On Thursday, September 10th Council Member Flickinger and staff were honored to attend the ribbon cutting for Venus Aerospace’s new propulsion testing facility at the Houston Spaceport. Council Member Flickinger joined local, state, and federal partners in delivering remarks and celebrating this exciting milestone for Houston’s growing aerospace community.

Completed on time and on budget, the new facility provides Venus Aerospace with critical infrastructure to support the continued development and testing of its advanced propulsion technology. The investment further strengthens the unique aerospace ecosystem in District E, which includes NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Ellington Airport and Houston Spaceport, Space Center Houston, and a growing number of innovative aerospace companies.

Council Member Flickinger congratulated the entire Venus Aerospace team on the accomplishment and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the City of Houston, the Texas Space Commission and the private sector to support innovation, create jobs, attract investment, and ensure Houston and Texas remain leaders in the aerospace and defense industries.

On Thursday, September 10th Council Member Flickinger and District E staff hosted a “How to do Business with the City and County” workshop at Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership in conjunction with Harris County Pct. 2.

This event provided local business owners with valuable resources on how to get certified as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and the steps needed to become an official vendor for the City of Houston. Attendees had the opportunity to hear directly from city and Harris County Pct. 2 officials, ask questions, and learn how to expand their business opportunities with the city. A special thank you to Office of Business Opportunity Director Hoyrd, her business development team, and the team from Strategic Procurement for sharing their expertise and guidance with participants.

On Tuesday, September 22nd, Council Member Flickinger hosted the District E Kingwood Town Hall at the Kingwood Community Center, bringing residents together to hear updates on projects and issues impacting the Lake Houston community.

Council Member Flickinger was joined by State Representative Charles Cunningham, At-Large Council Members Twila Carter, Sallie Alcorn, and Julian Ramirez, Justice of the Peace Laryssa Korduba, Dan Huberty, and Charles Blain. Residents received updates on the Lake Houston Dam Gates Project, Northpark Drive Project, and public safety and crime in the Kingwood area.

Representatives from the Coastal Water Authority, Black & Veatch, Houston Police Department, CenterPoint Energy, San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA), and several City of Houston departments also hosted informational booths and were available to answer residents’ questions throughout the evening.

Council Member Flickinger thanks everyone who attended and participated, as well as the agencies, community partners, and District E staff who helped make the event possible.

If you were unable to attend, the full Town Hall recording is available here.

On Thursday, September 3rd, Council Member Flickinger and District E staff attended the annual State of Harris County Precinct 2 luncheon at the Pasadena Convention Center. During the event, Commissioner Adrian Garcia highlighted the precinct’s recent accomplishments, ongoing initiatives, and priorities for the future, with a continued focus on strengthening infrastructure, improving public safety, supporting economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for residents throughout Precinct 2.

The luncheon brought together elected officials, community leaders, business owners, and representatives from organizations across the region. It provided an important opportunity to learn more about the work taking place throughout the precinct and to discuss shared priorities affecting communities in District E and beyond.

Council Member Flickinger appreciates Commissioner Garcia and the Precinct 2 team for their continued partnership with the City of Houston. Strong collaboration between local governments is essential to advancing infrastructure improvements, addressing regional challenges, supporting neighborhood safety, and ensuring that residents receive the services they deserve. The District E office looks forward to continuing this partnership and working together to serve our shared constituents.

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. Work on the Northpark Drive project continues, with crews active in several areas.

Construction continues to advance on the Northpark Drive Overpass Project, with progress being made on several major components throughout the corridor. Crews are continuing work on bridge columns and caps, roadway and sidewalk improvements, drainage infrastructure, entry ponds, and streetlight foundations as the project moves toward its next phases.

Significant progress has been made on the new 10-foot-wide sidewalks along Northpark Drive. With utility conflicts along the north side of the roadway addressed, crews are continuing cleanup and backfill work around sidewalks and pavement throughout the project. The wider sidewalks will serve as multi-use paths, providing improved access for pedestrians, bicyclists, and residents with mobility needs.

Work is also progressing on the two new entry ponds along Northpark Drive at US 59. Installation of the high-density polyethylene liner in the north pond is substantially complete. Once the liner is fully fused, crews will begin placing soil over it before moving to the south pond to complete the same process. The liners will help prevent water loss and maintain more consistent water levels in the ponds.

In addition to serving as new gateway features into Kingwood, the ponds are an important component of the project's drainage improvements, providing additional stormwater storage to help offset runoff associated with the expansion of Northpark Drive.

