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SW Houston News

Monday, May 13, 2024

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Mayor Whitmire Appoints New Houston Housing Authority Commissioners

By SW Houston News | Feb 16, 2024

Mayor John Whitmire has appointed new Commissioners of the Houston Housing Authority in response to concerns about financial mismanagement and a lack of leadership within the organization. In a recent letter to the mayor, HHA President & CEO David Northern, Sr. highlighted the agency's financial challenges, leading to the suspension of issuing vouchers for affordable housing options."Our analysis has revealed a critical situation: we are currently over 100% of the use of budget authority and our HUD-held reserves," Northern wrote in the letter.Mayor Whitmire expressed...

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Nehls: ‘It is imperative that you do not condemn and persecute Good Samaritans who are stopping criminals’

By SW Houston News | Feb 2, 2024

Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) sent a letter to New York County District Attorney that said he had “deep concern regarding the attempt to charge and convict former U.S. Marine Daniel Penny, for second degree manslaughter of well-known criminal Jordan Neely.”

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Mayor Whitmire Announces Plans for 2024 Tour de Houston

By SW Houston News | Feb 1, 2024

Mayor John Whitmire has announced that the Tour de Houston will be taking place in 2024. The event, which raises funds for the City's RE-Plant Houston program, will once again have Apache Corporation as its title sponsor for the 12th consecutive year. Apache has been a long-time partner and has shown a commitment to investing in the City of Houston through meaningful events and partnerships.Mayor Whitmire expressed his gratitude to Apache Corporation, stating, "Apache Corporation has agreed to remain this year's title sponsor. What we can accomplish when everyone works...

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Mayor Whitmire Congratulates HPD Cadet Graduates and Calls for Recruitment

By SW Houston News | Jan 18, 2024

Mayor John Whitmire, in a recent speech at the HPD Cadet Class graduation, expressed his gratitude and support for the newest graduates of the Houston Police Department Academy. The cadet class #261, consisting of 76 men and women, has been fully prepared to serve and protect the people of Houston right from the start."I stand before you as a friend of the Houston Police Department," stated the Mayor's Office. Mayor Whitmire, attending his first cadet graduation as mayor, expressed his immense pride in being present at this significant event. He acknowledged the cadets'...

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Houstonians Invited to The Original MLK Day Parade

By SW Houston News | Jan 11, 2024

Houstonians are gearing up to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the 46th annual "Original" MLK Day parade. The parade, organized by the City of Houston and the Black Heritage Society, will take place on Monday, January 15, in downtown Houston.The parade will kick off with a special preshow at 9:40 a.m., followed by the procession at 10 a.m. led by the Worthing High School marching band. The event will begin at the corner of Smith and McKinney in front of Houston's City Hall.This year's parade theme is "Brotherly love is the strongest...

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Mayor Whitmire's Statement on Hawthorn Park Landfill Dropping Expansion Plans

By SW Houston News | Jan 11, 2024

Mayor John Whitmire expressed his satisfaction in a statement released today after the announcement that USA Waste of Texas Landfills, Inc. has withdrawn its application to expand the Hawthorn Park Landfill. The decision to halt the expansion plans is considered a victory for the community of Carverdale, which had been vocal about their concerns regarding potential environmental and health issues, increased truck traffic, and flooding.In his statement, Mayor Whitmire highlighted his previous support for the residents and business owners of Carverdale when he served as a...

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Mayor Whitmire Appoints Experienced Leader as City’s Interim Finance Director

By SW Houston News | Jan 5, 2024

Mayor John Whitmire has named Melissa Dubowski as the City of Houston's interim Finance Director, a move that underscores his commitment to transparency and addressing the city's financial challenges. Dubowski, who has been serving as the deputy finance director since 2019, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role.Dubowski's impressive track record in municipal finance includes overseeing the management of existing and potential debt, as well as forecasting property and sales tax collections for the city. She has been instrumental in developing the Houston...

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Houston Mayor and City Controller Discuss Collaboration on City's Fiscal Challenges

By SW Houston News | Jan 5, 2024

Houston Mayor John Whitmire and City Controller Chris Hollins recently held their first meeting to discuss how their offices can work together to address the city's fiscal challenges and improve service delivery to Houstonians. Both officials expressed a commitment to finding solutions and ensuring the future prosperity of Houston.During the meeting, Mayor Whitmire emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Administration and the Controller's Office. He stated, "I was pleased to meet with Controller Chris Hollins to discuss our city finances and our mutual...

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Mayor Whitmire Appoints Jay Zeidman as Chairman of Houston First Corporation

By SW Houston News | Jan 4, 2024

Houston Mayor John Whitmire has appointed Jay Zeidman as the new Board Chairman of Houston First Corporation (HFC), pending City Council approval. Zeidman, a venture capital executive, has been serving on the board of HFC since 2017 and has played a crucial role in securing the 2028 Republican National Convention for Houston.Mayor Whitmire expressed his confidence in Zeidman's appointment, stating, "I'm pleased to appoint Jay to this important post with one of our city's leading organizations. Houston First has consistently shown its capacity to do big things and...

