 Monthly Newsletter
September 1, 2026
Issue 25
Dear District E Residents,
We’ve hit the ground running with the start of the school year and are already gearing up for National Night Out on Tuesday, October 6th. Since its founding in 1984, National Night Out has served as a national crime-prevention initiative aimed at furthering police-community partnerships, fostering neighborhood camaraderie, and deterring criminal activity. I’m looking forward to this year’s National Night Out, visiting as many neighborhoods as possible and interacting with the community. I encourage you all to take the opportunity to participate in these events by reaching out to your local community or homeowner’s association, to make sure we have your event on our radar please visit this link.
With public safety being a priority heading into fall, I wanted to share how my Council District Service Fund is being utilized this fiscal year. At the beginning of each fiscal year, July, I submit projects for approval to the Mayor’s Office and City Legal Department. These projects are based on the District E Case Work, which is derived from phone calls and emails from District E residents. Council District Service Funds are provided to each District Council Member through the City’s General Fund and separated into two buckets. One bucket is for infrastructure-related projects used in District E mostly for panel replacements while the other is utilized for more diverse district needs like supporting police overtime. Those submittals include our monthly weekend electronic recycling events, mowing across District E, removal of dead and dangerous trees along major thoroughfares, and over $120,000 dedicated to increasing public safety for District E through Houston Police Department Overtime Initiatives and Houston Fire Department equipment. Each project was carefully selected to meet the needs of all District E residents. The infrastructure projects have also been approved, and we expect them to begin before the end of the year. The infrastructure projects include panel replacements on Bay Area Blvd, Space Center Blvd, and Kingwood Drive. We look forward to working with our City Departments to start these projects before the end of the year.
Finally, I want District E residents to save the date for upcoming town hall meetings in September and October. Doors will open for browsing booths at 5:00 p.m., and the presentations will start at 6:00 p.m.
Kingwood/Lake Houston
Tuesday, September 22
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Kingwood Community Center
4102 Rustic Woods Drive
Kingwood, Texas 77345
Clear Lake
Thursday, October 8
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Space Center Houston
1601 E NASA Pkwy
Houston, Texas 77058
Southeast
Tuesday, October 20
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
St. Augustine Catholic Church
5560 Laurel Creek Way
Houston, Texas 77017
I have also extended invitations to several city departments, including Houston Public Works and Houston Parks and Recreation, as well as a range of community speakers and elected officials. In addition to various information tables for residents to peruse before the meetings begin. I look forward to everyone hearing these updates and addressing community questions, comments, and concerns. If you have a question you would like to ask, click here. This is the perfect opportunity to engage with your community and have your questions answered. We hope you will join us. Please feel free to invite a neighbor, friend, or colleague! Everyone is welcome to attend.
Sincerely,
The District E Office
Council Member Fred Flickinger
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Email: districte@houstontx.gov
Phone: (832) 393-3008
The District E Team
Dustin HodgesChief of Staff
Demari PerezDeputy Chief of Staff
Sloan SweeneySouth Sector Manager
Yucari RamirezDirector of Communications
Anneliese CookCommunity Outreach Coordinator
City Resources
Kingwood Community Center(281) 348-2570
Houston 311 (713) 837-0311
City of Houston Solid Waste Department
City of Houston Office of Emergency Management
Community Resources
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce
Partnership Lake Houston
Kingwood Service Association
Kingwood Super Neighborhood Council
Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership
    
Explore Space Center Houston’s New Learning Innovation Center
On Tuesday, August 12th, Council Member Flickinger and staff were honored to attend Space Center Houston’s exclusive Visions Briefing, highlighting the organization’s exciting plans for the future of STEM education and workforce development. During the event, attendees received an inside look at Space Center Houston’s Future Master Plan and its vision for expanding educational opportunities and preparing the next generation of the aerospace workforce.The evening also included a tour of the newly expanded Dhaval R. Jadav Learning Innovation Center and the authentic NASA Payload Development Laboratory II, where students and early-career professionals can gain immersive, hands-on experience. Council Member Flickinger appreciated the opportunity to learn more about these investments and Space Center Houston’s continued commitment to strengthening our region’s leadership in space exploration, STEM education, and workforce development.
Lake Houston Dredging District Board Meeting
On Monday, August 17th, Council Member Flickinger attended the inaugural meeting of the Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District, marking an important step toward developing a long-term, sustainable approach to dredging and sediment management throughout the Lake Houston area.
To date, more than 4.1 million cubic yards of material have been dredged at a cost of approximately $169.7 million, demonstrating the significant investment already made to support flood mitigation and resiliency in the Lake Houston watershed.
The creation of the Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District provides an opportunity to build on this progress and focus on the long-term dredging and maintenance needs of the lake. The Board will meet on the third Monday of each month at 11 a.m. at Partnership Lake Houston (110 W Main St, Humble, TX 77338) to continue these important conversations and keep progress moving.
