Recent Developments in Houston City Council
The Houston City Council has been quite active lately, with several developments that are worth noting. From revised ordinances to a new emergency alert system, there’s been a lot going on at city hall.
New State Law Trickles Down
The city has updated its code to align with recently passed state legislation. One of the notable changes is the amendment to the city’s code in response to Senate Bill 1008, which prohibits the city from collecting fees to certify businesses that wish to sell alcohol. This change is expected to cost Houston around $3 million each year in lost fees and fines. Mayor John Whitmire has criticized the state for meddling in local affairs, which is interesting considering his previous role as a state representative and senator.
Making it Even More Illegal to Be a Pedestrian
The city council has passed a controversial ordinance banning people from sitting or standing in medians that are less than six feet wide. This ordinance has been criticized for targeting people who are poor or houseless, and councilmembers Letitia Plummer and Tiffany Thomas voted against it. Offenders can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor, which could include a fine up to $500. This ordinance has raised concerns about how it will affect people who are already struggling, and whether it will actually improve public safety.
A New Emergency Alert System
The city has tested a new emergency alert system that will send text message notifications to every cell phone in the Houston area in case of severe emergencies. This system is an update to the existing AlertHouston system, which required users to opt in to receive notifications. The new system is designed to send messages to international travelers visiting Houston in their set language, and Mayor Whitmire has praised the city’s preparation for emergencies.
Upcoming City Council Election
Councilmember Letitia Plummer is resigning her At-Large 4 seat to run for Harris County judge, and a special election has been scheduled for Tuesday, November 4. Several candidates have already thrown their hats in the ring, including Dwight A. Boykins, Miguel Herrera, and Jordan Thomas. Early voting starts Monday, October 20, and Houstonians should mark their calendars to make their voices heard.
Other Developments
The city council has also been discussing ways to increase revenue, including a possible trash fee to ease the Solid Waste Management Department’s troubles. Councilmember Sallie Alcorn has urged her colleagues to consider raising the tax rate when it comes up for a vote in October. Additionally, the city has unified the MLK Day Parade, which was previously split into two separate parades. Mayor Whitmire has praised this achievement, saying that hosting two parades was a safety issue and a waste of money.
Conclusion
The Houston City Council has been busy with various developments, from revised ordinances to a new emergency alert system. While some of these changes have been praised, others have been criticized for their potential impact on certain groups of people. As the city continues to evolve and grow, it’s essential to stay informed about what’s happening at city hall and to make your voice heard in upcoming elections. By staying engaged and informed, Houstonians can help shape the future of their city and ensure that it remains a great place to live for everyone.
