District K: March 2025 Newsletter

March is here, and with it comes a season of celebration, reflection, and action! As we step into Women’s History Month, I can’t help but think about the incredible women—past and present—who have shaped our communities, led with courage, and paved the way for progress. Their stories inspire us to keep pushing forward, breaking barriers, and making a lasting impact right here in District K.

Speaking of impact, there’s so much happening across our district! From important conversations about short-term rentals to community improvement projects and engagement opportunities, we are working together to ensure our neighborhoods remain strong, vibrant, and a place we’re all proud to call home.

This month, I encourage you to take a moment to celebrate the amazing women in your life. Whether it’s a mother, sister, daughter, friend, or mentor—let’s honor their contributions and continue uplifting one another.

As always, my team and I are here to serve you. Let’s keep the momentum going and make March a month of progress, unity, and celebration.

Looking forward to seeing you all in the community soon!

In Service

Martha

Road Improvements Coming to S. Post Oak

We’re excited to share that Work Authorization No. 2 has officially been issued for panel replacement along this busy stretch of S. Post Oak. Construction began on March 3, 2025, and, weather permitting, the work should wrap up by summer 2025. The project is expected to take about 90 days to complete.

Why does this matter? These panel replacements will improve the driving experience, enhance safety, and help extend the life of the roadway. We know how frustrating potholes and uneven pavement can be, especially on a road that sees daily traffic from residents, commuters, and local businesses.

This is part of our continued effort to improve infrastructure across the district—focusing on the basics that make everyday life better.

✅ What to Expect:

• Panel replacement between Court Rd. and McHard Rd.
• Construction active through Summer 2025
• Smoother, safer roads ahead

Thank you for your patience as we work to make District K better every day. We’re not just talking about improvements—we’re getting them done.

#DistrictKInfrastructure #KeepDistrictKMoving

Walker Library Wins Two
Prestigious ULI Awards

The new branch was recognized in the Small-Scale Non-Profit category and took home the People’s Choice Award, which saw record-breaking public votes this year.

Announced at the February 11 awards ceremony at Armadillo Palace, the honors celebrate projects that exemplify excellence in design, construction, and community impact.

Built on the site of a former post office, the 23,260-square-foot library is a vibrant, art-filled hub featuring a café, TECHLink studios, flexible meeting spaces, and areas designed to connect visitors with nature. ULI praised its colorful, light-filled design as a true reflection of a modern community space.

Well done to the Houston Public Library team!

Willowridge Girls Basketball –
Bi-District Champs!

Although their playoff run came to an end, their journey was nothing short of inspiring. They fought hard, played as a team, and showed true class and character every step of the way.

Several players also earned All-District honors, including recognition as Offensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year — a testament to the talent and dedication throughout the squad.

We’re proud of you, Willowridge! Congratulations on a season to remember.

#DistrictKPride #ClassAndCharacter

Celebrating Our Afterschool Champions

We know that building strong communities takes all of us. Afterschool programs play a vital role in keeping our youth motivated, supported, and on a path to success.

Thank you for the heart, time, and dedication you invest in shaping young lives. Your work matters, and I remain committed to uplifting and supporting these valuable programs here in District K!

#AfterschoolMatters #CASEforKids #ThankYouProviders #HCDE #YouthDevelopment #DistrictKStrong

City of Houston Updates Heavy Trash and Depository Services

WHAT: Heavy Trash Collection Change

• Starting Monday, March 10, 2025, SWMD will transition from all-inclusive heavy trash removal to resume the regular tree waste-only collection schedule
• Residents are reminded to follow the City’s guidelines for acceptable items
• For waste outside of the guidelines, residents are encouraged to use one of the City’s Neighborhood Depositories

WHEN: Listed by Importance

• Heavy Trash Collection Change: Effective Monday, March 10, 2025
• Neighborhood Depository Hours Change: Effective Sunday, March 9, 2025

WHAT: Neighborhood Depository Daylight Savings Hours Change

• All six City Neighborhood Depositories will operate under new hours: Tuesday through

Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Each user must provide proof of residency, including a valid Texas Driver’s License or other ID, along with a current utility bill or city property tax receipt

WHERE: Neighborhood Depository Locations

• North: 9003 N Main, 77022
• Northeast: 5565 Kirkpatrick, 77028
• Northwest: 14400 Sommermeyer, 77041
• South: 5100 Sunbeam, 77033
• Southeast: 2240 Central Street, 77017
• Southwest: 10785 SW Freeway, 77074

For more information about SWMD and their services, visit www.houstonsolidwaste.org, “LIKE” them on Facebook at @houstonsolidwaste follow them on X @HoustonTrash. Download the app HTX Collects on Google Play or IOS Store to Never Miss an Update again! Call 3-1-1, the City of Houston’s Customer Service Helpline. 

HPL Events in District K –
Learn Online Banking, In-Person!

Join us for a FREE 5-week, in-person program right here in District K designed to teach you how to confidently use online and mobile banking tools. Whether you’re new to digital banking or just want a refresher, this hands-on course offers expert guidance in a relaxed, supportive setting.

💻 What You’ll Learn:

• How to check your balance and pay bills online
• Using mobile apps safely
• Setting up alerts and transfers
• Managing your money anytime, anywhere

📍 Location: Houston Public Library – District K

📅 Weekly for 5 weeks (Check with your local branch for exact dates and times)

This is just one of the many great programs offered through HPL. Stay tuned for more events happening in our community libraries—and take advantage of all the free resources available to you!

Space is limited, so don’t wait to sign up!

METRONow: A Bold New Vision
for Transit in Houston

Here’s what you can expect:

✅ Stronger Safety Measures – $7 million will go toward more officers, patrols, upgraded technology, and lighting.

✅ Cleaner Transit Spaces – $2.4 million for rapid cleaning crews, street sweepers, and improved landscaping across the system.

✅ More Reliable Service – 350 new buses, better sidewalks and streets, improved routes, and expanded customer service hours.

✅ Better Accessibility – Over 700 additional bus stops will be made fully accessible, plus ADA-compliant sidewalks, improved signage, and bike-friendly features.

The METRONow plan also includes permanent airport routes, support for major mobility partnerships, and preparations for the FIFA World Cup.

METRO is on the move—and it’s all about delivering a better ride for you.

👉 Learn more about the plan at RideMETRO.org

Houston is Getting More Efficient –
Here’s How

This citywide efficiency study looked at every department (all 22 of them!) and focused on four big areas:

✔️ How well things are performing

✔️ How departments are organized

✔️ How money is being spent

✔️ And how we can tighten up financial controls

Through interviews, surveys, and data analysis (plus comparisons to other major cities), the study gave the new Administration a clear roadmap to improve operations and reduce waste.

🛠️ What’s Already Happening:

Some changes are already in motion, including:

• Combining customer service and 311 to make it easier for you to get help
• Teaming up departments to respond faster to illegal dumping
• Streamlining permitting and inspections
• Centralizing how smaller purchases are handled
• Updating policies to keep spending smart and accountable

🔜 What’s Next:

The City is now working on:

• A balanced plan for the FY2026 Budget
• Smarter tracking tools like a spending dashboard
• Better ways to measure success and employee performance
• Stronger financial oversight to prevent waste

At the end of the day, this isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about improving the experience for you. Whether you’re calling 311, applying for a permit, or just counting on reliable city services, these changes are designed to make Houston work better for all of us.

Read the entire study here:

One-Stop Permitting Now Live
at Houston Permitting Center

This new initiative streamlines the process by offering in-person, same-day plan reviews, helping you get your permits faster and with less back-and-forth. Multiple departments will be available on-site to assist and review your project needs all in one place.

🕒 One-Stop Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM

📍 Location: Houston Permitting Center

📅 Program launched: March 3, 2025

If you or someone you know is planning a small construction project, this is a great resource to check out. For more info, follow along on social media or visit the Permitting Center website.

