November 5, 2024 --

Today is Election Day. Don't let the rain stop you from going to the polls.  Elections matter, and you want your vote to count. For several weeks leading up to the election, I have partnered with Vote Houston to provide nonpartisan voter education and information to keep people informed. Turnout was strong during early voting, and I encourage you to exercise your right to vote on Tuesday, November 5.

This month, the city will honor the men and women who fought for our country. Our celebration and parade will occur downtown Houston on Veterans Day on November 11. Please join me and members of our community at this event.

I am deeply grateful for your unwavering support and invaluable suggestions over the past several months. My administration has worked tirelessly to make city government more accountable and transparent while eliminating corruption and waste. Like many major cities, Houston faces its share of challenges. However, what sets us apart is our collective determination to confront these challenges and create a better future for everyone. Your role in this process is crucial, and your efforts make Houston a truly great place to live.

Mayor John Whitmire

Taking Care of Business - A Snapshot of October

No Increase in Your Property Taxes

Houstonians can rest assured that there will be no property tax rate hike this year. The City Council, in a unanimous decision, has opted to maintain the current tax rate, rejecting a proposal to increase taxes by 5 percent.

This collective decision underscores our commitment to tax stability despite the budget deficit inherited by my administration and the challenges posed by the Derecho and Hurricane Beryl this year.

Furthermore, the state has responded positively to my request for funding, agreeing to assist the city in covering the $33 million cost of disaster recovery debris removal following the two storms. This is a significant victory for taxpayers.

Looking for Inefficiencies and Eliminating Waste and Fraud

My administration is also waiting for the results of a comprehensive audit of city departments conducted by Ernst and Young, along with a review of some of the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones.

The TIRZes spend large amounts of money with little government oversight.

We can run a stronger municipal government by identifying inefficiencies and eliminating corruption, waste, and fraud.

I don't think the Ernst & Young report will solve all our problems, but it will improve our conditions and, more importantly, let the public know we've done everything we can to be efficient.

Houston City Employees

In October, the City Council unanimously approved the labor agreement with HOPE, the municipal employees' union. The City of Houston ratified a labor agreement covering more than 11,000 municipal workers. It includes boosts in pay, a higher minimum wage, mandatory rest breaks, and post-retirement health insurance. I met with representatives after the City Council approved the well-deserved labor agreement.

I appreciated their kind words, "We're excited -- this is the best contract we've ever gotten," said HOPE union president Sonia Rico after the council unanimously approved the agreement.

She said, "The administration (in the past) has always been a problem, so with (Whitmire), the improvements are great," Rico said.

Read more: Houston Public Media Article -- October 23, 2024

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Scenic Houston

I am grateful to Scenic Houston for honoring me at its annual dinner last month and recognizing my work and commitment to preserving our city's scenic beauty. I appreciated the kind words that went along with the award: "For more than 40 years, Mayor Whitmire has dedicated his life to public service with a commitment to the well-being of everyone he serves." Our collective efforts have made a significant impact on our city, and I am inspired by the hope we bring to our community.

Houston is a great city. All major cities have challenges, but in Houston, we solve our challenges to enhance everyone's quality of life.

I-45 Construction Begins in Houston

I joined METRO, community members and TxDOT leadership to kick off the I-45 North Houston Highway Improvement Project construction with a big celebration touting the $13 billion effort as a gamechanger for the Houston area. The event signified the start of construction in the East Downtown area and in the Midtown and Third Ward areas.

We understand the importance of mobility which we're improving today not only for folks that live here, certainly the neighborhoods that provide services, think about the institutions that this project will support. Our med center, our retail, our sports venues, we're all in this together. Read the TxDOT news release: I-45 construction begins in Houston.

In Your Community

Saluting Our Veterans

Houston is proud to pay tribute to our men and women in the military by producing an annual "Houston Salutes American Heroes Veterans Day Celebration."

This civic celebration honors and celebrates the brave men, women, and families who fight for our liberty and freedom. The keynote speaker will be Retired Vice Admiral James W. Crawford III who was selected as Texas Southern University's president earlier this year. Find more details here: https://www.houstontx.gov/nov11/.