Council Member Flickinger looks forward to continuing this work alongside our local, state, and federal partners to strengthen flood mitigation and resiliency for the Lake Houston community.
Galveston Road Rehabilitation Began Monday, August 17th
Council Member Fred Flickinger would like to make residents aware that Houston Public Works began a mill and overlay road rehabilitation project on Galveston Rd. from Brookglen Dr. to Winkler Dr., on Monday, August 17th. The scope of work includes milling and overlay of the existing asphalt street. The project cost is $1,280,000 and is funded through ad valorem tax. The project is anticipated to be completed by Saturday, September 26th, 2026, weather permitting. Construction activities are expected to result in minor traffic impacts, including a single-lane closure that may increase congestion. No disruptions to utility or city services are anticipated during the project.
Crews are scheduled to work Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
For more information, please contact Council Member Flickinger’s office at (832) 393-3008 or districte@houstontx.gov.
Lake Houston Dam Spillway Project Update
Phase II of the Lake Houston Dam Spillway Improvement Project is well underway. This phase focuses on the Lake Houston Dam Spillway Improvement Additional Gates Project, which will add eleven new tainter gates to the dam, increasing its controlled discharge capacity by an additional 79,000 cubic feet per second (cfs).
The engineering firm Black & Veatch has completed the 90% design plans, and field activities are progressing. The 90% design plans also reveal the expected construction cost is higher than before and no longer allows the City to qualify for the remaining FEMA grant funds. The project scope evolved to prioritize long-term safety and constructability. Rather than modifying the dam’s concrete structure, the additional gates will be constructed in the earthen embankment using a substantial cofferdam after engineers determined it was the safest and most practical approach. While these changes have increased project costs, they significantly reduce construction risk and help protect the drinking water supply for approximately 2.4 million people. When it comes to critical infrastructure like the Lake Houston Dam, safety must remain the top priority.
In parallel, the design team is actively engaging with regulatory agencies, including the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE-Galveston), and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), to discuss project details and streamline permitting review schedules. The Coastal Water
Authority (CWA) met with TCEQ in December and continues to work closely with USACE-Galveston and TPWD to explore options for expediting the approval process.
The District E office remains actively involved in this project, participating in bi-weekly coordination meetings with Houston Public Works, Coastal Water Authority, Texas Division of Emergency Management, and FEMA to ensure progress continues efficiently and transparently. Mayor Whitmire, Council Member Flickinger, Houston Public Works, and Coastal Water Authority are already working with our state and federal elected officials to secure the additional funding needed for construction.
AIAA Houston First Welcome Reception and Luncheon
On Monday, August 24th and Tuesday, August 25th, Council Member Flickinger and staff participated in events supporting American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) bid to bring the 2029 International Astronautical Congress (IAC) to Houston. The events included a welcome reception hosted by AIAA and Houston First at the George R. Brown Convention Center, followed by an AIAA luncheon at Space Center Houston in District E.
These gatherings provided an opportunity to welcome the Executive Director of the International Astronautical Federation and highlight Houston’s vision and qualifications to host this prestigious global event.
Bringing IAC 2029 to Houston would provide an incredible opportunity to welcome more than 20,000 members of the international space community to the Space City and showcase Houston’s continued leadership in human spaceflight and aerospace innovation. District E is especially proud to be home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the Houston Spaceport at Ellington Airport, Space Center Houston, and a growing network of aerospace companies and organizations helping shape the future of space exploration.
Site Visit Coordination with UtilityStakeholders in Kingwood
On Tuesday, August 11th, Council Member Flickinger met with representatives from Comcast, CenterPoint Energy, PS Lightwave, Optimum, and Brightspeed to address a growing number of utility infrastructure concerns throughout the Kingwood community.
Over the past several months, our office has noticed and received reports of low-hanging and downed wires, open or damaged utility boxes, exposed cables, and other utility infrastructure issues throughout Kingwood. In many cases, determining which provider owns the equipment can make getting these issues addressed more difficult.
Council Member Flickinger brought the utility providers together to discuss these concerns directly and provided each company with a list of reported problem locations. This allowed providers to help identify their equipment and begin working to address issues that fall under their responsibility.
Our office will continue working with utility providers to address these concerns throughout Kingwood. Residents who notice low-hanging lines, damaged or open utility boxes, exposed cables, or other utility-related issues are encouraged to send a photo and the specific location to DistrictE@houstontx.gov so our office can help identify the appropriate provider and ensure the concern is brought to their attention.
Clear Lake Chamber of CommerceGeneral Membership Luncheon
On Wednesday, August 26th, District E staff attended the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce August General Membership Luncheon. The luncheon brought together local business and community leaders to hear directly from Nassau Bay Mayor Phil Johnson, Seabrook Mayor Jim Sweeney, and Taylor Lake Village Mayor Jon Keeney, who provided updates on current projects, upcoming developments, and future priorities within their respective cities.