📱 Facebook & Instagram: @cohpermits

🐦 Twitter: @TheHoustonPermittingCenter

Have questions? The customer service team is ready to help!

HPD Women’s Career Fairs –
Explore a Future in Law Enforcement

The Houston Police Department (HPD) is hosting four Women’s Career Fairs throughout the month of March—and you’re invited! Whether you’re just starting out, looking for a career change, or simply curious about opportunities with HPD, this is your chance to learn more in a supportive, welcoming environment.

💬 Talk to female officers

🔍 Learn about various career paths

📋 Get tips on the application process

🚓 See how you can be part of something bigger

📅 Event Schedule:

March 4 – Fonde Community Center | 6 PM – 8 PM

March 12 – Denver Harbor Community Center | 11 AM – 1 PM

March 20 – Harold Preston SW Station | 6 PM – 8 PM

March 29 – Midwest Station | 11 AM – 2 PM

These events are open to the public—bring your questions, bring a friend, and bring your curiosity. HPD is looking for strong, dedicated women ready to make a difference in their community.

Scan the QR code above for more information or visit HPDCAREER.COM for more information.

Come see if a career in law enforcement is your next move!

Build Trust. Know Your Rights.
Strengthen Community

This FREE 6-week course is designed to spark real conversations and build trust, while equipping participants with valuable knowledge about police practices and the justice system.

📅 Dates: March 19 – April 23, 2025

🕠 Time: Wednesdays, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

📍 Location: Texas Southern University Campus

🎓 Graduation Ceremony: April 30, 2025 (with dinner and community celebration)

✅ Participants can earn 18 CEUs from Advanced Training Solutions (TCOLE-certified instructors)

✅ Receive a Certificate of Completion signed by course instructors and Mayor John Whitmire, co-author of Senate Bill 30

✅ Seats are limited — apply by March 14 at 11:59 PM

Click the flyer for more info and use the link below to apply for the Spring ’25 Training Cohort. Let’s keep working together to build safer, stronger communities—one conversation at a time.

Click here to apply

We’re safer and stronger when we work together!

Career Opportunities

LaneStaffing is ALWAYS hiring! Did you know that 80% of job placements happen through networking and community connections? Your referrals and partnerships help change lives, and we’re here to keep the momentum going!

💡 Community engagement leads to better employment outcomes. According to workforce studies, job seekers who utilize staffing agencies and community resources are two times more likely to find stable employment faster. We want to partner with you in making that happen!

🔥 This Week’s Hot Jobs

1. Transportation Voucher Program Specialist 🚌

📍 Houston, TX 77002 | 💰 Competitive Salary

📝 Role: Manage the Access2Rides transportation voucher program, ensure grant compliance, and conduct community outreach.

✅ Requirements: Experience with low-income populations, strong communication skills, and Microsoft Office proficiency.

2. General Laborer (Concrete Experience) 🏗️

📍 Houston, TX 77092 | 💰 $18-$20/hr (DOE)

📝 Role: Apply waterproofing, mix concrete, install rebar, and operate tools while ensuring safety compliance.

✅ Requirements: OSHA 10 or 30 certification + construction/concrete experience.

3. Office Court Coordinator 📋

📍 Houston, TX 77002 | 💰 $14/hr

📝 Role: Manage court dockets, process bail bond paperwork, and coordinate with court officials and attorneys.

✅ Requirements: Legal knowledge, excellent communication skills, and strong organizational abilities.

4. Paratransit Driver 🚐

📍 Houston, TX 77028 | 💰 $18.36/hr

📝 Role: Provide safe and reliable transportation for clients in Harris County.

✅ Requirements: Must be 21+, have a valid driver’s license (3 years with no breaks), and pass a DOT drug test, background check, and physical.

5. Operations Associate (Landscaping) 🌿

📍 Houston, TX 77054 | 💰 $21.01/hr

📝 Role: Manage landscaping projects, oversee crew scheduling, and maintain client relations while ensuring equipment maintenance and safety.

