Howdy WHA Members!
As many of you may be following, the state of Texas recently enacted a rare mid-decade redistricting plan, signed into law by Governor Abbott last week that is widely seen as engineered to lead to more Republican held seats. The new congressional makes significant changes to districts in urban centers like Houston, Austin, and Dallas and is expected to alter the balance of congressional representation in the 2026 elections. While perspectives differ on the motivations and impacts of the plan, the outcome will impact how issues regarding infrastructure, resilience, and quality growth are addressed at the federal level.
Meanwhile, Harris County leaders are grappling with a significant budget shortfall, estimates range from $48 million to over $220 million, with debate centering on how to balance the budget without raising taxes. Judge Hidalgo warns that essential services like public health and emergency response could face deep cuts, while Commissioners Briones, Garcia, and Ramsey promote a plan of targeted savings, hiring freezes, and smarter spending to avoid tax hikes. A final budget vote is expected later this month amid growing partisan tension over the path forward.
August also brought renewed attention to flooding challenges in the Houston area, with both immediate impacts and long-term proposals making headlines. Heavy storms triggered flash flooding across the region, stranding vehicles and prompting high-water rescues in places like Mission Bend, while late-month downpours led to widespread warnings and submerged roadways. At the same time, Elon Musk’s Boring Company floated a $760 million tunnel concept aimed at diverting stormwater from the Buffalo Bayou watershed, a proposal that sparked both interest and skepticism as officials weigh its feasibility. Together, these events underscored the urgency of investing in flood resilience while balancing innovative ideas with on-the-ground realities.
Speaking of flooding, if you missed out last month on our Partners in Progress forum, be sure to check out the write up “Building Flood Resilience Through Collaboration.” The forum was a refreshingly candid and collaborative gathering, far removed from dry presentations. It showcased how, with honest dialogue and shared vision, Greater Houston can make progress its flood resilience through strategic partnerships.
We hope you can join us this month on September 18th for our Art of Placemaking forum, diving into how arts and culture influence community identity and growth. This event will feature Anna Deans (Midway), Kelsey Thorn (Howard Hughes), Grace Zuniga (Houston Arts Alliance) and be moderated by Ernesto Alfaro (LJA Engineering). Together, they’ll explore how creativity and design shape vibrant places that attract people, investment, and long-term prosperity.
In the meantime, be sure to join us for a full month of committee meetings. Starting with our Flood Control and Drainage Committee on September 3rd. Then our Government Affairs Committee will meet on September 8th to discuss what’s happening during the legislative special session. On September 9th our Sustainable Infrastructure Committee will discuss some projects for possible recognition as Sustainability Stars followed by a meeting of our Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Committee immediately after.
On September 11th our Quality Planned Development Committee will tour a commercial development in Westchase as they work to update QPD commercial standards. On September 15th our Regional Mobility Committee will be discussing projects that are receiving our Mobility Excellence recognition. September 18th, our Water Resources Committee will be discussing existing and future municipal water reuse projects. Then our Education & Workforce Committee meeting will be on September 24th
As the fall season begins, our committees are pushing forward with focus and momentum. The ideas and partnerships taking shape show how much we can accomplish when we align around quality growth and shared purpose. Together, we’re advancing work that strengthens resilience and creates opportunities for West Houston today and for the future.
Thank you for being part of this work and for advancing our vision for Greater West Houston!
Alan Steinberg
President & CEO
West Houston Association