Quantcast

SW Houston News

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Local Government News

Local Government

Congressman Troy E. Nehls comments on Trump's recent appointments

In recent tweets dated November 16-17, Congressman Troy E. Nehls discussed significant political appointments made by President Trump and emphasized congressional responsibility in enacting Trump's agenda.

By SW Houston News | Nov 17, 2024

Local Government

Mayor Whitmire urges Houstonians to pray after tragic shooting at Trump rally

July 13, 2024 -- Please attribute the following statement to Mayor John Whitmire.

By SW Houston News | Jul 13, 2024

Latest News

Medium k87qob53j28llk9da6xtvq08vkvq

Local Government

Houston mayor names Vonn Tran as new planning director

By SW Houston News | Jul 5, 2024

Mayor John Whitmire has announced plans to appoint Vonn Tran as the City of Houston’s Planning and Development Director, pending city council confirmation on Wednesday, July 17.

Medium k87qob53j28llk9da6xtvq08vkvq

Local Government

Mayor highlights community spirit and announces new initiatives

By SW Houston News | Jul 2, 2024

July 2, 2024 -- As the Fourth of July approaches, Mayor Whitmire has issued a newsletter reflecting on recent community events and announcing upcoming initiatives.

Medium k87qob53j28llk9da6xtvq08vkvq

Local Government

Mayor updates Houstonians on firefighter agreement, fiscal budget, hurricane prep

By SW Houston News | Jun 18, 2024

June 18, 2024 -- Dear Houstonians,

Medium k87qob53j28llk9da6xtvq08vkvq

Local Government

Houston City Council adopts FY 2025 budget without new taxes or fees

By SW Houston News | Jun 12, 2024

On June 12, 2024, the Houston City Council voted to adopt Mayor John Whitmire's proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The budget emphasizes public safety, drainage, and infrastructure improvements, including the installation of generators at multiservice centers to safeguard residents during extreme weather events. Notably, the budget does not introduce any new fees or tax increases.

Medium k87qob53j28llk9da6xtvq08vkvq

Local Government

Mayor Whitmire announces compromise on Shepherd Durham Phase II project

By SW Houston News | Jun 4, 2024

June 4, 2024 -- Mayor John Whitmire and the Memorial Heights TIRZ have reached a compromise on the design of the Shepherd Durham Phase II project that maintains the terms of the Federal Grant, preserves general mobility, and creates transportation options while enhancing drainage and wastewater infrastructure. This latest development was data-driven utilizing an updated traffic analysis and INRIX Trip Analytics.

Medium k87qob53j28llk9da6xtvq08vkvq

Local Government

Mayor Whitmire appoints Thomas Muñoz as acting director of public safety

By SW Houston News | May 30, 2024

May 30, 2024 -- Mayor John Whitmire has appointed Thomas Muñoz as the acting Director of the Mayor's Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security. Muñoz most recently served as the Deputy Director for this office and will maintain his role as Emergency Management Coordinator for the Office of Emergency Management. Muñoz's appointment follows the retirement of George Buenik, who had served in the position since 2017.

Medium k87qob53j28llk9da6xtvq08vkvq

Local Government

Greater Houston Disaster Alliance launches recovery fund after severe weather

By SW Houston News | May 23, 2024

In response to the significant number of households affected by severe weather in recent weeks, the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance, a joint effort of the Greater Houston Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Houston, has established the Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund. This fund aims to assist those impacted by storms, derecho winds, tornadoes, and flooding events that occurred between April 26 and May 17, 2024.

Medium k87qob53j28llk9da6xtvq08vkvq

Local Government

Houston calls for proposals under national creative placemaking grant

By SW Houston News | May 22, 2024

May 22, 2024 -- The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) is calling for Houston’s best ideas to endorse for the national Our Town grant program. Led by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Our Town grant seeks projects that integrate arts, culture, and design into local efforts to strengthen communities. Successful projects have advanced local economic, physical, and social outcomes in communities and are laying the groundwork for systemic changes.

Medium k87qob53j28llk9da6xtvq08vkvq

Local Government

Houston mayor adds emergency item on council agenda post-windstorm

By SW Houston News | May 20, 2024

On May 20, 2024, Mayor John Whitmire authorized an emergency item to be added to this week's Houston City Council agenda. The item is intended to extend the local state of disaster following last week’s windstorm, also known as a derecho. This action was taken in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.

Medium k87qob53j28llk9da6xtvq08vkvq

Local Government

Mayor Whitmire unveils proposed FY '25 City of Houston budget

By SW Houston News | May 14, 2024

On May 14, 2024, Mayor John Whitmire unveiled his proposed FY '25 City of Houston budget. Notably, the budget does not include any new taxes or fees. During a news conference attended by city council members and city department directors, Mayor Whitmire underscored that his proposal seeks to address years of financial deficits inherited by his administration through operational efficiencies.

