One year ago, Houston City Council held its first-ever Evening Public Session. Making local government more accessible means we're creating more opportunities for working Houstonians, families, and community members to make their voices heard.
I sent a letter to Mayor Whitmire calling for affordability protections and discounted rates for seniors, low-income residents, and disabled veterans tied to the proposed phased fee increases before the solid waste administration fee reaches $300 annually. More than half a million Houstonians currently live below the poverty line, underscoring why affordability protections must be built into this proposal from the start, not years later after costs become unaffordable for working families.
Any new fee must also be dedicated toward improving the services Houstonians rely on every day, from combating illegal dumping, supporting solid waste workers, and delivering reliable trash pickup.
Our Mayor’s Youth Council had an inspiring, high-energy session last night, building leadership and civic engagement skills.
Thank you to Council Member Alejandra Salinas for sharing her insights and energizing our young leaders!
#HOUNeighborhoods#YoungLeaders
City Hall decisions shape our lives everyday and you deserve a seat at the table. This week, I'm walking through what happens here and how you can sign up to speak directly to City Council. Watch, share, and come speak up.
I commend the Mayor and the Houston Police Department for taking the first step toward additional oversight and addressing some long-standing community concerns. But we cannot stop here. Houston is still requiring police to cooperate with ICE beyond what state law mandates and beyond what other major Texas cities – from Bexar County to the Cities of Austin and Dallas – are doing.
I’m working with my colleagues and community partners to put forward stronger policies and transparency measures that would keep officers focused on addressing serious crime and ensure residents feel safe calling 911 when they need help. I am hopeful we can come together to build on today’s progress to make Houston safer for all residents.
As I said to @HoustonChron, “These reports demand action to ensure Houston is not requiring cooperation with ICE beyond state law. Our officers should be focused on serious crime - not serving as an accessory to federal immigration enforcement."
https://t.co/yHPixZOPSE
From day one as a Council Member, Mrs. Vernita Jones has been a go-to guide for me and my team. For more than 19 years, Vernita Jones has helped keep Houston City Council running smoothly behind the scenes. From supporting council offices and managing district service funds to serving as a trusted resource for departments and residents, her work ensures City Hall operates with care, precision, and accountability.
This Women’s History Month, we recognize Vernita’s dedication, professionalism, and quiet leadership that strengthens Houstons every single day.
Congratulations to @GinaHinojosaTX and @jamestalarico on their victories last night. Their messages of hope resonated with Texans, and I’m excited to do everything I can to help elect them and Democrats across Texas this November.
I strongly oppose the proposal to close 12 HISD schools. Families and educators were blindsided. Under the state takeover, decisions that profoundly impact our communities are being made without transparency or public input.
Superintendent Miles should come before City Council and answer to the public. I stand with parents, teachers, and students demanding transparency and a real voice in these decisions.
Excited to launch monthly office hours to make City Hall more accessible to Houstonians! Residents from every corner of the city are welcome to meet with me at City Hall, by video, or by phone to share what’s on their mind.
Sign up here: https://t.co/NdNPCTPr9e
I am heartbroken and outraged by the killing of Renee Good by ICE. Her death demands a full, independent, and transparent investigation. I stand with Houstonians who have organized for justice. I will work with local officials to ensure our City’s policies protect Houstonians.
Walking into City Hall this week with my wife and my dad by my side to be sworn in as the newest At-Large Member of Houston City Council was a moment I will never forget. I am honored to serve this extraordinary city and excited about the work ahead.
Houston officially has its newest council member.
@ACSalinas_ took her oath of office earlier this afternoon in a council chamber packed with friends, family and supporters. https://t.co/DIGkZs5nUD via @HoustonChron
WE DID IT! With your help, we won the election, and I could not be more grateful. To our volunteers, our donors, our campaign team, my friends and family, and most of all my wife Elizabeth: THANK YOU. This was truly a team effort.
Now, we get to work. I’ll keep you posted on the next steps and look forward to working with you and for you to build a city that respects and serves every Houstonian.
I enjoyed walking with Emmanuel Nunez, Ruben Garza and Chris Mullins to discuss the opportunity Houston has to make our city safer and more accessible for all. As a City Councilmember, I will fight to achieve Vision Zero, and provide more transportation choices to every Houstonian, no matter what neighborhood they live in.
I had a great time on Hello Houston with @ErnieOnTV and @CelesteSchurman. Thank you to @HoustonPubMedia for sharing our campaign’s vision to fight for affordable and reliable city services in every Houston neighborhood
I am so humbled by the many people who have joined our campaign’s fight to deliver an affordable city for every Houstonian. This week, we finished first in a 15-person race — that takes real people power. But the work isn’t done yet
The runoff campaign begins now! Join our growing movement: https://t.co/tF6WzxvT6F
Thank You Houston! We had a great night last night, and it was all because of our incredible volunteers, generous donors, amazing friends and colleagues, expert campaign team – and my wife and family.
I am deeply grateful to those who voted for me and will work hard every day to earn the votes of those who didn’t. No matter who we are or what part of town we live in, we all deserve better roads, safer neighborhoods, more flood protection, and an affordable city with good-paying jobs.
Today is the last day to vote early! Please bring your family and friends. Elizabeth and I could not be more grateful for all of the love and support so many of you have shown us throughout this campaign.