✅ Requirements: Strong landscape knowledge, project management experience, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

📞 Call us today! (713) 522-0000

📧 Email resumes to 👉🏾 [email protected] – and we’ll call them!

Youth Leaders – Your Voice Matters!
Join the A.I.R. Project’s Virtual Leadership Conference

🗓 Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025

🕖 Time: 7:00 PM CST

💻 Location: Online — log in from anywhere in the world!

This exciting event is packed with inspiring speakers, engaging conversations on agriculture and innovation, and a special spotlight on dynamic women leaders in honor of Women’s History Month.

🎮 BONUS: Stick around for the Fun Game Night, where you can win prizes and connect with other young leaders from across the globe!

The A.I.R. Project is all about connecting communities, empowering youth, and creating space for fresh voices in important conversations.

🎟️ Spots are limited, so be sure to register early to save yours!

👉 Digital Registration Link:

 https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Ql0fcQdWSXq6Ju_UU89xow

Let’s lead, learn, and laugh together at YLC-2025. You don’t want to miss it!

Sunset to Sunrise: Honoring Hiram Clarke, Embracing What’s Next

📍 Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center

🗓 Saturday, March 29

🕚 11 AM – 3 PM: Student Art Exhibition – “What does community mean to you?”

🕒 3 PM – 5 PM: Community Recognition & Celebration

For the past five years, the Hiram Clarke Community Resiliency Project has been empowering youth, building leadership, and strengthening community ties. This event is a moment to reflect, recognize local changemakers, and celebrate what makes Hiram Clarke special.

We’re proud to partner with The Sunrise Center, Houston Health Department, Rice University, and Windsor Village UMC for this inspiring day.

🌟 Spread the word! Invite your friends and neighbors!

🎨 Students – Want to showcase your art? Submit your art here.

🤝 Want to help? Volunteer with us..

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

— Hiram Clarke Community Resiliency Project

Virtual Public Hearing: Help Shape Houston’s Housing Support Programs

This is your chance to share input on recent changes to the program’s budget allocation and be part of the conversation around how we support unhoused and vulnerable populations in Houston.

🗓 Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025

🕥 Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

📍 Location: Virtual via Microsoft Teams

🔗 Join in English: bit.ly/esg-vph-eng

🔗 Únase en Español: bit.ly/esg-vph-esp

📞 Or call in (audio only): 1-936-755-1524

• English Conference ID: 308 697 888#
• Spanish Conference ID: 644 947 962#

💬 The public comment period will be open for five days, so even if you can’t attend live, your voice can still be heard. For questions about tenant-landlord concerns, contact Yolanda Guess-Jeffries at (832) 394-6200 ext. 1. Need accommodations like an interpreter? Contact Je’Lada Huff at (832) 394-8494 or email [email protected].

Let your voice be heard—your input matters!

Mark Your Calendar –
May 3 Joint Election Day

📅 Key Dates to Remember:

• Last Day to Register to Vote: Thursday, April 3
• Early Voting: April 22 – April 29
• Election Day: Saturday, May 3

Make a plan to vote—whether it’s early, by mail, or on Election Day. Encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same.

For full details, polling locations, sample ballots, and more, visit harrisvotes.com.

Your voice matters. Let’s show up for our community.

#VoteHouston #May3Election #YourVoiceYourPower #MakeAPlanToVote

Keep Houston Beautiful Day is Coming
Let’s Get to Work!

With the World Cup on the horizon, we’re looking to our international friends for fresh ideas on how to make Houston cleaner, greener, and more sustainable. 🌱

We’ve got three hands-on volunteer opportunities coming up—whether you’re into tree planting, neighborhood cleanups, or protecting our waterways, there’s a way for YOU to get involved and make an impact.

🧹 Stay tuned for more events happening throughout April—because we’re celebrating all month long!

Follow us on social media for updates, recycling tips, and more ways to help keep Houston beautiful. 💚

Together, we’re building a better Houston—one cleanup at a time.