Can you believe that we are in the final few months of 2022? As we begin to turn our attention soon to cooler temperatures and the holiday season, I want to provide an update from Houston City Hall and all the projects my administration is working on to enhance the quality of life throughout our community.
One Safe Houston
On Saturday, October 8, we will partner with Harris County, our federal partners, and community groups to hold a second gun buyback. It will take place at the METRO Park and Ride at 11050 Harwin Drive. The first one was very successful and removed nearly 900 weapons from our streets. This event aims to help reduce gun violence, suicides, and accidental deaths caused by firearms.
Navigation Center for Homeless Transitional Living
In September, the Houston City Council approved over $1.9 million for a new Homeless Navigation Center. The center will be in Northeast Houston and provide temporary housing for up to 100 homeless individuals annually for 60 to 90 days. This is a partnership with the Coalition for the Homeless and Harris County. The navigation center is not a permanent shelter. Still, it will provide a transition for people experiencing homelessness to receive job training classes, case management, and additional support to become productive members of our community. As national media has recently reported, Houston is a model for reducing homelessness, and it is capturing the attention of other cities. I recently met with Denver’s mayor and Colorado delegations, who are learning more about our work.
Mayor’s Office of Adult Literacy
The Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy recently celebrated its third anniversary. I was honored to name Astros Manager Dusty Baker Jr. as our Literacy Ambassador. While he is busy leading the team to the playoffs, he will also lend his voice to helping adults learn to read and write. In 2019, I established the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, the only mayoral office of its kind in the United States, in partnership with CITGO Petroleum Corporation.
Inflation Reduction Act
I was invited by the White House to celebrate the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act. I also recently welcome Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to Houston. In 2021, Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which allows billions of dollars to be distributed over the next five years. The secretary announced millions of dollars will be spent in Houston to improve our airports and public transportation.
Queen of England Dies
The city of Houston was saddened to learn that Queen Elizabeth II passed away. I extend my condolences to all those living in Houston who consider her their Queen. We have a close relationship with the British Consulate General Houston, and I stopped by to sign the Royal Condolence Book. I wish King Charles all the best. I met him at 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference.
