Notes on the Houston City Council Meeting on October 28, 2026

Agenda

1. Mayor’s Report
2. Public Hearing
3. Consent Agenda (items that require a vote, like purchases, resolutions, ordinances, etc.) ((including tax abatement code update)
4. Council Member Pop-Off

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Mayor’s Report

Tank Dell, wide receiver for the Houston Texans, made an appearance at city council. Mayor Whitmire praised his talents, remarked on his previous injuries, and proclaimed October 29, 2026 “Tank Dell Day.” Mr. Dell thanked people in his life, praised Houston, and thanked the mayor, calling him “John.” Several CMs praised Mr. Dell and wished him well during this season.

Agenda Items, Selected Works
Including the public hearing

• Item 1 was a public hearing regarding 11 properties under consideration for Landmark or Protected Landmark status in Districts C, D, H, and I. A representative from the Planning and Development Department outlined basic features of the designations and the proposed sites. There were four public speakers, all in support.
• Item 3 approved $350K for an “industrial fire brigade structural fire trainer,” which is a purpose-built, single-story, propane-fueled industrial structural fire training system designed specifically for industrial fire brigade training exercises.
• Item 5 updated the code on how Houston Public Works reports and notifies the public about projects.
• Item 9 approved $1.9M for election expenses.
• Items 18-20 all approved the submission of federal grant applications.

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Item 25 – Updating the Tax Abatement Code

A tax abatement is an incentive or a tax break the city gives to businesses, which are then usually held to certain standards. Today’s amendments updated those standards to include childcare subsidies; a minimum wage requirement not less than the minimum wage for City of Houston employees; the employer provision of health benefits; a requirement that 15% of construction labor is through certified apprenticeship programs; and a section for infill development agreements.

CM Flickinger proposed a “table amendment,” which basically means last minute, that would have weakened OSHA requirements so that businesses with violations nationwide would not be excluded, only businesses with violations in OSHA region 6 (Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma). That amendment did not get enough votes to pass, although it was the closest I have ever seen, 8-8. He went on to remark on how he wished tax abatement reform focused on more revenue for the city rather than creating jobs, because Houston does not have a jobs problem. He criticized these amendments for overcomplicating the matter and said the city doesn’t even do much tax abatement business anyways.

CM Salinas, who spearheaded this code update, said that if Houston is going to take on the “big burden” of taking in less revenue due to abatements, “we want to ensure that all Houstonians benefit from it.” CM Ramirez said he wants tax abatements to support smaller businesses, too. CM Panzarella added his support, citing union support. The item passed. CM Flickinger voted no.

Council Member Pop-Off

• CM Jackson shared about economic development in Greenspoint and street repairs in Fifth Ward.
• CM Huffman advocated for a detention basin underneath the ball fields at Memorial Middle School; funding is secured, they are waiting on a lease from Spring Branch ISD. She encouraged people to early vote through October 30 and exercise your “sphere of influence” by texting ten friends. She asked drivers to slow down on Halloween and be mindful of trick-or-treaters.
• CM Thomas recapped the Super Neighborhood 25 meeting, where they discussed redevelopment of the old Sugar Hill Golf Course. She plugged Alief ISD optimization meetings. The high risk rental building website is now live. Her next mobile day of care for the unhoused is 11/14 at The Church Without Walls starting at 9am.
• CM Castex-Tatum recapped a recent neighborhood cleanup. She said that 50% of the trash on the streets comes from people throwing trash out of their car and implored people to take it home and throw it away. There is a developer networking meeting on 10/29 from 6pm-8pm at The Fountain Life Center. There is a trunk-or-treat event at Marion Park on 10/31 from 10am-1pm.
• CM Peck plugged her office hours on 10/29 at Freed Park from 9am-11:30am, no appointment needed. Her State Of The District meeting is 11/5 at 6:30pm at 1414 Wirt Road.
• CM Martinez talked about a working group for connectivity around the George R. Brown Convention Center. He talked about renovations at Mason Park. He wished all a safe and happy Halloween and encouraged safe driving.
• CM Alcorn praised her colleagues for their work on today’s Items 5 and 25. She plugged the Budget and Fiscal Affairs committee meeting on 11/2, at which they will discuss the Open Space Ordinance. She is participating in the Witch Paddle on Buffalo Bayou for Halloween. Bike-tober lasts for one more week.
• CM Salinas shared news that now only one form of ID is needed to drop off waste at the dump; either your driver’s license or a utility bill, but not both, like before.
• CM Evans-Shabazz recapped District D events from last week. She wished Cindy Clifford a happy birthday.
• CM Castillo recapped District H events from last week. He plugged Meca’s Dia De Los Muertos Festival on Saturday and Sunday. He encouraged early voting through 10/30.
• CM Davis plugged a financial symposium on 10/29 at the Bayou Events Center from 9am-12pm.
• CM Flickinger remarked on the importance of keeping neighborhoods clean. He encouraged voting. He is working on a safety campaign for ebikes and scooters.
• CM Panzarella shared an update about a recent fire at Life of Jackson apartments and advocated for reform there. He encouraged a safe and fun Halloween.
• Mayor Whitmire adjourned the meeting in honor of Dolores Huerta, who passed away on October 28.

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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
http://www.harrisvotes.com

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.

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