Supporting Our First Responders

During the month of October, I was proud to support our firefighters and police officers who show remarkable bravery each day as they respond to dangerous incidents across our city. On October 20, I was on the scene when HFD responded to a helicopter crash that killed four people, including a child. A few days later, I visited the fire station to have dinner with the crew and to thank them for their service.

I also had the opportunity to accompany Police Chief Noe Diaz to the aftermath of a family violence case that ended with a dangerous police pursuit and the daring rescue of two kidnapping victims. All of it unfolded on the Southwest Freeway, and I am so proud of how our police officers responded and protected the victims. Our first responders deserve our respect and gratitude for the work they do each day.

Celebrations and Observances

Celebrating Taiwan's 113th National Day!

I was honored to attend and present a city proclamation celebrating Taiwan's 113th National Day. It is a privilege to recognize the rich cultural contributions of the Taiwanese community in Houston and celebrate the spirit of freedom and friendship that unites us all.

Houston and Taipei are Sister Cities, and Taiwan is our ninth-strongest trading partner in the world. I also proudly announced to the crowd that I have asked GiGi Lee to join my team as the Chief of International Affairs for the City of Houston Mayor's Office.

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Celebrating Diwali

It was a privilege to host our city's first-ever Diwali celebration at City Hall. It was a beautiful occasion that recognized the light and unity this festival brings. Celebrated globally by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, Diwali represents the victory of good over evil and the illumination of light over darkness.

May the spirit of Diwali inspire us all to shine brighter, spread kindness, and strengthen our community bonds. Wishing everyone a joyous and prosperous Diwali.

Welcoming Young Houstonians to Their City Hall

Young people are our future. I always look forward to hearing their ideas, answering their questions and sharing my story as a public servant. It was a pleasure to welcome students from Carver High School. Their visit to one of the council meetings was a learning experience for them. After visiting my office, they even left city hall to exercise their right to vote in the election, a powerful demonstration of their civic responsibility.

I also met with Girl Scout Troop 122202 as they worked on earning a government pin. These young leaders shared great ideas for improving Houston. Seeing our youth engaged and with so much energy and insight is inspiring.

Celebrating Culture and Cuisine

I had a fantastic time at the 8th Annual Feria Del Taco hosted by La Michoacana Meat Market. It was an excellent way to end the weekend with thousands of Houstonians who gathered to celebrate culture and delicious food. La Michoacan Meat Market is a company founded by Mexican immigrants and proudly headquartered in Houston. They serve the entire community, offering fresh products and homemade meals.

Save the Date
75th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade

The City of Houston will jumpstart the holiday season with Houstonians' favorite tradition, the 75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade. Nine-time gold medalist Carl Lewis will lead the 2024 parade through downtown on Thursday, November 28th, starting at 9 a.m. to honor Houstonians who competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. Read the full news release.

This event is one of the oldest Thanksgiving Day parades in the country. Several hundred thousand Houstonians line the streets each year to cheer on participants. The parade will traverse 20 city blocks and feature elaborate floats, colorful marching bands, high-flying balloons, and other uniquely Houston entries.

New Appointments and Announcements

City Council approved my appointment of Cylenthia Hoyrd as the Director of the Office of Business Opportunity for the City of Houston. She is an entrepreneur and businesswoman who has dedicated a large part of her career to public service. Her diverse background will allow her to serve a wide range of companies and organizations.

On Wednesday, Nov. 6, City Council will vote on making Angel Ponce a new member of the METRO Houston board. He brings over 15 years of experience in advocating for individuals with disabilities and historically underrepresented groups.

In 2004, following a spinal cord injury resulting from a vehicular accident, Ponce transitioned to life as a wheelchair user. As a person with a disability, Ponce knows firsthand the challenges that people with disabilities experience in the Houston Metropolitan area and has devoted himself to serving as an advocate for the rights and needs of disabled citizens.

Ponce currently serves as the Director of the City of Houston Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), bringing forth a wealth of experience in both advocacy and government service provision.

-- Mayor John Whitmire

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