Monthly Newsletter

February 4, 2026 Issue 19

 

Dear District E Residents,


Over the past several months, many of you have reached out about ongoing heavy trash delays, recycling backlogs, and the lack of predictability in service. Those concerns were front and center this week during a City Council committee meeting where the Director of Solid Waste outlined significant operational changes now underway.


The City is preparing to transition heavy trash collection to a scheduled, on-demand system, replacing the current model that sends crews down every street whether trash is present or not. That approach has contributed to inefficiencies, backlogs, and long wait times in neighborhoods across District E. Under the new system, residents will request heavy trash pickup through 3-1-1 and receive a confirmed collection date, with service completed within a defined window. This change is intended to improve accountability, reduce delays, and ensure crews are sent where they are actually needed.


The department is also implementing, for the first time, a modern work-order and tracking system that allows routes to be balanced, service requests to be documented, and collections to be verified. These tools are already improving regular trash and recycling service citywide and will be critical to making the new heavy trash program work as intended.


Another key takeaway from the meeting was the importance of residential drop-off centers, which many residents might be unaware are available and free to use. These depositories can accept bulky items, yard waste, and recycling, helping prevent piles from sitting curbside for extended periods. You can find the full list of drop-off centers and recycling centers along with hours of operation here.


While the planned launch for scheduled heavy trash service is early March, regular pickup continues for now. My office will continue working closely with Solid Waste leadership to push for clear communication, neighborhood outreach, and accountability as these changes roll out. I will also keep advocating for District E to receive reliable, consistent service that meets the expectations of our residents.


As always, thank you for your patience and for continuing to report issues through 3-1-1 and to my office. Your feedback is essential as we work to improve city services. You can view the presentation slides here and the video of the discussion on Solid Waste operations below.

Sincerely,

The District E Office

Council Member Fred Flickinger

900 Bagby, First Floor

Houston, TX 77002


Email: districte@houstontx.gov

Phone: (832) 393-3008


The District E Team


Dustin Hodges

Chief of Staff


Demari Perez

Deputy Chief of Staff


Sloan Sweeney

South Sector Manager


Yucari Ramirez

Executive Assistant


Atalia Lewis

Council Clerk


Anneliese Cook

Intern


City Resources



Kingwood Community Center

(281) 348-2570


Houston 311 (713) 837-0311

 

City of Houston Solid Waste Department

 

City of Houston Office of Emergency Management


Community Resources



 Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce


  South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce

 

 Partnership Lake Houston

 

 Kingwood Service Association

 

Kingwood Super Neighborhood Council


Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership



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Sand Creek Drainage Project Update

The Sand Creek Drainage Project is resuming activities this week following a pause in work due to issues in the field with a water main line. This delay was caused by the discovery of a water main that must be relocated to allow for the new storm drainpipe. This week, the contractor will be remobilizing and relocating the water main. They will then continue setting large manholes and pipe. The following weeks will see the 5’x8’ drain boxes that have been staged along Highland Laurels installed underneath Highland Laurels towards Deer Hollow.


The remaining work on this project is anticipated to be completed by Friday, April 3, weather permitting. Construction activities are expected to take place Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. During the water main relocation, there will be outages for residents in the 2900 block of Eagle Creek Drive. Residents will be notified at least 24 hours in advance of any water outages.


As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen, orange traffic cones, and barricades that are in place on-site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone, since the project currently has Highland Laurels down to one-way traffic. As part of the project scope, some driveways will be replaced, which may require residents to make alternative parking arrangements such as street parking for approximately 2 to 3 days. A 72-hour advance notice will be provided before any driveway is removed. Please also be aware that increased noise levels may occur during this time due to the presence of construction equipment and vehicles in the area.


For more information, please contact the District E office at (832) 393-3008 or via email at districte@houstontx.gov.

Lake Houston Dam Spillway Project Update

Phase II of the Lake Houston Dam Spillway Improvement Project is well underway. This phase focuses on the Lake Houston Dam Spillway Improvement Additional Gates Project, which will add eleven new tainter gates to the dam, increasing its controlled discharge capacity by an additional 79,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The schedule laid out during this year's town hall will be met with the support of Congressman Dan Crenshaw, State Representative Cunningham, and Mayor Whitmire.


The engineering firm Black & Veatch has completed the 30% design plans, and field activities are progressing. Ongoing efforts include ground and bathymetric surveys, with geotechnical soil borings and environmental investigations—such as wetlands assessments, endangered species studies, and archaeological site evaluations.


In parallel, the design team is actively engaging with regulatory agencies, including the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE-Galveston), and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), to discuss project details and streamline permitting review schedules. The Coastal Water Authority (CWA) met with TCEQ in December and continues to work closely with USACE-Galveston and TPWD to explore options for expediting the approval process.


