| District K | August Community Updates & Events |
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| Dear District K Residents, | | As summer begins to wind down and our students head back into the classroom, I want to wish every student, parent, teacher, administrator and school staff member a wonderful school year! A new school year brings fresh opportunities to learn and dream bigger, and I wish nothing more than for all of our students to begin this year knowing their entire community is cheering them on. | | Across District K, that same spirit of progress continues. From investments in our parks and infrastructure to neighborhood improvements, community engagement and efforts to keep our communities clean and safe, there is exciting work happening throughout our district. | | As always, thank you for staying engaged, sharing your voice and partnering with us as we continue building stronger neighborhoods together. | | I hope you enjoy this latest edition of The District K Newsletter and all that’s happening across District K. | | In Service, | | Martha | | District K: Back To School |
| District K turned the page on summer with an afternoon filled with books, creativity, learning, and fun at n the Turning Pages, Building Dreams event, hosted by Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum in partnership with Chris’ Library and the Edison Arts Foundation. | | Families came together at the Edison Cultural Arts Center for a celebration designed to encourage young readers and help prepare students for a successful school year. Children enjoyed free books, activities, family resources, music, games and so much more. | | This event was about helping our youngest residents dream bigger, | | discover new experiences and build a lifelong love of reading!! | | Press play and see how District K turned pages into possibilities! | | Watch the Turning Pages, Building Dreams Recap here! |
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| “A new school year is a fresh opportunity for our children to learn, grow, dream bigger, and discover what’s possible. When we surround our students with the resources, encouragement, and support they need, we are investing in the future of our entire community.” | | — Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum |
| Jarred Vanderbilt Foundation | | 6th Annual Backpack Giveaway | | District K families also got a head start on the new school year at the 6th Annual Back-to-School Giveaway from the Jarred Vanderbilt Foundation. | | Founded by Houston native and NBA player Jarred Vanderbilt, the foundation brought families together for a day focused on preparing students with resources and encouragement for a successful year ahead. | | Students and families received | | backpacks, school supplies, free haircuts, sports physicals, food, | | and other community resources helping ensure our young people can walk into the classroom feeling prepared and confident. | | A special thank you to the Jarred Vanderbilt Foundation and all of the community partners who continue investing in Houston’s students and families. | | Check out photos and fun from the event below! |
| The K Perspective:District K in Action |
| Cambridge Village Park Improvements Near Completion |
 | | Exciting progress is underway at Cambridge Village Park/Ramblewood | | as this important CDBG Mitigation Project nears completion. | | Project highlights include: | | • Drainage improvements | | • New playground installation | | • Sidewalk improvements | | • Landscaping | | • Project remains on schedule for completion in Summer 2026 | | Residents are invited to join the virtual community meeting to hear the latest project updates and learn more about the improvements coming to Cambridge Village Park. | | Virtual Community Meeting | | Tuesday, August 25 | 5:30 PM | | Learn More About the Cambridge Village Park Project | | Have questions or feedback about this project? Email [email protected] or call 311. |
 | | Progress at a Glance | | | | Contractors are wrapping up final construction activities designed to improve drainage, recreation, accessibility, and the overall park experience for residents. |  | | Project Update | | • Construction is actively underway. | | • Site preparation and grading are in progress. | | • Future improvements will create new opportunities for recreation and neighborhood connection. | | • District K remains committed to investing in parks and public spaces that improve quality of life for residents. | | • Location: 13000 Nitida Drive | | • Status: Site preparation in progress |
| Road Improvements Coming to District K | | Willowbend Blvd. (Albury Dr. – Chimney Rock Rd.) |  | | Houston Public Works has issued Work Authorization No. 29 for upcoming roadway maintenance along portions of Willowbend Boulevard and Polo Street. | | Project Details | | • Willowbend Blvd.: Albury Dr. to Chimney Rock Rd. | | • Polo St.: Grapevine St. to Tiffany Dr. | | • Construction begins: August 10, 2026 | | • Estimated duration: 15 working days | | • Contractor: SER Construction Partners, LLC |
