Houston police officers to get 36.5% salary increase by 2030 under proposed contract
The five-year contract for the Houston Police Department would cost the city about $832 million over the span of the deal. It was struck as the city faces a budget deficit projected to exceed $200 million.
Houston water bill rates to increase by average of 6% starting in April
The increase is part of a series of rate hikes approved in 2021 as part of the City of Houston’s consent decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of Texas following multiple sewage spills that violated the federal Clean Water Act.
January snowstorm cost City of Houston $6.5 million as warming centers neared capacity
During six days of freezing temperatures, the city’s 10 warming centers served more than 1,300 people.
Mayor Whitmire completes overhaul of Montrose TIRZ board after disagreement on redesign
The board that manages localized tax revenue in Montrose has been completely overhauled by Mayor John Whitmire following disagreements over infrastructure projects.
Houston traffic fatalities rose to record numbers in 2024 as city lags on previous Vision Zero goals
A total of 301 people in Houston died last year as a result of a traffic crash, according to data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). That’s an increase of 29 deaths compared to 2023. The city's previous record for traffic fatalities was 295 set in 2021.
Houston Public Works has a new director, he’s not an engineer
Mayor John Whitmire wanted a change in city rules so his pick for public works director could take office. City Council approved his request Wednesday, and Randall Macchai is the new director of Houston Public Works.
Houston City Council considers extending ban on sitting, lying down on sidewalks to Magnolia Park
The city’s civility ordinance prohibits sitting or lying down on sidewalks during the day. It’s already in place in multiple neighborhoods, including Midtown and Museum Park.
Despite Prop B concerns, Houston pays membership dues for Houston-Galveston Area Council
After Houston voters overwhelmingly approved a proposition requiring proportionate representation in the regional council, no changes were made. Some city officials said Houston should refuse to pay membership dues.
Mayor Whitmire has Houston Planning waive sidewalk construction requirement in certain situations
In a memo, Whitmire told the Planning and Development Department to “use discretion and waive sidewalk construction” for certain single-family residential construction projects. The directive came after City Council considered an ordinance that would remove the sidewalk construction requirement entirely.
At State of the City event, Mayor John Whitmire highlights first nine months in office and promises ‘the best is yet to come’
Mayor Whitmire touted his efforts to address public safety, the foundation of his mayoral campaign. His first nine months in office have not been without controversy.
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