District K: March 2026 Newsletter

Dear District K Neighbors,

As we move into March, I want to take a moment to reflect on the strength, resilience, and spirit that define our communities. Over the past several weeks, we experienced unusually cold weather across Houston, and I want to thank residents for checking on neighbors, protecting your homes, and working together to ensure everyone stayed safe. That sense of community care is what makes District K so special.

March is also Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the incredible contributions women have made to our nation, our city, and our neighborhoods. Houston is fortunate to be home to countless women who lead, mentor, and inspire others every day, whether in business, education, public service, healthcare, or community advocacy. I encourage you to take time this month to honor the women who have helped shape your life and our community.

This month also brings one of Houston’s most beloved traditions… the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. For generations, the rodeo has been more than just entertainment. It represents our Texas heritage, supports education through scholarships, and brings families together from across the region. Whether you’re attending a concert, enjoying the livestock shows, or simply taking in the food and festivities, the rodeo reminds us of the culture and community pride that make Houston unique.

Across District K, we continue working on initiatives that strengthen our neighborhoods from community meetings and public safety discussions to programs that support families, youth, and local organizations. Your participation in these conversations and events helps ensure that our work reflects the needs and priorities of the people we serve.

As always, my office is here to support you. Thank you for staying engaged, informed, and committed to making District K a place where families can thrive.

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful and safe month ahead.

In Service,

Martha

The City of Houston and the Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) are creating new opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs with the launch of two new business certifications.

The City has officially introduced the Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certifications. These programs are designed to help veteran-owned companies gain greater visibility and access to City contracting opportunities.

Houston is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country. As many veterans transition from military service to starting their own businesses, these certifications help create a clearer pathway to compete, grow, and succeed within Houston’s economy.

Once certified, businesses are placed in the City of Houston’s official certification database, making it easier for City departments and prime contractors to identify and work with veteran-owned companies.

The launch also marked a milestone as the City recognized Houston’s first certified Veteran-Owned Small Business under the new designation, highlighting the City’s commitment to supporting those who have served our country while strengthening local economic opportunities.

Veteran entrepreneurs interested in learning more about certification opportunities can visit the Office of Business Opportunity website for additional information.

Residents who care about the future of their neighborhood are invited to take part in the upcoming Super Neighborhood 40 Community Meeting.

🗓 Tuesday, March 24, 2026

⏰ 6:30 PM

📍 Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center

3810 W. Fuqua St., Houston, TX

Super Neighborhood 40 is powered by residents who are committed to keeping District K informed, engaged, and moving forward. This meeting will focus on several important topics, including the final version of the SN40 bylaws, the selection of community delegates, and nominations for board positions.

If you have ever thought about getting more involved in your neighborhood, sharing your voice, or helping shape the future of your community, this is a great opportunity to step forward. Come meet your neighbors, learn more about what’s happening in your area, and help strengthen the leadership that keeps our communities connected.

Together, we can continue building a stronger District K.

If you are traveling for Spring Break, be prepared for longer security lines at Houston airports, especially at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).

Due to the current federal government shutdown, TSA officers across the country continue to work without pay, which has created staffing challenges and may result in longer wait times at security checkpoints.

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)

Travelers flying from Hobby should plan to arrive up to four hours before their scheduled departure to allow enough time for TSA screening. At times, security wait times may extend beyond two hours, depending on staffing and travel demand. TSA PreCheck remains open.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Passengers traveling through IAH should also allow extra time for security screening.

• TSA checkpoints in Terminals A, C, and E are operating.
• The TSA checkpoint in Terminal D is temporarily closed.
• Travelers departing from Terminal D should check bags there, then proceed to Terminal E for security screening.
• After clearing security, follow airport signage to your departure gate.

To help manage your travel time, check current wait times online:

IAH security updates: fly2houston.com/iah/security

Houston Airports encourage travelers to plan ahead, arrive early, and allow extra time for security as Spring Break travel continues.

Residents who travel along South Main Street will soon notice improvements aimed at making the roadway smoother and safer.

The City of Houston started the work late last month as a mill and overlay project on S. Main Street from Kirby Drive to South Braeswood Boulevard. This work involves removing the worn top layer of asphalt and replacing it with a new surface, helping extend the life of the roadway and improve driving conditions.

The project is expected to take about 30 days, and be completed this spring.

While drivers may experience some temporary construction activity in the area, the improvements will result in a smoother road surface, safer travel, and better long-term durability for one of the area’s key corridors.

Projects like this are part of the City’s ongoing effort to maintain and improve neighborhood infrastructure across District K.

Strong communities grow when young people have opportunities to learn, work, and lead. The 2026 City of Houston Summer Jobs Program is designed to do just that by giving young adults across Greater Houston access to professional development, real-world work experience, and meaningful civic engagement.

If you know a young person who is ready to learn, grow, and gain valuable experience this summer, encourage them to apply before the deadline.

