A New Year for Houston: Resolutions for a Better City

As the city of Houston enters a new year, its residents are looking forward to a fresh start. With a growing population and a thriving cultural scene, there’s no denying that Houston is a city on the move. However, like any major city, it’s not without its challenges. From traffic congestion to a lack of affordable housing, there are plenty of areas where Houston can improve.

Embracing Progress and Growth

The past year has been a solid one for Houston, with the city avoiding any major hurricanes and continuing to attract new businesses and residents. The Michelin Guide’s second Texas-wide list highlighted the city’s vibrant dining scene, while new art installations and performances, such as the return of the Black opera Porgy and Bess, showcased Houston’s rich cultural heritage. Despite the progress, there’s still work to be done, and residents are eager to see the city tackle some of its long-standing issues.

Resolutions for a Better Houston

So, what do Houstonians want to see change in the new year? We spoke to local residents, business owners, and community leaders to find out.

Fixing the Roads and Food Scene

For Lisa Hadi, a local food influencer, it’s all about improving the roads and adding more food options. "Better roads and more Southeast Asian restaurants!" she says. With Houston’s diverse population, it’s no surprise that residents are eager to see more international cuisine options.

Using Public Transportation

Valeria Alvarado, a community member, thinks that Houstonians should commit to learning the bus routes near them. "They can use the train lines for Astros, Dynamo, or Rockets games, or Bus 82 for a fun day down Westheimer," she suggests. By using public transportation, residents can reduce traffic congestion and make the city a more livable place.

Voting for Change

Shea Jordan Smith, a political strategist, emphasizes the importance of voting for what and who you believe in. "Houston will have had one election every month, from October to April, but even beyond that, people will have to figure out who they want to have in their statehouses, going to Congress, working on the county level," she says. By exercising their right to vote, residents can shape the city’s future and create positive change.

Spending Money Wisely

Edward Pollard, a city council member, thinks that the city needs to have a sustainable budget. "We really have to start thinking about some of the commitments from a mass public transportation standpoint…. We’re going to have to look at more affordable housing," he says. By prioritizing spending, the city can address some of its most pressing issues.

Enjoying the City

Isabel Protomartir, a community manager and cofounder of Have A Nice Day HTX, encourages residents to get out and enjoy the city. "Get. Out. There. Stop scrolling and go do something new," she says. Whether it’s trying a new restaurant, attending a local event, or taking a class, there’s always something to do in Houston.

Supporting Local Music

Protomartir also thinks that Houstonians should support local music. "There’s not enough love for our local musicians," she says. By attending concerts and showing appreciation for local artists, residents can help create a thriving music scene.

Trying New Things

Shea Jordan Smith suggests that residents try new things and step out of their comfort zones. "Houston has so many incredible things to offer, whether it’s the museum, whether it’s going to look at art, whether it’s finding yourself at Bald Kitty on a Saturday," she says. By being open to new experiences, residents can discover all that Houston has to offer.

Embracing the City’s Growth

Eddie Maisonet, III, a sports editor at Chron.com, thinks that Houston needs to adopt a resolution to embrace being a world-class city. "Big events and major celebrities want to be here, which means out-of-towners want to be here, too," he says. By embracing its growth and popularity, Houston can become an even more vibrant and desirable place to live.

Claiming Houston with Pride

KB Brown, a local business owner and podcast host, has a message for people who claim to be from Houston but don’t actually live there. "Stop claiming Houston as your city! Just say you live on the outskirts!" she says. By being honest about where they live, residents can help preserve the city’s unique character.

Driving Safely

Brown also thinks that Houstonians should drive better. "We should absolutely have something where we hold these people accountable because the drivers are horrible… We should absolutely re-evaluate everybody," she says. By promoting safe driving practices, residents can make the city’s roads safer for everyone.

Finding Balance

Finally, Brittany Britto Garley, the editor-in-chief of Houstonia, reminds residents of the importance of balance. "So much is happening in our country. It’s easy to doomscroll and feel discouraged," she says. By finding time to rest, recharge, and appreciate the daily joys in life, residents can stay positive and focused on creating a better Houston.

Conclusion

As Houston enters a new year, its residents are eager to see positive change. From fixing the roads and food scene to supporting local music and driving safely, there are plenty of ways that the city can improve. By working together and embracing its growth and diversity, Houston can become an even more vibrant and desirable place to live. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer, there’s never been a better time to get involved and make a difference in this amazing city.