Howdy WHA Members!
At every level of government, the landscape continues to shift in ways that will have lasting impacts on Greater West Houston. In Washington, we are experiencing a government shutdown, with mass firings of federal workers being threatened, creating uncertainty for agencies and programs that directly touch our region. At the same time, a federal court is taking up a redistricting lawsuit that could reshape Texas’ congressional map and alter representation for years to come. These national dynamics remind us that local priorities often depend on the stability and decisions of broader systems.
Closer to home, Harris County has adopted a new budget while County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced she will not seek reelection, setting the stage for significant political change in 2026. On the economic development front, Eli Lilly’s decision to expand its footprint in the Houston area marks a major win for the region, reinforcing the value of our business climate and talent pipeline. Meanwhile, the City of Houston appears to have shifted away from METRO rail prioritization, which possibly signals a pivot in the future of transit planning; raising important questions about how we invest in mobility solutions that can sustain continued growth.
If you missed our Art of Placemaking forum, where we explored how arts and culture influence community identity and growth. The event featured speakers Anna Deans (Midway), Kelsey Thorn (Howard Hughes), and Grace Zuniga (Houston Arts Alliance), with moderation by Ernesto Alfaro (LJA Engineering). Together, they examined how creativity and thoughtful design can help shape vibrant places that attract people, investment, and long-term prosperity. Read more in this article: The Art of Placemaking – How Creativity Shapes Quality Growth.
Join us next week on October 8th, for our Public Officials and Awards Reception, where we will recognize outstanding projects and the leaders who make quality growth possible across our region. This annual gathering is a chance to celebrate collaboration and honor the people and initiatives shaping the future of West Houston. Looking ahead, mark your calendars for December 5th, when we convene for the Future of Transportation: 290 Mobility event. That program will highlight key investments and strategies driving one of our region’s most important transportation corridors, offering insights into how mobility improvements will support growth and connectivity for decades to come.
We also have a slate of committee meetings you are welcome to attend this month. Starting with our Flood Control and Drainage Committee on October 1st. Then our Education & Workforce Committee meeting on October 9th. Then our Government Affairs Committee will meet on October 13th to discuss how current policies and politics are impacting quality growth in our region. On October 14th our Sustainable Infrastructure Committee will be working on the Spring 2026 Forum followed by a meeting of our Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Committee immediately after. On October 16th our Quality Planned Development Committee will meet to discuss updates to our QPD standards and later that afternoon our Water Resources Committee will be discussing existing and future municipal water reuse projects and planning for their February 2025 forum. On October 20th our Regional Mobility Committee will be discussing projects being considered for our Mobility Excellence recognition and identifying regional priorities.
I’m looking forward to representing the West Houston Association at two forthcoming events this month. On October 2, I’ll be part of a panel at the Houston Permitting Center on Houston’s Urban Heat Island Effect, where we’ll discuss sustainable building practices, expanding the tree canopy, and nature-based solutions to address extreme heat. Then, on October 14, I’ll join Jason Johnson, CEO, MetroNational, and Lacey Hull, State Representative HD 138 on the Greater Houston Partnership’s Regions: West Houston panel, a conversation on growth, innovation, and the opportunities shaping the future of our region. Both events showcase the importance of collaboration and quality growth in building resilient, thriving communities.
As October gets underway, our committees continue to build on the momentum of the fall season. The initiatives and collaborations moving forward highlight the progress we can make when we come together around quality growth and a shared vision. From strengthening resilience to expanding opportunities, our collective work is laying the foundation for West Houston’s success—both today and in the years ahead.
Thank you for being part of this work and for advancing our vision for Greater West Houston!
Alan Steinberg
President & CEO
West Houston Association