Medium k87qob53j28llk9da6xtvq08vkvq

Local Government

Houston Mayor honors late Rev. William A. Lawson with moment of silence

By SW Houston News | May 14, 2024

Mayor John Whitmire of Houston called for a moment of silence on May 14, 2024, to honor the life and legacy of the late Reverend William A. Lawson, founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. The Mayor addressed Houstonians from City Hall, expressing his admiration for Rev. Lawson's significant contributions to civil rights and social justice.

Medium k87qob53j28llk9da6xtvq08vkvq

Local Government

Houston First Board welcomes new members: A step towards diversity and expertise

By SW Houston News | May 8, 2024

Mayor John Whitmire and Houston City Council members have nominated and approved several new appointees for the Houston First Board of Directors. Since its inception in 2011, Houston First has played a pivotal role in developing the city's destination brand strategy, promoting Houston globally, boosting tourism and convention business, operating various facilities, producing community events, and collaborating with commercial and industry partners. The newly appointed board members are expected to contribute their unique perspectives and experiences to further these initiatives.

Medium k87qob53j28llk9da6xtvq08vkvq

Local Government

Mayor Whitmire Assesses Weather Conditions and Community Concerns in Kingwood

By SW Houston News | May 4, 2024

On May 4, 2024, Mayor John Whitmire of Houston, accompanied by Police Chief Troy Finner, conducted an aerial tour of Kingwood to assess the impact of rising water on specific neighborhoods in the area. The tour, provided by the Houston Police Department Air Support Unit, aimed to provide the mayor with a comprehensive view of the damage and the needs of the residents."Houston residents benefit when all levels of government work together," emphasized Mayor Whitmire during the assessment. "Together, we will get through these challenges. Let’s go to work!"The mayor...

Medium k87qob53j28llk9da6xtvq08vkvq

Local Government

Mayor Whitmire Names New Department of Neighborhoods Director

By SW Houston News | Apr 24, 2024

Houston City Council has confirmed Herbert Sims as the new Director of the Department of Neighborhoods (DON), as appointed by Mayor John Whitmire. Sims, who has been serving as the interim director since February, brings over two decades of experience working for the city and has excelled in various leadership and management roles.Mayor Whitmire praised Sims, stating, "Mr. Sims illustrates the value of our municipal employees. He came up through the ranks and has demonstrated his ability to get things done to help improve the quality of our neighborhoods. He is one of the...

Medium k87qob53j28llk9da6xtvq08vkvq

Local Government

City of Houston Partners with Apache Corporation to Plant 2,500 Trees for Earth Day HTX 2024

By SW Houston News | Apr 17, 2024

The City of Houston is celebrating Earth Day 2024 with a large-scale tree planting event, thanks to a partnership with Apache Corporation. According to the Mayor's Office, "Apache supports the City’s sustainability efforts through charitable donations for events such as the 2024 Tour de Houston bike ride, and this historic, first-ever, City of Houston Earth Day mass tree-planting event."City officials, Apache employees, and community volunteers will gather at Watonga Park on Monday, April 22, 2024, to plant 2,500 trees to commemorate Earth Day. Mayor John Whitmire and...

Medium k87qob53j28llk9da6xtvq08vkvq

Local Government

New METRO Board Members Approved by Houston Mayor John Whitmire

By SW Houston News | Apr 10, 2024

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO Houston) Board of Directors has welcomed its newest members appointed by Mayor John Whitmire and approved by vote during a Houston City Council meeting. The Board of Directors, which serves as the governing body of METRO, aims to deliver a public transportation system that provides safe, clean, reliable, and accessible mobility options throughout the Houston region.Mayor Whitmire's appointments have led to a historic moment with a significant number of women serving on the board at one time. This includes the...

Medium k87qob53j28llk9da6xtvq08vkvq

Local Government

Houston Public Library System Announces Leadership Change

By SW Houston News | Mar 28, 2024

The City of Houston announced a significant leadership change within the Houston Public Library System (HPL) as Cynthia Wilson was appointed as the interim Executive Director. Mayor John Whitmire expressed his gratitude towards Wilson for taking on the role and outlined her responsibilities, stating, "I have asked her to immediately go to work on improving communications, management, employee morale, and operations throughout HPL."Cynthia Wilson, a former educator and executive leader in workplace performance management, brings a wealth of experience to her new position....

Medium k87qob53j28llk9da6xtvq08vkvq

Local Government

City Hall Update for March 18-22, 2024

By SW Houston News | Mar 26, 2024

Mayor Whitmire welcomed President Joe Biden to Houston, stating, "It was an honor to welcome President Biden to Houston, a city full of great people and endless opportunities. My administration is committed to ongoing collaboration with the federal government to ensure Houston's prosperity thrives."Regarding the historic $650 million agreement reached between the City of Houston and the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, Mayor Whitmire emphasized, "A world-class city like Houston deserves a well-funded fire department to attract and retain talented...