Notes on the Houston City Council Meeting on March 18, 2026
Agenda
- Mayor’s Report*
- Consent Agenda (items that require a vote, like purchases, resolutions, ordinances, etc.)
- Council Member Pop-Off
*The mayor did not make a report today.
Agenda Items, Selected Works
- Items 1 and 2 appointed five people to the Uptown TIRZ. Items 3 and 4 would have approved seven people to the Memorial City TIRZ but CM Huffman tagged both.
- Item 5 approved $388K for eminent domain proceedings on land for the the Booker Landfill-West Donovan Drainage Project in District B. Eminent domain allows a government to compulsorily acquire private property at fair market value for public use or benefit.
- Item 7 approved $545K for radios for the fire department.
- Item 8 approved $4.5M for portable toilets and handwashing stations through 2031.
- Items 11 and 12 created a “Managed Pedestrian Area” along Main Street from Commerce to Dallas. The Downtown Management District is turning this area into a pedestrian-only space, plus the rail. CM Martinez and Mayor Whitmire both praised the program, especially as the city gets ready for the FIFA World Cup.
- Item 17 approved $46M from an airport construction fund for the renovation of the central utilities plant at IAH, on top of $34M already spent. The support doc says this will fund the purchase of equipment, gear, and testing services, and the buildout of the boiler room.
- Item 18 approved $782K for the redesign of Fire Station 80.
- Item 19 approved $25M for the renovation of the South Central Police Station.
- Item 20 approved $4M for playground improvements at 11 parks across the city.
- CM Davis attempted to tag the item, citing concerns about Yellowstone Park not receiving funding despite dilapidation, but was dissuaded.
- CM Alcorn explained that this funding is from the Open Space Ordinance, aspects of which the administration is currently looking to update, such as funding distribution, zoning, and fees. Upcoming dates for public engagement on the Open Space Ordinance are the Planning Committee on April 24, a public hearing on April 30, and a possible final hearing on May 14.
- CM Carter said that dilapidated playgrounds are dangerous and a liability for the city.
- CM Kamin said that extreme heat caused by climate change is causing heavier wear and tear on playground equipment. She advocated for more shade at parks and said this item is a good deal.
- Item 21 approved $241M from the Airports Improvement Fund for the modernization of the Skyway people mover at IAH. “Due to the proprietary nature of the system … the original manufacturer must perform the work.” The work is expected to last 5 years.
- Item 30 would have approved the acceptance of a $150K grant from the State of Texas for overtime funding for a “violent gang suppression program” at HPD’s Northeast and Westside divisions. CM Pollard used the item to ask the mayor (again) why he will not approve Pollard’s use of his own council district service funds (CDSF) for HPD overtime programs in District J. The mayor told Pollard he is politicizing the issue, attempting to control HPD policy, and to take it up with the Chief of Police. CM Pollard tagged the item, so it’s on hold for one more week.
Council Member Pop-Off
- CM Ramirez encouraged participation in the District C special election, as CM Kamin is vacating her seat to run for Harris County Attorney. Ramirez said that turnout in local elections is usually low and pointed to the water crisis in Corpus Christi as an example of why local elections matter. Early voting is until 3/31 and election day is 4/4.
- CM Castex-Tatum plugged the unveiling of a Charlotte Baldwin statue at the Julia Ideson Library 3/19; Sensory Fest on 3/21 from 1-4pm at the Stimley Blue Library; the Willow Waterhole Music Festival on 3/28 from 11am-8pm; a live chat with Texas Housers 3/19 at 11am.
- CM Peck is having office hours on 3/19 from 9am-12pm at Freed Park. The Battle of the Branch is on 3/21, which is a softball game between Spring Spirit students and HFD/HPD. She plugged a meeting on 3/25 at 6:30pm at Faith Center Church for people interested in starting a Super Neighborhood or civic club.
- CM Martinez plugged the Houston Latino Film Festival. The Dixie Little League kicks off their 76th season on 3/21. He welcomed a new intern.
- CM Pollard applauded three of his staff who reached their five year mark with the city.
- CM Salinas will have office hours on 3/25 from 3-7pm, sign up at houstontx.gov/council/4. She honored HPD Officer Melson Torres, who has been with the force for 19 years, for Women’s History Month.
- CM Carter welcomed back CM Jackson, who has been away recovering from surgery.
- CM Evans-Shabazz thanked the mayor for his attention to solid waste issues and illegal dumping in District D. She plugged the MacGregor Super Neighborhood meeting on 3/19 at 6:30pm; the Hall Guild general body meeting on 3/19 at 7pm; the Ann Taylor Park reopening ceremony on 3/21 at 9am. She congratulated CM Ramirez on participating in the MS 150. She welcomed Cece Scott to her staff. She plugged the District D newsletter.
- CM Davis recapped a recent Minister Advisory Board meeting. He plugged a Housing Spring Action Plan meeting on 3/31 at the Alief Community Center (but I think he means the Alief Neighborhood Center). He commemorated Army Corporal Lonnie Fields, who is being honored and memorialized today at the Houston VA Cemetery. Davis highlighted his Pastors, Police, and People (PPP) program, which aims to have pastors ride along with HPD officers in an effort to reduce crime. He particularly mentioned youth crime at the rodeo this past weekend.
- CM Flickinger criticized tax abatements, citing a recent Baker Institute report.
- CM Kamin asked for help with two projects; 1) replacing the barrier at Travis and Dryden that was removed due to construction, and 2) assistance on 21st between Shepherd and Durham where a large complex and narrow street is creating dangerous parking complications. She plugged the District C annual rain barrel sale coming up in April. She encouraged voting in the District C special election. She congratulated her chief of staff on her wedding this past weekend and reaching five years of service with the city. She wished a happy anniversary to her husband, Matt.
- CM Jackson thanked people for their thoughts and prayers during her recovery. She said it’s expected to take 9 months to recover and she is doing okay. Her chief of staff has also reached five years of service.
- CM Huffman commented on recent violence at the rodeo and throughout the city. She praised law enforcement and rodeo leadership for shutting down the carnival early on Saturday. She said, “When behavior like that happens in Houston, it really overshadows the spirit of the rodeo, which is about scholarships and kids and families.”
Who took these notes? And what resources did they use?
My name is Emily Hynds. I am a writer, small business owner, producer of the monthly storytelling series Grown-up Storytime, and lifelong Houstonian. I am not a journalist or government official. I am a local government enthusiast who believes meaningful change starts at home. These notes are presented from my point of view and with my framing and are not comprehensive. Your notes will certainly be different and I would love to read them if you attend.
I watched this City Council meeting via HTV: https://www.houstontx.gov/htv/
While compiling these notes I used the following sources:
https://houston.novusagenda.com/agendapublic
https://houwatch.com
https://www.texastribune.org/2026/03/08/texas-corpus-christi-water-crisis/
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/houston/article/whitmire-pollard-district-patrol-overtime-22083501.php
You can find your City Council Member and their contact info at: https://www.houstontx.gov/council/whoismycm.html
Thank you to the volunteers who proofread these notes.
My Patreon is patreon.com/emilytakesnotes.