The District E office remains actively involved in this project, participating in bi-weekly coordination meetings with Houston Public Works, Coastal Water Authority, Texas Division of Emergency Management, and FEMA to ensure progress continues efficiently and transparently.


To view the video from the September 2025 town hall, where CWA provided an update on the project, click here.

Median Madness Partnership with

Kingwood Young Men’s Service League

On Saturday, January 10th, Council Member Flickinger hosted the first Median Madness event of 2026 in partnership with the Kingwood Young Men’s Service League.


The event was honored by a visit from Mayor Whitmire, and the office extends its appreciation to Council Member Carter, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Houston Public Works, HPD, Trees for Kingwood, Houston Tool Bank, H-E-B, Chick-fil-A, and the Kingwood Young Men’s Service League for their continued support.


With the assistance of volunteers and community partners, significant improvements were made to the median in front of Kingwood High School, enhancing both safety and beautification. Events like Median Madness highlight the positive impact that can be achieved when city departments, community organizations, and residents work together to improve our neighborhoods.

Clear Lake Area Chamber

General Membership Luncheon  

On Wednesday, January 28th, District E staff attended the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce General Membership Luncheon at Bay Oaks Country Club featuring a presentation from T.E.A.M. Houston on how Bay Area Houston business can capitalize on this global event.


T.E.A.M. Houston got the crowd energized for the 2026 FIFA World Cup while sharing insight into attracting visiting fans and turning local fans into long term customers.  

Kleenwood Day Returns to Houston

On Saturday, February 28th, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Kleenwood Day will return to Kingwood, bringing residents together to care for their communities and honor the late Travis McCormick, a dedicated volunteer with Kingwood Association Management. Following a pause after Hurricane Harvey, this cherished community cleanup returns, reflecting Travis’ vision of neighbors dedicating a day each year to maintaining and beautifying their neighborhoods. Local organizations, including the Humble Noon Lions, Kingwood Rotary, and Keep Kingwood Green, have partnered to continue his legacy.     

             

Volunteers will meet at their neighborhood community pools in the morning to clean their villages and then gather at Town Center Park at noon for a community celebration with complimentary hot dogs and sodas. The event is seeking Village Captains and team members to lead and support cleanup efforts. Supplies such as trash grabbers, gloves, and heavy-duty trash bags will be provided.


Residents are encouraged to scan the QR code to register and participate in this important day of service that helps keep Kingwood clean, green, and thriving while honoring the lasting contributions of Travis McCormick. Click here to sign up for the event.

North Shore Road Rehabilitation 

Beginning Monday, February 9th

Council Member Fred Flickinger would like to make residents aware that Houston Public Works will begin a mill and overlay road rehabilitation project in North Shore starting Monday, February 9, weather permitting. The scope of work includes mill and overlay of existing asphalt street. This project does not include new sidewalks, curbs, street lighting, water lines or sanitary sewers. The project cost is $800,000.


The project is anticipated to be completed by Friday, May 29, 2026, weather permitting. Construction activities are expected to take place Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.


As part of the construction activities, residents should expect flaggers and orange traffic cones on-site to help manage traffic flow through the construction zone. You will have access to your home throughout the project. During overlay, one side of the street will be done at a time. Please drive slowly and safely entering and exiting the area. If you drive on new overlay, please try not to turn your wheels sharply. Asphalt overlay will completely set in about 24 hours, then you may drive normally. No disruptions to utility or city services are expected as a result of this project.

March of Remembrance 

On Sunday February 1st, Council Member Flickinger attended the March of Remembrance at the Kingwood Community Center.

 

Community members and Scouts gathered to carry flags, messages, and memories in honor of the lives lost in the Holocaust, reaffirming a shared commitment to remembrance and reflection.

 

The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing against hatred and ensuring that history is never forgotten. Never Again is more than a phrase, it is a responsibility, and the March of Remembrance underscored that commitment.

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership 

Quasar Award Banquet 

On Friday, January 23rd, Council Member Flickinger proudly attended the 32nd Annual Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Quasar Award Banquet. The prestigious Quasar Award honors exceptional economic development leadership by an elected official or business leader in the region.


Council Member Flickinger was honored to introduce the 2026 Quasar Award winner, Mayor John Whitmire, recognizing his lifelong dedication to public service and for his leadership, vision, and impact on the City of Houston.


The evening also marked a milestone celebration of BAHEP’s 50 years of accomplishments while looking ahead with excitement to the opportunities and initiatives that will shape the next 50 years. 

Grand Opening of Judge Ted Poe Community Center 

Council Member Flickinger was honored to attend the ribbon cutting for the Harris County Precinct 3 Judge Ted Poe Community Center in Atascocita on January 13th. The 8,500-square-foot facility includes classrooms, community meeting space, and amenities designed to support programming for residents of all ages.


