In a related City Council action, Council approved a lease agreement with Star of Hope as the landlord, for the site of the new Sobering Center at 150 North Chenevert Street.

City Council approved an amendment to Chapter 40 of the Code of Ordinances relating to Monitoring Wells and the Soil Boring program. The results of a recent comparative study to evaluate the Monitoring Well and Soil Boring Permit program concluded the program was not self-sustaining program. Council adopted an initial schedule of fees to recapture actual expenses for administrating the program. During the last fiscal year, the City of Houston performed approximately 2,300 well site inspections and issued 781 permits to protect the environment and the public water supply.

Council Members approved an advance funding agreement between the city and the Gulf Coast Rail District for reimbursement of construction, design and safety improvements relating to eleven grade crossings along the East Belt Rail Corridor. New additions include concrete curb work, installation of guardrails for low traffic crossings, median devices for high traffic crossings pavement markings, and signs. Funding for this project was made available through the Federal Railroad Administration.

Council approved a contract with LEM Construction Co. Inc. to improve the Imperial Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant, 15500 Cotillion Drive, and Northgate Wastewater Treatment Plant, 303 Benmar Drive, Houston. Updated or replaced items include: airlift pumps, air conditioning, electrical equipment for lift station, motors, piping and wet well, pumps, structural, interior ventilation system projects. Improvements to both plants will ensure more efficient operation.

Council Member Noriega encourages the public to provide input and comments at the remaining joint committee meeting relating to the expansion of international flight service at William P. Hobby airport.

The Joint Council Committee meeting will include a brief overview from Chief of Economic Development, Andy Icken and a public comment period. To provide your comments to the
committee members please attend the meeting or if you are unable to attend, please consider writing to any Council Member and Mayor Annise D. Parker.

Joint Council Committee Meeting
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
6:00 p.m. – 8: 00 p.m.
Marriott Houston South
9100 Gulf Freeway
Houston, Texas 7017

Council Member Noriega and staff are available to answer any questions.
Atlarge3@houstontx.gov

City Council approved the purchase of eighty DriveCam Video event recorders (VERs) and the DriveCam subscription and online license to be used by the Solid Waste Management Department. This purchase allows for the monitoring and documentation of risky and unsafe driving by Solid Waste Management drivers. Driving patterns with heavy breaking, quick stops and vehicle impacts will be reviewed and if necessary follow-up action will occur.

The Houston Fire Department and Fire Training Facility have Council’s approval to purchase 202 new Eagle Attack Thermal Imager Cameras which will replace those that have reached their useful service life. The new, higher resolution cameras allow firefighters to rescue and recover victims in hidden fires and dangerous environments without breaking through ceilings or walls.

Council adopted an ordinance to accept $1.2 million in National Institute of Justice grants funds for the DNA Backlog Reduction Program in the Houston Police Department’s Crime Lab. Funding will be used to address reducing by outsourcing the reduction of forensic DNA case backlog and the number of untested sexual assault kits in the Property Room and Crime Lab.

The Houston Police Department received Council approval to accept a $132,000 grant from the Office of the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division. The funding will aid in the expansion of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs services in the Toxicology Section.

Council Members approved the appropriation of funds to address storm drainage improvements, concrete paving, curbs, driveways, sidewalks, and underground utilities in the Binglewood Area and nearby drainage areas.

The Office of Council Member Melissa Noriega would like you to know about the following events:

Joint Council Committee Meetings – Budget Fiscal Affairs and Transportation, Technology & Infrastructure

Wednesday, May 9, 2012, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Doubletree Hotel JFK
15747 JFK Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77032

Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Marriott Houston South at Hobby Airport
9100 Gulf Freeway
Houston, Texas 77017

This joint committee meeting will allow discussion on the airport issue of international travel out of William P. Hobby airport. The meetings will include an overview from Chief Economic Development Director, Mr. Andy Icken, of the proposed expansion of international flight service at William P. Hobby Airport. Public comments are welcomed at the conclusion of the presentation.

Houston Fire Department and the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Care Van Program FREE Immunizations
A parent or guardian may bring their child/children between the ages of 0-18 years to the following participating Houston Fire Stations for FREE immunizations.

Thursday, May 10, 2012, 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Larkin Community Center
5410 Larkin Street
Houston, Texas 77007

Thursday, May 17, 2012, 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Kingdom Builders Family Life Center
6011 West Orem
Houston, Texas 77045

Fresh Air Friday
Come enjoy the Fresh Air, free food and drinks while you learn about the clean air programs that allow our region to be environmentally healthy.

Friday, May 11, 2012, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Jones Plaza at Louisiana between Jones Hall and Bayou Place Houston, Texas 77002

Metropolitan Transit Authority Board of Directors Special Called Meeting
The Board of Directors will discuss METRO’s General Mobility Program and the upcoming referendum. The community will have the opportunity to provide comments with a three minute limit.

