s summer begins, the City of Houston is working nonstop on my administration’s priorities to enhance the quality of life for everyone.
This August, we will mark the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Harvey. Hurricane season started June 1, and I strongly encourage you to have a three-day emergency kit in case you must evacuate or lose power. Do not forget about purchasing flood insurance. Now is also an excellent time to sign up for the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry.
The STEAR program is a free registry that provides local emergency planners and emergency responders with additional information on the needs in their community. People with disabilities, those with communication barriers, or need transportation in an emergency should register. The website to signup is https://stear.tdem.texas.gov/Login.aspx
TAX BREAK
In June, the city council voted to increase the property tax exemption amount for Houstonians with disabilities and seniors aged 65 or older from $160,000 to $260,000. The increase will go into effect for tax bills that go out in October.
Based on our calculations, the exemption allows a 65-year-old homeowner with a home valued at $300,000 to exempt $260,000, paying city taxes only on the remaining $40,000. The ordinance will help keep the City affordable, and the tax exemption will help seniors and individuals with disabilities as the property value rises.
HIRE HOUSTON YOUTH
This summer, thousands of interns enrolled in my signature Hire Houston Youth employment program are working in various public, private, and philanthropic jobs where they will spend the summer “earning and learning.”
In April 2016, I launched the program through the Mayor’s Office of Education to connect young people ages 16 – 24 to eight-week paid local jobs and internships where they will gain valuable work experience, develop leadership skills, and build social capital. I want to prepare young people for a future filled with opportunity and success in Houston’s dynamic economy.
I wish everyone a happy and healthy summer. If you have any questions about services provided by the City, you can call your district council member or 3-1-1.