🗓 Application Deadline: March 13, 2026

💵 Pay: $14 per hour

Program Benefits:

• Practical, hands-on work experience
• Professional skill development
• Networking and mentorship opportunities

Eligibility Requirements:

• Ages 16–24
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Resident of the Greater Houston area
• Available to work 32 hours per week for 8 weeks

Program Details:

• June 8 – July 31, 2026
• Placements in various City of Houston departments
• Selected candidates must pass a background check

This is a great opportunity for young people to build their resume, explore career paths, and contribute to our city.

🔗 Apply today at: https://houstontx.gov/hr/gyow/summer_jobs.html

Don’t wait, submit your application before March 13!

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department is hiring lifeguards for the 2026 summer season, and it’s a great opportunity for teens and young adults looking to gain experience, earn money, and help keep our community safe at local pools.

Applicants must be at least 15 years old and complete American Red Cross Lifeguard Training approved by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. Candidates must also pass a physical exam, drug test, and criminal background check, and have reliable transportation.

Pay rates:

• Lifeguard: $18 per hour

• Head Lifeguard: $20 per hour

• Aquatic Center Supervisor: $22 per hour

Work hours are generally Tuesday through Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (hours may vary).

If you or someone you know enjoys swimming and wants to spend the summer working outdoors while serving the community, this could be a great fit.

To apply, visit www.houstontx.gov/jobs

Houston ISD recently shared an update about proposed campus closures and transitions that could impact several schools across the district, including Hobby Elementary in District K. The proposal is part of a broader effort to address declining enrollment, aging facilities, and rising costs while ensuring students have access to stronger academic programming and improved learning environments.

Under the current proposal, Hobby Elementary would close as a campus beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. Students in grades 1 through 5 would move to the Lawson Middle School facility, while Pre-K and Kindergarten students would transition to MLK Early Childhood Center.

HISD leaders say these decisions are part of a districtwide strategy to better align resources and provide students with stronger academic opportunities and safer, more modern facilities. The district has committed to supporting families through the transition with community meetings, campus tours, and dedicated support teams to answer questions and guide families through the process.

Families are encouraged to stay informed and participate in upcoming meetings where district leaders will provide additional details and answer questions.

You can read the superintendent’s full report using the link below for more information. HISD Board Meeting Superintendent Report

Spring is the perfect time to come together and take pride in the places we call home. Keep Houston Beautiful Day is Saturday, April 11, and we are encouraging neighborhoods across District K to take part by organizing community cleanups.

Whether it’s picking up litter, clearing debris, or refreshing a neighborhood park or green space, small efforts can make a big difference. When neighbors work together, we create cleaner streets, stronger communities, and a greater sense of pride in where we live.

We would love to see cleanups happening all across District K on April 11 and make it a true districtwide day of service.

If your civic club, neighborhood group, church, or organization is planning a cleanup, please let our office know. We’d love to help highlight your efforts and support the work happening in your community. Let’s come together, roll up our sleeves, and make District K shine.

Looking for a simple way to help make Houston greener and more beautiful? Join Scenic Houston for a virtual town hall to learn about the Adopt an Esplanade program and how residents can help care for and enhance green spaces across the city.

📅 March 17

🕙 10:00 AM

💻 Virtual Meeting

This conversation will focus on how communities can get involved, share ideas, and work together to maintain the esplanades and green spaces that make Houston’s neighborhoods special.

If you care about beautification, neighborhood pride, and creating greener spaces in our city, this is a great opportunity to learn how you can be part of the effort.

Planning for the future is one of the most important steps families can take to protect their assets and build generational stability. That is why WVFC Missions & Community Outreach, in partnership with the Pyramid Community Development Corporation, is launching a new Financial Literacy Series for the community.

The first session will focus on the essentials of estate planning.

Estate Planning 101: The Basics of Wills, Trusts & Legacy

🗓 Saturday, March 14

⏰ 9:30 AM

📍 The Kingdom Builders Center – Room 2111

This 90 minute, in-person workshop is designed to be practical, educational, and easy to understand. Participants will learn about:

• The foundations of estate planning

• The purpose of important tools such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and insurance

• The difference between wills, which provide instructions, and trusts, which help protect and preserve assets

• A practical estate planning toolkit and roadmap to help individuals organize their affairs

Many families delay estate planning simply because they do not have clear guidance. This workshop aims to provide residents with the knowledge and tools they need to plan ahead and protect what they have built.

For more information, contact: [email protected]

The City of Houston Municipal Courts Department introduced a new jury management system designed to make the jury service process easier and more efficient for the more than 70,000 Houstonians summoned each year.

Under the new system, traditional jury summons letters will be replaced with postcard-style summonses like the ones above and mailed to residents.

There is also a change to how jurors are paid. The $6 daily juror compensation will now be issued on a debit card the same day jurors report for service, instead of a mailed check.

The update also includes a new online juror portal, where residents can complete questionnaires, request exemptions, and receive updates about their jury status. Jurors can also opt in to receive text message notifications for faster communication.

Residents who cannot access the online portal can still contact Jury Administration using the information provided on their summons.