The center is named in honor of Judge Ted Poe, who served Harris County for decades as a district court judge and later represented the area in Congress. He was known for his long record of public service and commitment to the community.


The community center, which is operated by Harris County Commissioner Precinct 3, Tom Ramsey, also includes a backup generator, allowing it to serve as a cooling or warming center during extreme weather events. It was encouraging to see residents, community partners, and so many elected officials turn out for the opening. The facility is expected to serve as a gathering place for community activities and essential services in the years ahead.

North Channel Chamber of Commerce

49th Awards and Installation Gala 

On Friday, January 30th, Council Member Flickinger was honored to attend the North Channel Area Chamber of Commerce 49th Awards & Installation Gala at the Hyatt Regency Baytown Houston. This “Evening with the Stars” celebrated the stars of business in the North Channel Community.


Commissioner Adrian Garcia rounded out the night as the keynote speaker giving great updates to the community. Thank you, Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott LLP, for the invitation to this wonderful event.  

Greater Houston Partnership

Annual Meeting 

On Friday, January 30th, Council Member Flickinger attended the Greater Houston Partnership’s Annual Meeting & Member Expo, the organization’s premier gathering of business and community leaders working to shape Houston’s future. The event highlighted the Partnership’s accomplishments over the past year and brought together leaders from across the region to reflect on continued growth and collaboration.


The program welcomed incoming Board Chair Armando Perez, Executive Vice President of H-E-B Houston, and honored outgoing Chair Gretchen Watkins for her outstanding leadership and service. Attendees also celebrated the presentation of several distinguished awards recognizing individuals and organizations whose work is making a meaningful and lasting impact across the Greater Houston region.

Clear Lake Area Chamber Commerce

Epicurean Evening 

On Thursday, January 29th, Council Member Flickinger and staff had the pleasure of attending the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's Epicurean Evening, an extraordinary culinary showcase hosted at the iconic Space Center Houston. Surrounded by space artifacts and exhibits, attendees enjoyed an unforgettable night filled with delectable cuisine from over 60 booths and meaningful connections within the Clear Lake community.


Special congratulations to Hyatt Regency Baytown Houston for earning the prestigious "Out of this World" award, and kudos to all the participants for their dedication and culinary excellence. Experiencing this event in such a historic and inspiring setting made the evening truly stellar! 

Greater Houston Builders Association Economic Forecast Luncheon 

On Thursday, January 29th, Council Member Flickinger attended the Greater Houston Builders Association Economic Forecast Luncheon, where Odeta Kushi, VP and Deputy Chief Economist at First American Financial Corporation, provided an overview of current housing market conditions. Kushi discussed key economic trends affecting housing affordability, supply, and development in the Houston region, as well as national factors influencing local growth and planning decisions.


Her remarks offered valuable context for local governments as they consider policies related to housing, infrastructure, and economic development amid changing market conditions.

Houston Contractors Association Luncheon

On Thursday, January 22nd, District E staff attended the Houston Contractors Association Luncheon, where guest speaker Mayor John Whitmire provided updates on the City of Houston’s ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure, improve drainage, and advance long-term resiliency initiatives.


During the luncheon, Mayor Whitmire emphasized the importance of collaboration between city leadership, contractors, and community partners in delivering critical infrastructure projects that enhance public safety, mitigate flooding, and support sustainable growth. He also discussed the City’s focus on prioritizing strategic investments, improving project delivery, and ensuring coordination across departments to address both immediate needs and long-term challenges.

Northpark Drive Overpass & Expansion Project Update

TIRZ 10/Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority (LHRA) is progressing on Phases 1 and 2 of the Northpark Drive Project. Phase 2, which will expand Northpark Drive from four to six lanes, replace bridges, and add a 90-acre-foot detention basin, is moving forward with land surveys, right-of-way acquisitions, and easement preparations.


The Northpark Drive Overpass Project has reached an important milestone with the completion of the east-west drainage connection beneath Loop 494 and the railroad tracks. This connection allows stormwater to flow between both sides of the corridor and drain toward the Kingwood Diversion Ditch and the San Jacinto West Fork, an essential step before major bridge and overpass construction can move forward.


With this drainage work now complete, crews are advancing several phases of construction. Storm sewer inlets are being installed along Loop 494, and preparations are underway for reinforced concrete box installation beneath Northpark Drive. Additional storm sewer laterals will be extended once traffic is shifted onto the newly paved eastbound lanes east of the railroad.


Roadway and paving work also continues throughout the project area. Crews are removing and replacing pavement on Anderson Road, performing final grading near Pond 1, and continuing slip-form paving along eastbound Northpark, including sections in front of Marco’s Pizza and through the center median between Dunkin’ and Public Storage. Sidewalk installation east of the railroad is progressing, along with ongoing street-lighting and utility work along the north side of Northpark.