Bridge construction continues to make visible progress near the Union Pacific Railroad and Loop 494, with crews advancing work on the columns, caps, reinforcing steel, and other structural components that will ultimately support the bridge deck.

Crews are continuing work on the Bent 6 columns east of the railroad tracks before shifting west to complete the three columns at Bent 2. Another structures crew is working on the forms and reinforcing steel for the bridge caps as construction progresses across the bridge.

Drilled shaft work adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way remains on hold pending approval of the required work plan. Once approval is received, approximately 10 days of drilled shaft work remain before that portion of the project is complete. Completion of this work is also necessary before the heavy construction equipment in the area can be removed and the Loop 494 intersection reopened.

As a reminder, the next TIRZ Board meeting will be held on Thursday, November 12th 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.

Thank you to all the neighborhoods across District E who hosted National Night Out events this year! Council Member Flickinger and the District E team had the opportunity to visit several communities across the district and join residents for an evening of connection, community, and fun. The team enjoyed visiting Trailwood Village, Hunters Ridge, Woodspring Village, Elm Grove, Sherwood Trails, Mills Branch Village, Kings Point, Meadowcreek, Oak Meadows, Oakbrook, Bay Oaks, Bay Glen, and Pinebrook.

A special thank you to the neighborhood leaders, volunteers, and organizers whose hard work made these celebrations possible. We are also grateful to our public safety partners with the Houston Police Department, Houston Fire Department, and our local Constables for joining communities throughout District E and helping make the evening safe and welcoming for everyone.

On Sunday, September 27th, Council Member Flickinger had the honor of attending this year’s Crime Stoppers of Houston National Day of Remembrance Memorial. This meaningful event brought the community together to honor and remember victims of violent crime and to stand alongside their families and loved ones.

The strength, courage, and resilience of victims’ families serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting one another and working together to build a safer community. Council Member Flickinger was grateful to be joined by Vice Mayor Pro Tem Amy Peck and Council Members Ramirez, Carter, Davis, Salinas, and Panzarella as they came together to remember, honor, and show their support for those impacted by violent crime.

The Parents of Murdered Children and surviving family members of homicide victims meet at Crime Stoppers of Houston on the second Tuesday of each month from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. These gatherings provide an important space for families to come together, find support, share their experiences, and know that they are not alone.

On Friday, October 2nd, Council Member Flickinger and staff were honored to attend the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce’s 64th Annual Chairman’s Ball, “A Taste of Elegance,” at South Shore Harbour Resort. The evening honored outgoing Chairman of the Board Amy Doherty for her leadership during the 2025–2026 year and welcomed the incoming board members through a leadership recognition and swearing-in ceremony.

Council Member Flickinger was pleased to join community and business leaders in celebrating the Chamber’s continued dedication to supporting local businesses and advancing economic growth throughout the Clear Lake area. He extends his appreciation to Amy Doherty and the Chamber team for their service and looks forward to continued collaboration with the incoming board under the leadership of Chairman of the Board, Jay Coppock.

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 engineering firm Black & Veatch has completed the 90% design plans, and field activities are progressing. The 90% design plans also reveal the expected construction cost is higher than before and no longer allows the City to qualify for the remaining FEMA grant funds. The project scope evolved to prioritize long-term safety and constructability. Rather than modifying the dam's concrete structure, the additional gates will be constructed in the earthen embankment using a substantial cofferdam after engineers determined it was the safest and most practical approach. While these changes have increased project costs, they significantly reduce construction risk and help protect the drinking water supply for approximately 2.4 million people. When it comes to critical infrastructure like the Lake Houston Dam, safety must remain the top priority.

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. Mayor Whitmire, Council Member Flickinger, Houston Public Works, and Coastal Water Authority are already working with our state and federal elected officials to secure the additional funding needed for construction.

On Thursday, September 17th, District E staff was delighted to attend the South Belt–Ellington Chamber of Commerce’s Evening of Cuisine: 25 Years of Tastes & Traditions. The milestone celebration brought together local restaurants, culinary teams, business leaders, and community members for an unforgettable evening of delicious food, fellowship, and support for the South Belt community.

For 25 years, the Evening of Cuisine has showcased the outstanding local businesses, talented culinary professionals, and strong community spirit that make the South Belt–Ellington area so special. Council Member Flickinger and staff were honored to join the celebration and look forward to many more years of great food, great people, and treasured traditions.