| Residents traveling through these areas should be mindful of construction activity and allow extra time as work progresses. | | Crews will apply a fog seal treatment to help maintain and preserve the asphalt roadway surface. |
| Polo St. (Grapevine Tiffany Dr.) |
| Major Milestone: | | All 20 Miles of Sims Bayou Greenway Are Now Open |
| A major Houston trail connection is officially complete! | | Houston Parks Board has completed the final segment of the Sims Bayou Greenway beneath SH 288, connecting the entire 20-mile trail for residents to walk, run, bike and explore. | | The completed greenway stretches from Milby Park near SH 225 to Blue Ridge Park at Hillcroft Avenue, connecting neighborhoods and destinations across Houston, including Houston Botanic Garden, Houston Sports Park, Hill at Sims and more. | | What this means for our residents: | | 20 continuous miles of connected trails | | More opportunities for walking, running and cycling | | Greater connections to parks, greenspaces and destinations across Houston | | Another step toward making outdoor recreation more accessible throughout our communities | | Explore the Sims Bayou Greenway here |
| Houston Approves Historic Investment in Neighborhood Parks |
 | | Houston City Council has approved Let’s Play Houston, a landmark initiative that will invest nearly $60 million to revitalize 25 neighborhood parks across the city by the end of 2028. | | The public-private partnership represents the largest investment in neighborhood parks in Houston’s history and will enhance parks in every City Council district, creating safer, more vibrant spaces for families and communities! | | Project Highlights | | • Nearly $60 million invested in neighborhood park improvements. | | • 25 parks across Houston will receive upgrades. | | • Every City Council district will benefit from the initiative. | | • Improvements will focus on creating safer, more accessible, and welcoming neighborhood parks. | | • The first phase includes one park in each district, with additional parks to follow. | | See more on this and other projects here and via the HPARD website! |
| “Parks are where communities come together, children create lasting memories, and neighbors build connections. Investments like Let’s Play Houston and Cambridge Village Park reflect our shared commitment to creating vibrant public spaces that improve quality of life for every family in District K.” | | — Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum |
| Safer Streets Ahead in Southwest Crossing |
| New traffic-calming improvements are coming to Southwest Crossing! | | Phase A construction is scheduled to begin August 10. See more details below. | | What: New speed cushions and related traffic-calming signage. | | Where: Locations throughout the Southwest Crossing Phase A project area (see project map). | | Why: To help reduce vehicle speeds, encourage safer driving, | | and improve safety along neighborhood streets. | | When: Construction is scheduled to begin August 10, 2026, | | with completion anticipated by November 8, 2026. | | See the map for planned traffic-calming locations throughout Southwest Crossing. |
| $500,000 EPA Grant Supports Future Community Revitalization |
 | | The Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Houston Redevelopment Authority is celebrating a major investment in the future of our community: a $500,000 EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant! | | Over the next three years, the funding will support efforts to identify and assess underused and potentially contaminated properties, helping lay the groundwork for future reinvestment and redevelopment. | | This investment can help accomplish: | | Identify properties with potential for revitalization | | Support future redevelopment and economic growth | | Transform underused spaces into community assets | | Strengthen neighborhoods and create new opportunities for investment | | This is an important step toward ensuring overlooked properties can become part of a stronger, more vibrant future for the Hiram Clarke and Fort Bend Houston communities. | | Learn More About the EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant |
| District K: In the Community |
| Keeping District K Clean: Illegal Dumping Enforcement |
| District K continues working with our City partners to address | | illegal dumping and protect our neighborhoods. | | Recent enforcement efforts on Court Road resulted in an individual being taken into custody in connection with illegal dumping activity—a reminder that | | dumping is not only harmful to our communities, but can also carry serious consequences. | | Our message is simple: | | District K is committed to cleaner, safer neighborhoods, and we will continue working with residents and our partners to identify problem areas, address illegal dumping, and hold violators accountable. | | See illegal dumping? Report it to 311 | | so the appropriate City department can investigate and respond. |
| Fort Bend ISD Redesign Proposal: What Willowridge Families Should Know |