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Mayor Whitmire's Statement on Working with the Texas General Land Office to Help Houstonians

By SW Houston News | Jan 4, 2024

Mayor John Whitmire has expressed his commitment to working with the Texas General Land Office (GLO) to assist Houstonians in need of federal relief following Hurricane Harvey. In a letter addressed to the Mayor, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham congratulated him on his inauguration and pledged the GLO's support in ensuring that the remaining $200 million in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) housing funding is allocated effectively and transparently.Mayor Whitmire, drawing on his previous experience in the Texas Legislature, highlighted...

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Mayor Whitmire Orders Immediate End to Pending Legal Action Against Houston Firefighters

By SW Houston News | Jan 3, 2024

Mayor John Whitmire has taken decisive action to fulfill his campaign promises by ordering an immediate end to pending legal action against Houston firefighters. In a meeting with representatives of the Houston Professional Firefighters Association, Mayor Whitmire directed City Attorney Arturo Michel to withdraw the appeal of the City's challenge to the court's consideration of past fiscal years 2018 through 2024 backpay."I want the City to remove itself from the court process as much as possible and focus on resolving this long-standing dispute as fairly and quickly as...

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Mayor Whitmire Sworn In as 63rd Mayor of Houston, Promises Transparency and Public Safety

By SW Houston News | Jan 1, 2024

Surrounded by loved ones, John Whitmire was officially sworn in as the City of Houston's 63rd mayor in a private ceremony at City Hall. Harris County Justice of the Peace Victor Trevino, III, delivered the oath of office as Whitmire placed his hand on a bible held by his daughters."We have a great city with great people, and we must do everything possible to ensure Houston goes forward and becomes greater. From our Medical Center to our Port to the Spaceport, we will do everything we can," said Mayor Whitmire, emphasizing his commitment to the city's progress....

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CenterPoint Energy Donates $1 Million for Energy Assistance in Honor of Mayor Sylvester Turner

By SW Houston News | Nov 30, 2023

CenterPoint Energy, a leading energy company, has announced a generous donation of $1 million in Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner's name. The donation is dedicated to providing energy bill assistance for low-income residents in the Greater Houston area. The funds will be managed by the Gulf Coast Community Services Association (GCCSA), a local non-profit organization.CenterPoint Energy CEO Dave Lesar expressed the company's admiration for Mayor Turner's commitment and service to the city. Lesar stated, "Given Mayor Turner's selfless commitment and outstanding service to our...

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Veterans Health Administration (VHA) news release: Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas

By SW Houston News | Sep 29, 2023

Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas published on Sept. 22.

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Shell Freedom Over Texas Celebrates Another Successful Year

By SW Houston News report | Jul 9, 2023

This year's City of Houston's signature Fourth of July celebration could not have been more spectacular.

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City of Houston Files Suit Against the State of Texas' "Death Star" Super Preemption Law

By SW Houston News report | Jul 8, 2023

On July 3, the City of Houston filed a lawsuit in Travis County against the State of Texas to have declared unconstitutional, void, and unenforceable House Bill 2127, the so-called "Death Star" or "Super" preemption bill. Governor Greg Abbott signed Texas House Bill 2127 on June 14, 2023, with an effective date of September 1, 2023.

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Mayor Sylvester Turner's Statement on Supreme Court's Affirmative Action Ruling

By SW Houston News report | Jul 7, 2023

"The historical context surrounding the 14th Amendment – adopted as the nation outlawed race-based slavery – is clear in its intention to address racial discrimination. Earlier this week, this same Court found racial bias in ordering new maps for Alabama's Congressional Districts. Yet, today's decisions would have us believe we have solved racial inequality in higher education.

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City of Houston Status Report: Electric Vehicle Implementation Reaches Milestone

By SW Houston News report | Jul 6, 2023

The City of Houston recently marked a milestone with the overall implementation of electric vehicles in its municipal fleet despite national supply chain issues and inflationary pressure.

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Mayor Turner Highlights City's Robust Investment in The Houston Fire Department

By SW Houston News report | Jul 5, 2023

Mayor Sylvester Turner today is highlighting the robust investment the City of Houston has made in the Houston Fire Department through equipment acquisition, funding, and personnel during his administration. Despite numerous court decisions on lawsuits filed by the fire union, including the Texas Supreme Court’s most recent ruling in favor of the City of Houston against pay parity, this administration has remained steadfast in its support of the brave men and women of the Houston Fire Department.

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Mayor Turner Releases the 2023 Texas Legislative Session Report

By SW Houston News report | Jul 4, 2023

The 88th Texas Legislative session concluded as one of the most direct and sustained attacks on local authority and city services. Legislators filed a record of 8,000+ bills during the regular session with roughly 2,000 affecting city services.