Friday, May 11, 2012, 9:00 a.m.
1900 Main, 2nd floor Board Room
Houston, Texas 77002

City Council approved final payment to Apache Services, Inc. for upgrades and construction at Eastwood Park, 5000 Harrisburg and Cliff Tuttle Park, 6200 Lyons. The Eastwood Park’s enhancements included a parking lot expansion, security light installation, irrigation, landscape sidewalk upgrades. Cliff Tuttle Park received drainage, irrigation, landscape, and sidewalk enhancements, as well as a new pavestone parking lot. Both city parks are located in District H.

Council Members approved the reinstatement of a mileage fee for all Emergency Medical Service (EMS) transports. The $13 mileage fee will generate a $2.7 million increase in the annual collections of EMS Transport billings.

Goodwill Industries of Houston received Council authorization to establish an $112,200 contract with the City of Houston to assist with the operation of their Community Rehabilitative Services program. This program provides approximately 350 individuals with developmental, mental and physical disabilities with employment services and opportunities.

The Houston Police Department (HPD) received Council authorization to submit a grant application to the Texas Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority (ABTPA) in support of the Houston Auto Crime Task Force. HPD has been participating in this program for 21 years and is the coordinating agency with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office (FBCSO) and the Harris County Metropolitan Transit Authority Police Department (METRO) for this application.

City Council Members approved a $760,000 appropriation of funds for improvements and upgrades to the Upper Brays Wastewater Treatment Plant in District F. Improvements to the treatment process control system and the clarifier mechanism and an assessment of the sludge processing and return systems are included in the scope of this action.

The Office of Council Member Melissa Noriega would like you to know about the upcoming meeting and event:

Joint Council Committee Meeting: Budget Fiscal Affairs and Transportation, Technology & Infrastructure
Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 9:00 a.m.
City Hall Chambers, 2nd floor
Houston, Texas 77002

This joint committee meeting will allow discussion on the airport issue of international travel out of William P. Hobby airport. It will include a presentation and discussion over the assumptions and methodology used to prepare The Economic Impact of International Commercial Air Service at William P. Hobby Airport report and presentations from Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. Public comments are welcomed at the conclusion of the presentations and discussions.

Houston Fire Department and the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Care Van Program FREE Immunizations
A parent or guardian may bring their child/children between the ages of 0-18 years to the following participating Houston Fire Stations for FREE immunizations.

Thursday, May 3, 2012, 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Houston Fire Station 29
4831 Old Galveston Road, Houston, 77017

Thursday, May 10, 2012, 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Larkin Community Center
5410 Larkin Street, Houston, 77007

Council members approved an ordinance to authorize a contract between the Department of State Health Services and the Houston Department of Health and Human Services for family planning services. The contract enables the city to attain reimbursement for medical and counseling services, client and community education, outreach, and referrals to partnering health groups. The family planning program will center their efforts on childbearing aged females and males of reproductive age.

In an effort to provide grant funded dental services to low income seniors, Council members approved an ordinance authorizing a contract between Poindexter Dental, Inc. and the Harris County Area Agency on Aging. Poindexter Dental, Inc. will provide dental procedure, dental screenings and dental appliances to low income seniors.

A contract between the City and Ibn Sina Foundation was approved by Council providing $875,000 in grant funding to acquire an existing 4050 square foot facility for the creation of a new Community Dental and Diagnostic Imaging Center in District C.

City Council approved an ordinance allowing for the Houston Police Department to apply and accept $80,715 from the Fugitive Apprehension/Crime Reduction grant funded program. Appropriated grant funds will be used by the HPD North Division Warrant Execution Team in the North Division’s third and sixth districts.

An Interlocal Agreement between the City and Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) was authorized by Council Members allowing for the $50,000 allocation and the commencement of the Greater West Houston Subregional Planning Study. The Study will focus on identifying priorities and goals, assessing current conditions, evaluating transportation use and land use, developing and implementing policies and proposals. The general area of study is bound by FM 529/SH 290 north, Fairburks/Blaylock/Beltway 8 east, Bellaire south, and SH 99 west.

The Office of Council Member Melissa Noriega would like you to know about the following Special Called Joint Council Committee meeting next week.

A Special Called Joint Council Committee on Transportation, Technology & Infrastructure and Budget & Fiscal Affairs meeting will be held on Monday, April 16, 2012, 10:30 a.m., City Hall Chambers, 901 Bagby, Houston, 77002. A presentation from Director Mario Diaz on the Recommendation on Southwest Airlines’ request for expansion of federal Inspection Facilities at William P. Hobby Airport will be given. Public comments are welcome upon the conclusion of the presentation and discussion.

The minutes of this week’s and previous council meetings can be viewed at: http://www.houstontx.gov/

Grounds equipment to be purchased include one 124-inch cutting width rotary riding mower, thirty-four 72-inch deck width rotary riding mowers, one 135-horsepower four-wheel drive cab tractor, two 120-horsepower tow-wheel drive cab tractors and two 21-foot cutting width triple- gang flail mower tractor attachments to be used by the Parks and Recreation department and the Houston Airport System.