| Fort Bend ISD is considering new high school programming as part of its FBISD Redesign initiative, including a proposal that would directly impact Willowridge High School in District K. | | Under the proposal: | | • Willowridge High School would become a “Vanguard Pathways Campus,” bringing together Early College High School, P-TECH industry credential pathways and dual-credit opportunities through Houston City College. | | • The proposed model would provide students opportunities to earn associate degrees and industry credentials while strengthening college, career and military readiness. | | • Programs would be available by application to students both inside and outside FBISD. | | • Marshall High School would become a proposed “future-ready high school,” with traditional academics, CTE, fine arts and athletics alongside flexible scheduling, employer-partnered practicums and work-based learning. | | • According to information shared by an FBISD trustee, there is currently no proposal to close either high school or eliminate a program. | | • No final programming decision has been made. The proposal will be considered by the FBISD Board at a future meeting. | | Celebrating Progress at Willowridge | | There is also encouraging academic news to celebrate. Willowridge High School is projected to receive a “C” accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency based on STAAR results, while Marshall High School is projected to receive a “B.” | | These projected results reflect the continued work of students, educators, staff and families across both campuses. |
| Stay Informed | | Because these proposed changes could have a direct impact on District K students and families, we encourage residents to follow Fort Bend ISD for official updates and upcoming opportunities to provide feedback. |
| Weather Wise with District K |
| Hurricane Preparedness & UV Awareness |
| BEAT The Houston HEAT | | The Houston area has dangerously hot summers, and sometimes spring and fall temperatures as well. Houston is ranked as the fourth most intense city in the U.S. for urban heat island intensity. Knowing heat safety precautions and how to recognize heat-related illnesses can help save you or someone else. | | For Heat, Watch, Warning and Advisory Criteria, visit the National Weather Service. | | | | Cooling Center Map located below can also be viewed here. |
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| HOW TO PREPARE FOR EXTREME HEAT: | | | | • Learn to recognize signs of heat illness (unusual heavy sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches muscle cramping, nausea, weakness) | | • Do not rely on your fan as your primary cooling device. They create air flow but do not reduce body temperature. | | • Make sure your AC is ready for the summer. Change or clean air filters, clear debris around the outdoor unit, check and clean condenser coils, and consider scheduling professional maintenance. | | • Cover windows with drapes or shades. | | • Add insulation to keep the heat out. | | • Identify places in your community where you can go to get cool. Check here for available cooling centers in Houston. | | • People unaccustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment need to start slowly and gradually increase heat exposure over several weeks. |  | | Cooling Center Map located below can also be viewed here. | | WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE IS EXPERIENCING HEAT ILLNESS SYMPTOMS: | | • Move them to a cooler place. | | • Use a wet cool cloth on the back of their neck. | | • Have them drink water if possible. | | • Have them take a cool shower. | | • Make sure they don’t return to strenuous activity for a few hours. | | • If they are showing signs of a heat stroke (nausea, vomiting, confusion, no sweat, headache) immediately dial 911. |
| Recovery Resources For District K | | DR24 Home Repair Program Launching Soon | | The City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) is preparing to launch the DR24 Single-Family Home Repair Program this August. The $50 million program will help eligible homeowners repair or rebuild homes damaged by the May 2024 Derecho and Hurricane Beryl. | | What You Should Know | | • Applications are anticipated to open August 2026. | | • Approximately $50 million is available for eligible homeowners. | | • Open to households earning 80% Area Median Income (AMI) or below. | | • Priority during the first 120 days will be given to: | | • Seniors (62+) | | • Disabled veterans | | • Individuals with disabilities | | • Eligible homeowners may receive: | | • Up to $100,000 for home rehabilitation. | | • Up to $300,000 for full home reconstruction. | | • A simplified application process, dedicated phone line, and email support are coming soon. | | Stay informed! Sign up for updates and learn more at houstontx.gov/hcdrecovery. | | Visit our Website |
| “Safety begins with preparation. By staying informed, planning ahead, and supporting one another, we can help ensure | | that every family is ready for whatever this summer may bring.” | | | | — Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum |
| ICYMI in District K: Houston Headlines |
