President’s Desk: December 2021

Howdy WHA Members, 

As many of you are already aware, redistricting has been the hot topic for the past month. The new maps for Harris, Fort Bend, and Waller counties, as well as at the state and fedearl levels, means new public and elected officials are representing parts of the area in WHA’s footprint. The deadline to transition responsibility is not officially until January 1st, 2023, but in Harris County the commissioners agreed the transition would be completed by March 31st, 2022. WHA is hosting a members-only informal breakfast with Harris Commissioners Ramsey and Cagle and some of their staff from precincts 3 and 4 this week to learn more about how they plan to approach the transition  

Last month we hosted a newly revamped version of our Annual Awards CelebrationThe event recognized our class 5 & 6 rising leaders, compass award winners, incoming board members, as well as a Sustainability Stars Award for Parkland Square, and presenting the Star of Excellence Award to Russ Poppe. Members in attendance commented about how the event felt more festive and exciting than past years and are looking forward to the event again in 2022. Special thanks to our sponsors: The Howard Hughes Corporation, Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP, QuadVest, Nash Industries, and EHRA Engineering, as well as to Jennifer Boggs and her team of volunteers Kristin Morris (EHRA), Darcie Broadway (Nash Industries), Adam Morris (DEC), and Ray Aguilar (EHRA) for their coordination and execution of the event.

 As we prepare to roll into 2022, we already have three events on the schedule with more to be announced soon. On February 11th we will be hosting a Sustainable Infrastructure Conference in partnership with Houston Community College and Texas A&M University’s School of Architecture. This public event that will bring together theory, policy, and practice to discuss the present state of sustainable infrastructure and where we are going moving forward March 9th we will be hosting the new Harris County Administrator, David Berry who will be talking about the roles and responsibilities of his office and staff and some of the 2022 priorities for Harris County. Also, save the date for the 2nd Annual Rising Leaders Topgolf Tournament: Who’s Your Caddy on May 26th.  Please mark your calendars accordingly! 

Membership renewal information will be going out later this month. If you have questions about membership or becoming a Quality Growth Partner in 2022 please reach out to Jennifer Boggs 

We hope that you have a Happy Holiday season and look forward to seeing you in 2022!  

Thank you for what you do for the Greater West Houston Region!