 | Dear District K Residents, | As we continue through the summer, I’m encouraged by the progress happening throughout our community. From new investments in our parks and infrastructure to expanded resources for homeowners and families, we’re working every day to build a stronger, safer, and more connected District K. | This month’s edition highlights important opportunities to prepare for hurricane season, support our students as they head back to school, and stay engaged in projects that will shape the future of our neighborhoods. Whether it’s participating in a community meeting, exploring new recreation spaces, or taking advantage of available city resources, your involvement helps strengthen our community. | I encourage you to stay informed, remain prepared, and continue looking for ways to connect with your neighbors. Together, we are creating a District K where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. | Thank you for allowing me to serve you. I look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events and continuing the important work of moving District K forward—together. | In Service, | Martha |
| District K: In the Community | A Sweet Visit to Dessert Gallery | Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum and the District K team recently visited Dessert Gallery Bakery & Café, a celebrated District K business and proud member of the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, for a behind-the-scenes tour of its World Headquarters. | District K Visit Highlights | - Celebrated 31 years of Dessert Gallery serving the Houston community.
- Met with founder Sara Brook and her leadership team to discuss the bakery’s continued growth and community impact.
- Toured the bakery and learned about the craftsmanship behind its signature desserts.
- Met the talented bakers and cookie artists, and decorated sugar cookies alongside District K summer interns.
- Discussed future opportunities to support local businesses and strengthen community partnerships.
| Check out photos from the Dessert Gallery Bakery & Café World Headquarters below! |  |  | |  |  | | “Supporting women-owned businesses is an investment in the future of our city. When we champion these businesses, we champion innovation and a stronger Houston.” | — Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum | Supporting Houston’s Business Community | Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum recently served as a keynote speaker at the Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum, joining more than 350 entrepreneurs, founders, contractors, and business owners came together with one goal: learning how to do business with the City of Houston. | The forum provided valuable resources and connections that continue to strengthen Houston’s business community and create pathways for economic growth. Every month, business owners have the opportunity to connect, learn, and build relationships at this outstanding forum. | Forum Highlights | - Keynote address by Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum.
- Networking with business owners and community partners.
- Focused on procurement opportunities and economic development.
- The Office of Business Opportunity has streamlined the certification process, making it faster and easier for qualified businesses to access opportunities.
| The City’s procurement process is now more connected and easier to navigate. Every month, business owners have the opportunity to connect, learn, and build relationships at this outstanding forum. | Learn more about businesses in attendance and opportunities via www.BizWithHou.org! | | | | | | | | |  |
| District K: Back To School |
| Turning Pages, Building Dreams | Join Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum for an afternoon celebrating literacy, creativity, and learning at Turning Pages, Building Dreams, a free children’s book celebration presented in partnership with Chris’ Library and the Edison Arts Foundation. | Families can enjoy: | Free book giveaways | Storytime with special guests | Arts and creative activities | Resources for families | Music, games, and more | Event Details | Date: Friday, July 31, 2026 | Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Place: Edison Cultural Arts Center | 7115 W. Fuqua Street | Missouri City, TX 77489 | We hope to see you there! |  | Support Local Classrooms with the ABC13’s | Loves Teachers School Supply Drive | Help local students and educators start the school year prepared by participating in the ABC13 Loves Teachers School Supply Drive, benefiting the Houston Food Bank’s School Programs. | Community members are encouraged to donate new school supplies that will directly support teachers and classrooms across the Houston area. | Event Details | Date: Friday, July 31, 2026 | Time: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM | Where: See various locations listed below | Sign up to support by volunteering or attending this event via the link: https://forms.gle/XWFfYKDU7WTBW5v36 | Most Needed Items | - Crayons, markers, pencils, pens, and folders
- Composition books, spiral notebooks, filler paper, and Post-it Notes
- Glue sticks and glue bottles
- Hand sanitizer, Lysol wipes, Kleenex, and paper towels
- Pencil cases and scissors
| Drop-Off Locations | - Ismaili Center Houston- 2323 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77019
- Ismaili Jamatkhana Sugar Land- 1700 First Colony Blvd., Sugar Land, TX 77479
- Ismaili Jamatkhana Spring- 24525 Community Center Dr., Spring, TX 77389
|  | Jarred Vanderbilt Foundation | 6th Annual Backpack Giveaway | The first day of school will be here before you know it! | The Jarred Vanderbilt Foundation, founded by Houston native and NBA player Jarred Vanderbilt, is helping families prepare with a community event featuring FREE resources for back to school! |  | Bring the family and come out for a fun day of giving back, learning, | and getting prepared for the school year. | FREE Backpacks & School Supplies | FREE Haircuts | FREE Groceries | Prizes & Food | FREE Youth STEM Drone Sessions | …and so much more! | Date: August 1, 2026 | Time: 10AM–2PM | Where: Marian Park, 11000 S. Gessner Rd | Houston, TX 77071 | We can’t wait to see you there! |
| Mayor’s Back 2 School & Health Fair | Families are invited to register for the | Mayor’s Back 2 School & Health Fair. | A free event designed to help students prepare for the upcoming school year. Registered students may receive backpacks with school supplies, routine immunizations, vision and dental screenings, and other valuable health resources while supplies last. | Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026 | Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Location: George R. Brown | Convention Center |  | Advance registration is required. | Click here to register your student. |  | Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center | Back-2-School Event | As the new school year approaches, Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center, is excited to host an exclusive Back-2-School event designed to support, equip, and uplift our Autistic students. | This initiative is aimed at ensuring our Autistic Friends start the semester fully prepared with essential classroom supplies, materials, and community support. | Door Prizes | Vendors | Resources | School Supplies | Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026 | Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Location: Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center | 3810 W Fuqua |
| The K Perspective: District K in Action |
| Progress Continues at Cambridge Village Park | | Exciting progress is underway at Cambridge Village Park | (13000 Nitida Drive) | As construction continues on this long-awaited neighborhood investment located in District K! | Site preparation is well underway, marking another milestone toward creating an enhanced community space where residents can gather, play, and enjoy the outdoors. | Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum is excited to see this project moving forward and looks forward to the lasting impact it will have on families and the surrounding community. | Information can also be found on the Houston Parks and Recreation Home Page here. | | Progress at a Glance | - Construction: Underway
- Location: 13000 Nitida Drive
- Status: Site preparation in progress
| | 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.
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| 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! |  | District K’s 2026 Summer Interns New Episodes Available! | Our District K interns continue to explore the people, projects, and services that keep Houston moving. Check out the latest episodes to learn more about the departments and professionals making an impact across our city. | ▶️ Watch the full episodes of The ‘Terns Podcast – Houston Public Work on the YouTube channel. Now Streaming: | | “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 |
| Weather Wise with District K |
| 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. |  | 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.
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| 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. | | | | “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 |
| 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 | | 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! |
| Help Shape the Future of Hiram Clarke & Fort Bend |  | Residents are invited to help shape the future of the Hiram Clarke/Fort Bend community by participating in the upcoming Community Beautification Project meeting. | Share your ideas for beautification, public spaces, and neighborhood improvements while connecting with project partners. | Event Details | Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Where: The FountainLife Center 14083 S. Main Street, Houston, TX 77035 | Live translation and light refreshments will be provided. | Reserve your spot by scanning the QR code on the flyer OR clicking the button below. |
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