District K Neighbors,

Houston’s wild weather has put us through the wringer lately, but I’m proud of how we’ve rallied together as a community to support one another. That resilient spirit is what makes our district so special.

As we turn the calendar to June, there is so much to celebrate. The month of June is a time of awareness and celebration. It’s graduation season and we are proud of our high school and college graduates. We celebrate our father’s this month on June 16th, and I’m looking forward to spending the day with my dad. We celebrate the vibrant diversity of our city during Pride Month. The rainbow colors symbolize the journey towards equality, acceptance, and human rights for all. Juneteeth is celebrated on June 19th and this is the 4th year that we celebrate as a National Holiday.

This month also honors the brave first responders who put their lives on the line daily to keep us safe. Join me in thanking our police, firefighters, and emergency personnel for their selfless service.

Though storms may shake us, the strong bonds between District K residents will always help us weather any challenge. Here’s to an uplifting June filled with pride in who we are and all of our accomplishments and gratitude for those who protect us.

In service,

Martha

Beat The Heat This Summer
 
Get ready to beat the heat, Houston!

With temperatures soaring, the City of Houston is teaming up with Reliant Energy®, Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, and the Houston Health Department to help residents stay cool and manage their energy use. Our multiservice centers across Houston will be open as cooling centers.

Thanks to Reliant’s generous $75,000 donation, 500 portable AC units will be distributed through the Harris County Area Agency on Aging and Precinct2gether.

If you need an AC unit, call 832-393-4301. Plus, find out about Reliant’s bill payment assistance and flexible payment options for qualified customers.

For more information online visit:

https://www.reliant.com/en/about/community/beat-the-heat

The Beat the Heat program showcases the strength of our community partnerships. We’re dedicated to keeping everyone safe and comfortable this summer.

Stay cool, Houston!
 

HCD Announces New Development Project on Stella Link
HCD just announced the release of a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for our new Development Project on Stella Link Rd.

There is an upcoming pre-application conference scheduled for June 11 at 10 am CST. This conference will provide essential information and answer any questions potential applicants may have.

The conference will be held virtually via TEAMS:  

https://bit.ly/Stella-Link-2024-NOFA

Dial in by phone: 936-755-1521

Phone conference ID: 498 422 044#

For more information about this exciting opportunity, visit: 

https://houstontx.gov/housing/funding/nofa/documents/stella/2024/2024_Stella_Link_NOFA-060524.pdf

Applications must be submitted by July 12, 2024, at 3 pm. 
 

LaConcha Road Improvement Alert
Great news for Plaza del Oro! La Concha Lane (from Kirby Drive to N. Stadium Drive) is getting a facelift as part of the FY2023 Citywide Concrete Panel Replacement Project #1.

Project Timeline:

  • Start: June 2024
  • Completion: July 2024

#DistrictKInfastructure #KeepDistrictKMoving
 

Join the HISD Community Job Fair
HISD Wraparound Services invites your company to their job fair, the final stop on their “Road Trip to Employment” tour! This is an opportunity to connect with potential candidates and showcase your job opportunities.

Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, June 13, 2024
  • Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Location: New Faith Church, 4315 W. Fuqua St., Houston, TX 77045

For more info, contact:
 

Track Houston’s Storm Debris Collection Progress
Houston residents can now track the cleanup progress from the May 16th Derecho Storm using the SWMD’s new Storm Debris Collection tracker.

Check it out here: https://bit.ly/HTXStormDebris

This tool updates every evening and shows:

  • Areas where debris has been collected.
  • Where crews are currently working.
  • Where collections are planned for the next two days.

Simply enter your address to see your estimated collection schedule. You can revisit the site anytime for the latest updates.

Since the storm, about 1.5 million cubic yards of debris have been generated – enough to fill half of NRG Stadium! In just 8 days, over 380,000 cubic yards have been cleared.

Over the next 90 days, additional contractors will help speed up the removal process.

Need debris picked up?

Stay updated and help us keep Houston clean!
 

Celebrate Black Music Month with Hip-Hop History in Houston
This June, join us for a unique celebration of hip-hop culture at the Vinson Branch Library in the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center. Rice University’s Center for Engaged Research and Collaborative Learning (CERCL) and Fondren Library have partnered with the Houston Public Library and the CCM Foundation to present the exhibit “‘Straight Flexin’, No Plexin’.”

What to Expect:

  • Iconic Artifacts: Explore memorabilia from hip-hop legends like Swishahouse, E-40, Scotty ATL, and exclusive items from the late Pimp C.
  • Immersive Experience: Dive into hip-hop’s rich heritage and cultural impact.

When and Where:

  • Location: Vinson Branch Library at Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center
  • Date: Throughout June

Don’t miss this chance to connect with the heart of hip-hop and celebrate Black Music Month with us!
 