The luncheon provided a valuable opportunity to stay informed about the growth and development taking place throughout the greater Clear Lake and Bay Area region while continuing to strengthen relationships with neighboring municipalities and community partners.
The Chamber plans to continue its Cities Update series with Parts II and III at future luncheons, providing an opportunity to hear from the mayors and leaders of the remaining cities throughout the region.
Northpark Drive Overpass Project Status
TIRZ 10/Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority (LHRA) is progressing on Phases 1 and 2 of the Northpark Drive Project. Phase 2, which will expand Northpark Drive from four to six lanes, replace bridges, and add a 90-acre-foot detention basin, is moving forward with land surveys, right-of-way acquisitions, and easement preparations. Work on the Northpark Drive project continues, with crews active in several areas.
Construction continues to advance on the Northpark Drive Overpass Project, with progress being made on several major components throughout the corridor. Crews continue work on bridge embankments, retaining walls, bridge foundations, roadway paving, drainage improvements, sidewalks, and other infrastructure as the project moves toward its next phases.
Significant progress has also been made on the new 10-foot-wide sidewalks along Northpark Drive. Entergy has completed the relocation of utility poles that conflicted with the sidewalk alignment west of the Union Pacific Railroad, allowing for a continuous 10-foot-wide pathway along the north side of the roadway. The wider sidewalks are designed as multi-use paths that can better accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, and residents with mobility needs.
Work is also nearing completion on the two new entry ponds along Northpark Drive at US 59. Crews have begun installing high-density polyethylene liners in both ponds, which will help prevent water loss and maintain consistent water levels. Once installed, the liners will be covered with approximately one foot of soil to protect them from sunlight.
In addition to serving as attractive new gateway features into Kingwood, the ponds are an important part of the project’s drainage improvements. They will provide additional stormwater storage to help offset increased runoff created by the expansion of Northpark Drive. The project team is working to secure the property and necessary approvals for a well that will maintain water levels during dry periods, with the goal of having the ponds filled by the end of October.
As a reminder, the next TIRZ Board meeting will be held on Thursday, September 24th at 8:00 AM at the Kingwood Community Center. Every TIRZ Board meeting is open to the public. Visit the LHRA website for more information on the Northpark Drive Overpass Project and view the 2026 Board of Directors Calendar.
Paws in the Spotlight:District E Dog of the Month
Meet Bodhi (A2076166)! Bodhi is a 9-month-old neutered Labrador Retriever mix currently living in a foster home while he waits for his forever family.
Bodhi is a sweet, friendly, and calm puppy who loves people of all ages, especially children. He also gets along well with other dogs and has comfortably spent time around several dogs at once.
Bodhi is housebroken, walks well on a leash, and knows commands including “come,” “sit,” and “no.” His foster describes him as a true delight with a wonderful nature—and he even has a habit of smiling!
With his gentle personality and playful puppy spirit, Bodhi would make a wonderful addition to a loving family.
If you are looking for a loyal and fun companion, Bodhi may be a great fit for your family. Click here to learn more about adopting Bodhi or email BARCFoster@houstontx.gov
Utilizing 3-1-1 to Report Issues
Residents may act as extra eyes and ears on the streets, and soon you’ll be able to report a pothole, a malfunctioning traffic light, or a drainage problem while you’re out and about. Houston 311 has launched a new smartphone app that makes reporting issues like these easier than ever. The app uses GPS to identify your location and also allows you to snap a photo to add to your service request. The new app allows for reports to be automatically routed to city departments for resolutions.
You can still alert the City of Houston of issues by dialing 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311 of potential problems in your community. Houstonians can also access this helpful service via an e-mail to 311@HoustonTX.gov. A self Service Request (SR) form is available online at www.houston311.org. Once you’ve reported a problem please follow up with the District E office by emailing your case number and information on the issue to the District E office at districte@houstontx.gov to help ensure the problem is addressed promptly.    
District E Electronic Recycling Events
NORTH SECTOR RESIDENTS
 
SOUTH SECTOR RESIDENTS
District E Upcoming Monthly Events
Email the District E office (districte@houstontx.gov) if you would like us to include your upcoming event in future newsletters!
September 02 – Government Operations Committee Meeting
September 05 – Kingwood Electronic Recycling
September 09 – KSA Public Safety Committee Meeting
September 10 – How to do Business with the City
September 10 – HPD Northeast PIP
September 12 – Clear Lake Electronic Recycling
September 15 – HPD Kingwood PIP
September 15 – Citywide PIP
September 16 – Kingwood SNC
September 21 – Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance Board Meeting
September 21 – HPD Eastside PIP
September 22 – Kingwood Town Hall
September 24 – TIRZ Board MeetingSee a pothole, report it by calling (713) 837-0311
Tune to HTV Houston to watch live and recorded City Council and Committee Meetings.
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