On Monday, September 21st, Council Member Flickinger attended the groundbreaking of Eli Lilly and Company’s new $6.5 billion manufacturing facility at Generation Park in northeast Houston. The 236-acre project represents a major investment in the Lake Houston area and is expected to create approximately 4,000 construction jobs and more than 600 permanent, high-wage positions, including opportunities for engineers, scientists, operations personnel, and laboratory technicians.

The Generation Park facility will manufacture active pharmaceutical ingredients for Lilly medicines, including its oral GLP-1 medication, as well as other small-molecule medicines and advanced therapeutics.

As part of its investment in the Houston region, Lilly also announced $12.5 million in support for San Jacinto College to expand workforce training, equipment, facilities, and career pathways for advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing. The partnership will help prepare local students for careers as technicians, operators, maintenance professionals, and other skilled manufacturing positions. Lilly is also providing an additional $2.5 million charitable donation to the San Jacinto College Foundation to support student scholarships.

Council Member Flickinger was proud to join state, local, education, and industry leaders in celebrating this significant investment in Generation Park and the continued growth of jobs and economic opportunities in the Lake Houston area.

On Friday, September 18th, Council Member Flickinger and District E staff had the pleasure of joining Captain Small and officers from the HPD Clear Lake Division for Coffee with a Cop at the Starbucks located at Highway 3 and Clear Lake City Boulevard. The event provided a relaxed and welcoming environment for community members to meet and speak with the officers who serve the Clear Lake area.

Residents had the opportunity to ask questions, share neighborhood concerns, and build meaningful connections with local law enforcement over a cup of coffee. Events like Coffee with a Cop help strengthen relationships between officers and residents by encouraging open and honest conversations outside of emergency situations. Council Member Flickinger appreciates the HPD Clear Lake Division for hosting this event and for its continued service to the community. We remain committed to supporting open communication, trust, and strong partnerships between law enforcement and the neighborhoods they serve.

On Friday, September 4th, Council Member Flickinger and staff had the pleasure of attending a special event at the Houston Zoo. Joined by fellow elected officials, their families, and staff, they enjoyed a behind-the-scenes experience that offered a closer look at the zoo’s daily operations, conservation work, and commitment to wildlife. The event also provided an opportunity to connect with members of the zoo team and learn more about the work taking place throughout the facility.

Lisa Peterson, President and CEO of the Houston Zoo, shared remarks highlighting the zoo’s important role in conservation and its connection to the Houston community. As the second most-visited zoo in the United States, the Houston Zoo welcomes approximately 2 to 2.5 million visitors each year. Throughout the event, guests learned more about the zoo’s efforts to protect endangered species, promote environmental stewardship, and engage the community in conservation. Council Member Flickinger appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the zoo’s ongoing work and connect with fellow community leaders.

On Wednesday, September 30th, Council Member Flickinger had the honor of attending the 45th Annual Hispanic Officer of the Year Luncheon, a special event dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the women and men in blue who protect and serve the great city of Houston.

The luncheon was a wonderful opportunity to come together with community leaders, law enforcement professionals, and fellow Houstonians to recognize the outstanding officers who demonstrate dedication, courage, professionalism, and commitment in service to our community each day. 

Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you to every officer who continues to serve the people of Houston with honor, courage, and dedication.

Meet Belle! Belle is a 3-year-old spayed Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix currently living in a foster home while she waits for her forever family.

Belle is a gentle, affectionate, and well-behaved dog who enjoys being around people. She loves getting head scratches and attention and would rather spend time with her family than play with toys. She has a moderate energy level and enjoys going for walks.

Belle would do well in a home where she can spend plenty of time with her family and enjoy a mix of walks and relaxing at home. She is an easygoing companion who would be happy to be part of a family’s daily routine.

Click here to learn more about adopting Bodhi or email BARCFoster@houstontx.gov

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 Upcoming Monthly Events

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

October 02 – Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman's Ball

October 03 – Kingwood Electronic Recycling

October 06 – National Night Out

October 07 – Government Operations Committee Meeting

October 08 – Clear Lake Town Hall

October 10 – Clear Lake Electronic Recycling

October 14 – North Channel Job Fair

October 14 – KSA Public Safety Committee Meeting

October 19 – HPD Clear Lake PIP

October 20 – Southeast Town Hall

October 21 – Kingwood SNC

October 23 – HPD Eastside Division Trunk or Treat

October 24 – Kingwood BOPA