The Dr. Shannon Walker Library Is Now Open
Great news, District K! The Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library has officially opened its doors at 11630 Chimney Rock Rd., 77035. This state-of-the-art library is named after Houston native and NASA astronaut Dr. Shannon Walker, who grew up right here and has an impressive career in space exploration.

A big thank you to Dr. Rhea Lawson, the Library Foundation, the Library Naming Committee, and all the community members who helped make this dream a reality.

Our new library is a true community hub, offering:

  • Houston’s first library café
  • Passport services
  • Podcast and recording studios
  • Music room with instruments
  • 3D printer
  • Dedicated areas for children, teens, and adults
  • Meeting rooms and computers

At a time when the value of libraries is questioned, the City of Houston is proud to enhance access to knowledge and innovation. Libraries are the heart of our community, bridging the digital divide and inspiring curiosity.

With its cutting-edge features and space-themed inspiration, we’re excited for you to explore the Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library. The HPL Team can’t wait to welcome you!

Hours of operation:

Mon. & Tues. 10am – 6pm
Wednesday 12pm – 8pm
Thursday 10am – 6pm
Friday 1pm – 5pm
Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sunday Closed

Thanks to the Brays Oaks Management District for chronicling the celebration on video.
 

June 15th Runoff Election Information
Don’t fall into voter fatigue. All elections matter. The Harris County Appraisal District run-off election is going on now.

Every vote counts, especially in low-turnout elections like this one. On May 4th, a single vote was 34 times more powerful than in the 2020 presidential election.

Make your voice heard! You can vote at any location across Harris County.

#VoteNow
 

Solid Waste Holiday Schedules for Juneteenth & July 4th
In observance of the City of Houston’s approved holiday schedule for Juneteenth and Independence Day, the curbside collection service schedules will be modified.

Please note the changes to residential schedules listed below:

JUNETEENTH — Wednesday, June 19, 2024

CITY HOLIDAY: There will be no curbside collections and all SWMD facilities will be closed. Storm debris collections will continue to be collected.

Thursday, June 20, 2024

All SWMD facilities will reopen and the collection schedule will return to normal.

INDEPENDENCE DAY — Thursday, July 4, 2024

CITY HOLIDAY: There will be no curbside collections and all SWMD facilities will be closed. Storm debris collections will continue to be collected.

Friday, July 5, 2024

All SWMD facilities will reopen. Thursday’s garbage, yard waste, bulk waste, tree waste, and curbside recycling will be collected.

Saturday, July 6, 2024

Friday’s garbage, yard waste, bulk waste, tree waste, and curbside recycling will be collected.

Monday, July 8, 2024

Collection schedule will return to normal.
 

Join Make Music Houston on June 21st
Celebrate the joy of music on the summer solstice with Make Music Houston, part of the global Fête de la Musique.

This year marks our 4th annual citywide event, and we invite everyone—from budding amateurs to seasoned professionals—to fill Houston’s streets, parks, cafes, and porches with music.

How to Participate:

  • Open to All: Anyone can join, regardless of age or skill level.
  • Citywide Events: Find all planned events and register as a musician or venue at makemusicday.org/houston.
  • Registration Deadline: Sign up by June 14th.

Let’s come together to make Houston sing!
 

Dive Into Summer at City of Houston Pools!
City pools are a great way to enjoy some affordable fun this summer. I’m excited to announce that the pools in District K are open! There is no charge for you and your family to enjoy these city amenities.

Here’s to a summer filled with laughter, sunshine, and endless poolside fun. Happy swimming, everyone!

For a complete list of pool openings and schedules: https://www.houstontx.gov/parks/swimming.html
 

Explore Houston’s FY2025 Budget Proposal 
The proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget for the City of Houston, released on May 7th, totals $6.73 billion—a 7% increase from last year.

Budget Highlights:

  • Total: $6.73 billion
  • Increase: $441.9 million (7%)

Each city department presented their budget details to the City Council starting May 15th. If you missed the live workshops, you can view the presentations or watch the recordings on HTV.

Explore the budget and presentations: Houston FY2025 Budget

Stay informed about how your city is planning to allocate funds!

Celebrate Father’s Day with HPD SW Division
Join us this Saturday from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Southwest Patrol Station for a special Father’s Day event! Bring your Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, Big Brother, or mentor and spend a fun morning together. Kids can decorate a tie for Dad and enjoy light refreshments.

Check out the attached flyer for more details. We can’t wait to see you there!

#CelebrateFathers #CommunityFun #DistrictKDads

Planning Commission Hearings – June 13th
The Planning Commission has established a Public Hearings for plat/replat applications for two proposed developments in District K.

The hearings will be held, in person only, Thursday, June 13, 2024, 2:30 PM, at 900 Bagby St., City Hall Annex Chamber, Public Level, Houston, TX 77002. 

Information to attend the Planning Commission meetings can be found at Planning Commission (houstontx.gov).