Last month, the City Council came together to adopt the FY 2027 $7.5 billion budget on a vote of 15-1. The budget closes a deficit of more than $200 million without raising property taxes. We also passed a $5 monthly administrative fee to support solid waste services. The new fee will take effect on July 1 and will be included on residents’ water bills beginning in August.
These changes reflect the real cost of delivering services and help ensure long-term fiscal stability. We have a lot of work to do, but Houston is stronger today because of this budget. We had over 90 briefings in every corner of the city, received letters of support from over 90 groups, and the council vote speaks for itself. The budget lays the foundation for the City of Houston to be on a sound financial footing in the future. Certainly, it is not the final solution, but this budget addresses our basic services, finances, public safety, drainage, solid waste, and quality of life issues.
Welcoming the World to Houston
Houston is proud to host seven games during the FIFA World Cup 2026™. It is not just about the matches played on the field. Our city has welcomed people from around the world to enjoy the Fan Festival and watch the games inside Houston Stadium (NRG) or on television.
Our team and local host committee worked hard to make this moment possible. The energy, pride, and international spirit on display showed exactly what it means for Houston to welcome the world. Our hospitality, diversity, and business success show that Houston is a city meeting its challenges.
A New Health Partnership
The City of Houston is now home to the nation’s first whole-institution Academic Health Department. The Houston Health Department and UTHealth Houston partnership is a major step forward to strengthen public health, grow our future healthcare workforce, and better serve Houstonians. Thank you to HHD Dr. Teresa Tran and UTHealth President Dr. Melina Kibbe for their leadership. Our city health department has long believed that meaningful partnerships drive measurable impact. Working alongside UTHealth Houston allows us to prepare the next generation of leaders while delivering real-time solutions to the complex health challenges facing our communities.
Powering the City for a Stronger Future
ExxonMobil and United Way of Greater Houston announced a donation to the City of Houston’s Power Protection Plan to help strengthen the region’s natural disaster infrastructure. The donation supports the purchase and installation of a generator at the Fonde Community Center in the Third Ward.
When I became mayor, I was surprised to find that most of our critical city facilities, including fire and police stations, lacked generators for emergencies. The Power Protection Initiative I launched will install generators in 100 of our facilities following years of neglect. This is exactly the kind of partnership Houston needs