TX 77039
• Reimagine Hogan-Lorraine Street: March 25 at 6 pm at Leonel Castillo Community Center, 2101 South St, Houston, TX 77009

Black History Month is a time to honor culture, identity, and the shared heritage that shapes our communities. Commissioner Garcia and his team were proud to partner with Sobremesa Sound System for a groundbreaking event at Off The Record —celebrating the powerful intersection of Black and Afro-Latin culture across the Americas. A special thank you to our incredible panelists for leading a thought-provoking conversation on music, art, and cultural influence. Among the guests was the legendary Uncle George Daniels, whose impact on the music industry helped shape the careers of icons like Destiny’s Child and the Geto Boys. Other trailblazing panelists included local artists and thought leaders. Thank you to all the individuals who made this event incredible!

Watch this video to go behind the scenes with Commissioner Garcia! This year kicked off with some major milestones for Precinct 2 -- including the opening of a new safe and fun place for teens at our JD Walker Community Center in Baytown!

Q: How does your current role impact the residents of Precinct 2, and what do you enjoy most about your job?

A: As the Assistant Director for Workforce Development and Veteran Services, I create and implement programs that equip residents with the skills and resources needed for career advancement. Focusing on workforce upskilling, job placement, and veteran transition services, I help individuals gain stability and economic independence. What I enjoy most is seeing the direct impact of these initiatives... READ MORE

Q: Who or what event in Black history inspires you?

A: General Colin Powell’s remarkable career and leadership inspire me greatly. As the first African American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and later the first Black U.S. Secretary of State, Powell broke military and political barriers... READ MORE

In the last month, Commissioner Garcia led to:

Approve nuisance abatements: Harris County Public Health (HCPH) investigates neighborhood nuisances in unincorporated areas under the Texas Neighborhood Nuisance Abatement Act. HCPH had five nuisances in Precinct 2 approved for abatement during the Feb. 7 court. To report a nuisance, contact 311 or your area’s community liaison.

Improve Doss Park: Commissioner Garcia was proud to move and join the other members of Commissioners Court for a unanimous vote to approve an agreement between Harris County Housing and Community Development Department and Precinct 2 to allocate $565,000 in Community Development Block Grant- Coronavirus funds for the Doss Park Project. The initiative will create an open-space play area at Doss Park, located at 2500 Frick Rd, Houston, TX 77038. It will remove outdated playground equipment and install a new, more spacious playground set, along with pickleball courts. The proposal aligns with both Commissioner Garcia’s Revive2Thrive initiative and the county's strategic goal to connect communities to improve safety.

Advance Cedar Bayou Park East and West Subdivision drainage improvements: An agreement was reached with BGE Inc. for Construction Phase Services in the amount of $249,573 in connection with Cedar Bayou Park East and West Subdivision Drainage Improvements. The proposed improvements in the subdivision are to regrade roadside ditches, install storm sewers beneath ditches, construct driveways, and a new storm water detention basin.

Resolutions

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority: Commissioner Garcia was pleased to present a resolution to the Xi Alpha Omega Chapter of AKA Sorority, Inc. Celebrating Black History Month, he recognized the first black female Greek organization that has championed nationwide advocacy initiatives to strengthen our communities. Dr. Chara Bowie, a Precinct 2 team member, shared that their chapter has made an impact by investing $290,000 in black and women owned business, adopting elementary schools, supplying food and coats, and making social justice advocacy efforts of over 10,000 voter engagements. Charter members and former Presidents of Xi Alpha Omega were present to receive the resolution.

Settling a bet from a playoff loss: Back in January, the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs played against each other in an NFL Divisional Round Playoff game. Commissioner Garcia placed a friendly wager on the outcome of the game on behalf of Harris County with Jackson County, Missouri Legislature Chair DaRon McGee, with terms of the bet including the loser presenting a resolution to the winner. Since the Chiefs won, Commissioner wore a Chiefs jersey and sent some barbeque to Chair McGee.

KHOU: $37M drainage improvement project designed to combat flooding in NE Harris County

Community Impact: Challenger 7 Park in League City to get $5M in upgrades

Culture Map: 'Uncle George' steals the show at discussion about Houston's music scene

More February highlights

Precinct 2: A place to love

Precinct 2 Parks Team wins two HGAC awards

Recognizing Precinct 2 Public Works Team