President’s Desk: August 2022

Howdy WHA Members!  

So far, our Houston heat wave has not let up leading to near drought conditions across the state. If you are avoiding high gas prices, rather than walk to a near by destination, you might want to consider taking a bus! 

Speaking of buses, on July 14th we held a regional mobility forum specifically asking the question, “What is the Future of Mass Transit in West Houston?” Sanjay Ramabhadran, METRO Board Chair addressed that question and others in a moderated discussion with WHA’s Regional Mobility Committee Chair, Jim Webb (The Goodman Corporation).  

We also held our Rising Leaders session on Sustainable Infrastructure on July 22nd which featured presentations by Michael Bloom & Liz Parent (5engineering), Natalie Chaney (RPS Group), David Batts (Construction Eco Services), and Rucker Simon (Walter P. Moore) at 5engineering’s offices. 

Meanwhile our committees have been hard at work. We have been discussing our 2023 legislative priorities, City of Houston Municipal Utility District consents, and monitoring the Harris County Bond proposal in our Government Affairs committee.  The Water Resources committee engaged with Michael Gisclair (H20 Innovation), to learn more about their SILO modular MBR wastewater solution and are examining TCEQ rules and implications of how these might be used to support development in West Houston and beyond. WHA was also represented at HGAC’s July Regional Flood Management Committee, Houston Stronger’s most recent discussion with HCFCD, as well as the Katy Area Chamber’s meeting on 36A

Despite the lack of rain this summer, we still need to be ready for anything here in Texas. Especially since NOAA predicts an above-normal 2022 hurricane season. On August 4th we have recently appointed Director of Harris County Flood Control District Tina Petersen speaking at our 7th Annual Flood Control Forum, to address what the County has been doing since Harvey and the plans moving forward to increase the region’s flood resilience.  

There are also several committee meetings this month: Flood Control & Drainage on August 8th, Sustainable Infrastructure on August 9th, Education & Workforce on August 10th, Regional Mobility on August 15th, Quality Planned Development on August 18th, and Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces on August 23rd.  If you would like to be added to the email list or calendar invites for any committees, please let us know.  

Thank you for your support of the West Houston Association and working to improve quality of life for the 2,000,000+ people who live, work, and play across the Greater West Houston region!