Residents should expect periodic lane closures and traffic adjustments as this work continues. A significant traffic shift onto the new eastbound lanes east of the railroad is anticipated in mid-February.


These improvements mark the transition from underground infrastructure to more visible bridge construction and bring the project closer to its goal of improving traffic flow, drainage, and long-term flood resilience for the Kingwood community.


As a reminder, the next TIRZ Board meeting will be held on Thursday, December 11th at 8:00 AM at the Kingwood Community Center. Every TIRZ Board meeting is open to the public. Visit the LHRA website for more information on the Northpark Drive Overpass Project and view the 2026 Board of Directors Calendar.

Share Your Input on the Proposed
Sylvan Rodriguez Park Community Center

Community input is needed on the proposed community center to be built at Sylvan Rodriguez Park in Clear Lake. Residents are invited to attend the February HPD-Clear Lake PIP meeting, where the project architect will present possible design options and gather feedback.


The February HPD-Clear Lake PIP (Positive Interaction Program) meeting will be on Monday, February 23 at 6:00 PM at Grace Church. Come be part of the conversation and help shape this community project.

Mills Branch Dr. Asphalt Overlay Project Update

Council Member Fred Flickinger would like to make Kingwood area residents aware of ongoing improvements along Mills Branch Drive being completed by Houston Public Works.The project includes mill and asphalt overlay improvements along Mills Branch Drive from the City Limit to Northpark Drive.


The contractor has substantially completed work east of W. Lake Houston Parkway. Base repairs are currently underway on the west side of W. Lake Houston Parkway, near N. Kingwood Forest Drive. Once all base repairs are completed, crews will begin the overlay process for that section. Weather permitting, the contractor anticipates being substantially complete with the entire project within the next couple of weeks.


Construction activities have taken place Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with weekend work varying as needed. There are no planned impacts to the sanitary sewer system, and no service or utility interruptions are anticipated during the course of the work. As construction continues, residents are advised to be mindful of flaggers and orange traffic cones in place to assist with traffic flow through the work zone. Temporary lane closures may occur, and increased traffic or commute times should be expected. Additionally, increased noise levels may occur due to construction equipment and activity in the area.


For more information, residents may contact the District E Office at (832) 393-3008 or via email at districte@houstontx.gov.

Paws in the Spotlight: District E Dog of the Month

Meet Koli! This 2-year-old, 1-month-old brown and white Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix is a calm and well-mannered girl ready to find her forever family. At 37.6 pounds, Koli is a steady companion with a thoughtful nature.


She keeps her kennel clean overnight and patiently waits her turn to go outside. On leash, Koli walks calmly beside you, exploring her surroundings at a relaxed pace. While outside, she takes care of her business and waits quietly to come back inside. Koli’s easygoing demeanor and good manners make her a wonderful fit for a family looking for a loyal, steady companion.


If you’re searching for a gentle dog with a calm presence, Koli could be the perfect match. Click here to learn more about adopting this lovely girl!

Utilizing 3-1-1 to Report Issues

Residents may act as extra eyes and ears on the streets, and soon you'll be able to report a pothole, a malfunctioning traffic light, or a drainage problem while you're out and about. Houston 311 has launched a new smartphone app that makes reporting issues like these easier than ever. The app uses GPS to identify your location and also allows you to snap a photo to add to your service request. The new app allows for reports to be automatically routed to city departments for resolutions.


You can still alert the City of Houston of issues by dialing 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311 of potential problems in your community. Houstonians can also access this helpful service via an e-mail to 311@HoustonTX.gov. A self Service Request (SR) form is available online at www.houston311.org. Once you've reported a problem please follow up with the District E office by emailing your case number and information on the issue to the District E office at districte@houstontx.gov to help ensure the problem is addressed promptly.

District E Electronic Recycling Events

NORTH SECTOR RESIDENTS

SOUTH SECTOR RESIDENTS

District E Upcoming Monthly Events

Email the District E office (districte@houstontx.gov) if you would like us to include your upcoming event in future newsletters!



February 11 – KSA Public Safety Committee Meeting

February 12 – HPD Northeast PIP

February 16 – Presidents' Day - City Holiday

February 17 – HPD Kingwood PIP

February 18 – Kingwood SNC

February 21 – City of Houston's 40th Annual Arbor Day Celebration at Greenwood Park

February 23 – HPD Clear Lake PIP

February 23 – HPD Eastside PIP

February 28 – Houston Rodeo Parade


See a pothole, report it by calling (713) 837-0311
Tune to HTV Houston to watch live and recorded City Council and Committee Meetings.