Last month, I delivered my second State of the City address to business and civic leaders, focused on no new taxes, honest government that works, and a city that is strong.
Houston faces challenges like every major city, and we are confronting them head on. I’m proud to report that Houston is strong — and getting stronger every day. Stronger because we work together.
Houston is a city that works — a city residents can depend on to be responsive, responsible with tax dollars, and honest. We will not raise taxes in the next budget cycle. Instead, we will find efficiencies, increase collaboration, and eliminate corruption and conflicts of interest. It can be done, and it will be done.
I am keeping my campaign commitment to fix Houston by:
- Removing conflicts of interest and eliminating waste, duplication, and corruption
- Balancing the budget without a tax increase
- Adding more Houston Police and Fire Department recruits
- Purchasing 54 new trucks and providing more resources for garbage pickup
- Investing in neighborhood and pocket parks, including a planned transformation of Tranquillity Park with Downtown Houston+
- Holding discussions about a possible METRO light rail connection to our airports and a future water taxi service on Buffalo Bayou
On Infrastructure, my administration is:
- Replacing at least 200 miles of water pipes per year
- Paving 1,000 lane miles in 2026
- Investing $500 million in drainage and road improvements
- Coordinating with other agencies to improve Houston’s infrastructure
- Preparing Houston to be a premier city for residents and visitors ahead of the World Cup
As I said in my speech, while we prepare for the World Cup, we must treat Houstonians like they are our World Cup visitors as well. We are making progress — and that’s what I want to leave you with.
I am prepared to give the remaining six best years of my life to Houston, working 18-hour days with what I believe is the best team in America.
The Greater Houston Partnership and Houston First Corporation sponsored the State of the City.