These changes are designed to simplify the process while maintaining the integrity of Houston’s jury system.

Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum has been named the 2026 Pioneer Award recipient by the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs, a recognition that highlights leadership, service, and lasting impact in public life.

In reflecting on the honor, Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum shared that the award is a reminder that steady leadership, thoughtful governance, and the day-to-day work of solving problems still matter. Much of the most meaningful work in public service happens quietly, behind the scenes, long before results are visible.

Being recognized by the Hobby School, an institution that has helped shape generations of public servants, makes the moment especially meaningful. She also congratulated the fellow Public Officials of the Year whose leadership continues to strengthen communities across the region.

Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum expressed gratitude to the team and community members who support the work every day, noting that true progress is always a shared effort.

“We are all standing on the shoulders of pioneers,” she said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Houston and working alongside so many dedicated leaders.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition Champion

Mayor John Whitmire and Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum had the honor of presenting Otis with a proclamation in recognition of his powerful words and remarkable achievement. Otis, a student at Windsor Village Elementary, delivered a speech that was thoughtful, courageous, and deeply moving — reminding everyone in the room that Dr. King’s legacy continues to live on through the voices of young people.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Otis, his proud family, his teachers, principal, and the entire Windsor Village Elementary community for helping nurture such an extraordinary young leader.

Moments like this remind us that the future of leadership is bright, and sometimes it arrives in the most inspiring form — a young voice speaking with confidence, purpose, and heart.

Houston is proud of you, Otis. Keep speaking boldly.

Ever wonder what upgrades are happening behind the scenes to strengthen Houston’s power grid? CenterPoint Energy has launched a new interactive Community Progress Tracker that lets residents see resiliency improvements happening across their neighborhoods and throughout the Greater Houston area.

The online map was created based on customer feedback and gives people a clearer view of the work being done to make the electric system stronger, smarter, and more reliable.

Over the past year, infrastructure improvements have already made a difference. CenterPoint reports 100 million fewer outage minutes for its 2.9 million customers, which translates to an average reduction of more than 30 minutes of outages per home and business.

With the new tracker, residents can explore upgrades at the community, ZIP code, and even street level, including projects such as:

• Storm resilient poles and equipment
• Smart grid automation and technology upgrades
• Tree trimming to prevent outages
• Undergrounding of power lines

The goal is simple. Give residents a transparent way to see the progress being made to improve reliability and strengthen the energy system that powers our homes and businesses.

You can explore the interactive tracker and see what projects are happening near you across the Houston region.

Residents should be aware of a pending application filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for a proposed concrete batch plant at 295 Holmes Road, Houston, TX 77045.

Concrete batch plants mix cement, sand, gravel, and water to produce concrete used for construction projects. Because facilities like this can raise questions about traffic, dust, and nearby impacts, the state permitting process includes an opportunity for the public to review the proposal and share feedback.

Residents who want to comment or learn more can participate through the TCEQ public comment process.

How to submit comments:

• Online: www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment

• By mail:

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105

P.O. Box 13087

Austin, Texas 78711-3087

For questions about the process, you can contact the TCEQ Public Education Program at 1-800-687-4040 or visit www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/pep.

Community feedback is part of the review process, so residents who have questions or concerns are encouraged to take a look at the proposal and share their input.

Great news for students and families in the area. A new NSBE Jr. chapter is launching in Missouri City, creating an exciting opportunity for young students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math.

NSBE Jr., the youth division of the National Society of Black Engineers, helps students build confidence, develop leadership skills, and gain hands-on exposure to STEM fields while connecting with mentors and peers who share similar interests.

Families interested in learning more are invited to attend one of the upcoming information sessions:

📍 Stimley Blue Ridge Neighborhood Library

7007 W. Fuqua Street

Missouri City, TX 77489

📅 Wednesday, March 11

🕞 3:30 PM

📅 Saturday, March 14

🕐 1:00 PM

These sessions will share details about the program, how students can participate, and how families can get involved in supporting the next generation of engineers and innovators.

Residents are invited to attend the Spring 2026 Community Meeting hosted by the City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department.

📅 Tuesday, March 31, 2026

🕕 6:00 PM

📍 Alief Neighborhood Center, District F

This meeting is a chance to hear how the Housing and Community Development Department is working to strengthen Houston’s neighborhoods and to share your thoughts about issues impacting the community.

Light bites and refreshments will be served, and guests who arrive early will have a chance to enter a raffle for a $25 gift card.

Community voices matter. Residents are encouraged to attend, connect with neighbors, and take part in the conversation.

There is something special happening in District K. The Houston Humane Society is opening its new Veterinary Clinic, and the community is invited to help celebrate.

📅 Tuesday, March 24

🕑 2:00 to 4:00 PM

📍 3100 W. Fuqua St.

Stop by for the ribbon cutting, take a quick tour of the new clinic, and enjoy light bites while learning more about the services that will help care for pets across our community.

If you love animals or simply want to support a great addition to the neighborhood, come out and be part of the celebration.