Howdy WHA Members!
Once again, our region has been hit with a cold January, impacted by Winter Storm Fern, but this time our infrastructure was better prepared. WHA also spent January preparing with our Board Strategic Planning meeting and committees meeting to discuss our plans for the year coming together and building from our 2060 Plan Update released in 2025. As we roll into February, we move plans from conversation to action.
In a special runoff held January 31 to fill the long-vacant seat in Texas’s 18th Congressional District, Christian Menefee, former Harris County Attorney, won decisively over Amanda Edwards to represent much of inner-city Houston in the U.S. House. Additional political change is on the horizon with an April 4th off-cycle election for City of Houston District C, in addition to a number of primary elections in March that we discussed last month.
Meanwhile growth continues as Industrial Info reports that the Greater Houston area has roughly $15 billion worth of projects under construction across energy, manufacturing, and chemical facilities. This is a strong sign of continued private-sector investment in the region’s economic infrastructure. Additionally, Houston’s economic outlook remains solid with population and job growth continuing, supporting demand for housing, services, and infrastructure; an important backdrop for planning and growth strategies.
Against this backdrop of growth and change, WHA remains focused on aligning policy, planning, and investment while driving thoughtful conversations that turn growth pressures into opportunities for stronger, more resilient communities.
Coming up in a few weeks is our Municipal Water Reuse Forum on February 19th. The program will explore how municipal water reuse is shaping the future of sustainable growth and securing long-term water supplies. Featuring case studies and presenters from City of Richmond and City of Katy that highlight innovative strategies, infrastructure solutions, and policy opportunities that strengthen resilience across our regional water systems.
Our committees are ready for the new year with a full slate of meetings and initiatives in February. Kicking off the year is our Flood Control & Drainage Committee meeting on February 4th, followed by our Government Affairs Committee meeting on February 9th. Then we have two meetings on February 10, our Sustainable Infrastructure Committee, which is planning an April forum, and our Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Committee, which is working on a multi-year project to create new tools to improve park quality. On February 18th our Regional Mobility Committee will meet to discuss projects that have been delayed across the Greater Houston Region. Then on February 19th our Water Resources Committee is meeting to discuss outcomes from the February forum. On February 20th our Education & Workforce Committee will compare notes gathered from “Educational Village” style development across the state. Finally, our Quality Planned Development Committee will meet February 25th to discuss both updates to QPD recognition standards as well as the June symposium.
In case you missed it, our 2025 Annual Report has been published. The report highlights the work, partnerships, and impact of our members over the past year, and offers a clear snapshot of how the Association continues to advance leadership in quality growth across the greater West Houston region.
As we move into February, I am energized by the momentum carrying us forward and inspired by the continued commitment of our members to work together for a stronger region. This month invites us to deepen our collaboration, refine our priorities, and translate vision into tangible progress. As we build upon the foundation laid in January, we remain focused on advancing thoughtful growth, resilient infrastructure, and meaningful partnerships that will shape a more connected and thriving Houston for years to come.
Alan Steinberg
President & CEO
West Houston Association