| Community Voices Helping Shape Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend | | Residents came together for the Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend Community Beautification Project to share ideas and provide input on the future of their community. The evening created an opportunity for neighbors to review project concepts, connect with project partners, and discuss priorities for public spaces and neighborhood improvements. | | Thank you to every resident who showed up and shared their perspective, | | helping shape what’s next for the community. |
| Local Artist Mural Unveiling | | Ribbon Cutting & Mural Unveiling Celebrates Community Investment | | The District K team joined community leaders, the YMCA of Greater Houston, the 5 Corners District, partners, and residents to celebrate the ribbon-cutting and unveiling of a vibrant new community mural at the West Orem YMCA. | | The event marked another meaningful investment in youth development, neighborhood pride, and community wellness in Southwest Houston. | | Created by local artist Mathieu Jean Baptiste, the mural serves as a lasting symbol of unity, opportunity, and the power of bringing people together. Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum is proud to support partnerships that create welcoming spaces where families, young people, and neighborhoods can thrive. | | Check out before and after photos of the mural below! |
| Opportunities in District K | | Future Planning: Super Neighbrhood Updates |
| Join the Super Neighborhood 40 Community Meeting | | Have ideas about the future of your neighborhood? Join Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum and Super Neighborhood 40 for an evening of community conversation, updates, and collaboration. Residents will have the opportunity to meet the Board of Directors and community delegates, hear about ongoing initiatives, and share ideas that will help shape the future of the Hiram Clarke community. | | Event Details | | Date: Monday, August 17, 2026 | | TIme: 6:00 PM | | Where: Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center 3810 W. Fuqua Street, Houston, TX 77045 | | Refreshments will be served | | Why Should You Attend? | | Connect with community leaders and neighbors. | | Learn about initiatives impacting your neighborhood. | | Share your ideas and help shape the future of District K. |  |
| WHATS HAPPENING IN DISTRICT K |
| Help Keep Houston Scenic: Adopt an Esplanade |
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| Community Care with Curb Appeal | | Looking for a meaningful way to give back to your neighborhood? The Adopt-an-Esplanade Program invites homeowners associations, civic clubs, schools, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations to help maintain and beautify Houston’s roadway esplanades. | | By caring for these shared green spaces, volunteers can enhance neighborhood pride, improve safety, support sustainability, and help create a more welcoming community. | | Program Highlights | | • Adopt and maintain a roadway esplanade in your community. | | • Open to neighborhood groups, schools, businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations. | | • Volunteer activities include litter removal, mowing, edging, trimming vegetation, and basic landscape maintenance. | | • Participants complete a six-month trial period before continuing long-term stewardship. | | Learn more through Scenic Houston or begin the application | | process by scanning the QR code on the flyer. | | Visit Scenic Houston’s website or contact HPARD at (832)395-7097 to learn more. | | Scenic Houston fully supports this community-wide initiative. Let’s keep Houston scenic, together! |
| District K Supports L.I.F.E. Houston’s Citywide Formula Drive |  | | Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum is proud to serve as Honorary Chair of L.I.F.E. Houston’s Citywide Formula Drive, | | taking place throughout September in recognition of Infant Hunger Action Month. | | The month-long campaign will help provide infant formula and essential nutrition support to Houston families in need. | | Campaign Details | | Dates: September 1–30, 2026 | | Formula collection locations and volunteer opportunities will be announced soon. | | Sponsorship and community participation opportunities will also be available. | | Save the date and stay tuned for more information on how you can join Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum and L.I.F.E. Houston in helping feed Houston’s youngest residents. | | Suicide Prevention Month: Proclamation & Prayer Vigil |
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| In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, the community is invited to come together for an evening of remembrance, prayer, support, and hope. | | Hosted by Fort Bend Transformation Church and the City of Missouri City, the Proclamation & Prayer Vigil will provide an opportunity to stand together in support of suicide prevention and mental health awareness. | | Event Details | | Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026 | | Time: 6:00 PM | | Location: Missouri City Hall – Outdoor Plaza | | 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, TX 77489 | | Save the date and join our community as we gather in support | | of hope, healing, and one another. |
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