City Council approved an ordinance to allocate funding for a roof overlay at the Sunnyside Multi-Service Center in District D. In addition to the new “cool roof” construction, new exterior improvements, new overflow drainage system installation, and new interior drain lines will be included in this 60 day project.

Frank Watson, Sr. was confirmed by City Council to the Independent Police Oversight Board. The Independent Police Oversight Board is charged with reviewing police investigations relating to misconduct by Houston Police Department employees involving excessive force, firearm discharge, bodily injury or death allegations, Class I internal investigations and Class II investigations. The Board makes recommendations on police officer evaluations, recruitment and training and considers community concerns with HPD.

City Council members approved an ordinance appropriating funding for new mobile data equipment for the Houston Police department. Currently HPD’s fleet of 1800 patrol vehicles use assorted Motorola mobile data terminals operating on numerous systems that are about fifteen years old. Removal and disposal of older equipment and the installation of new laptops, software licenses, software, consoles and mountings, microphones, GPS, air cards, antennas, cables and connectors and project management training are included in this $897,900 funding project.

The minutes of this council meeting can be viewed at this link: http://www.houstontx.gov/

The Office of Council Member Melissa Noriega would like you to know about the following TxDot traffic closure, community events and important meetings:

IH 610 North Loop Closure Tonight
Texas Department of Transportation advises motorists of IH 610/US 290 interchange closure
The Texas Department of Transportation will close the westbound lanes of IH 610 North Loop from Ella to the IH 610/US 290 interchange beginning at 9:00 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, March 28, 2012 through Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 5:00 a.m. to allow for the removal of two overhead sign structures in conjunction with the IH 610/US 290 $151.5 million reconstruction project. TxDot advises motorists to use the detour to the frontage road at the Ella exit since the entrance ramp from Ella will be closed. Law enforcement officials will be present for traffic control during this time period.

Traveling motorists to 610 will continue on the frontage road to the US 290 westbound frontage road and make a U-turn at Dacoma, to the US 290 eastbound frontage road to the 18th street, and turn east to access the IH 610 southbound entrance ramp.

Traveling motorists to US 290 will continue on the frontage road to the US 290 westbound frontage road and access the entrance ramp west of Mangum.
On Wednesday night, from 11:00 p.m. to midnight for approximately a 10-minute period, construction crews will close the IH 610 North Loop eastbound mainlanes making all traffic come to a complete stop.

Inner West Loop Mobility Study Public Meeting
City of Houston Planning and Development Department and Houston-Galveston Area Council

The focus of the Inner West Loop Mobility Study is the area bounded by Spur 527 and Bagby Street on the east, Interstate Highway 610 on the west, Interstate Highway 10 on the north, and by U.S. Highway 59 on the south. The study will recognize short and long range projects to promote improved mobility and to develop a multi modal classification for streets within the study area. For more details please visit: http://www.houstontx.gov/planning/DevelopRegs/mobility/InnerWestLoop.html

Thursday, March 29, 2012, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Upper Kirby District Center
3015 Richmond Avenue, #250, first floor Houston, 77098

Project Row Houses Round 36
Artist Discussion and Opening Reception Free and Open to the Public

An informal discussion will take place with artists Manuel Acevedo, Monie Henderson and March Newsome, Kenyatta A.C. Hinkle, John Pluecker, Phillip Pyle II, Beth Secor and Irvin Tepper on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. The seven new art houses in Houston’s Third Ward, the oldest African-American community in Houston, on Holman Street will open with a reception on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 29, 2012, 7:00 p.m.
Project Row 36 Artist Discussion
2505 Holman through 2517 Holman Houston, Texas 77004

Saturday, March 31, 2012, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Opening Reception and Block Party
2505 Holman through 2517 Holman Houston, Texas 77004

BBVA Compass Stadium Job Fair

This Saturday, March 31, 2012, the University of Houston – Downtown Campus is hosting a BBVA Compass Stadium Job Fair for Game Day and Event Day positions, Ticket Sellers, Summer Internships and more. For more details visit: www.aegworldwide.com

Saturday, March 31, 2012, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
University of Houston – Downtown Campus One Main Street
Houston, Texas 77002

Housing and Community Development Department’s Spring Public Hearings
The community is encouraged to attend the Housing and Community Development department’s Annual Action Plan meeting on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. Residents will be able to review the Action Plan as well as give comments about proposed federal fund allocations for affordable housing, single-family home repair, community development, and neighborhood facility improvements programs. The public will be given the opportunity to also comment on programs serving the youth, homeless, persons living with AIDS and people with special needs.

Comments may be sent to Andrea Jones, HCDD, 601 Sawyer, 4th floor, Houston, Texas 77007 or via email to andrea.jones@houstontx.gov no later than Wednesday, April 11, 2012.

For a draft version of the 2012 Annual Action Plan and more details please visit:
http://www.houstontx.gov/housing/pdf/2012annualactionplan-draft.pdf

City Council approved an ordinance to amend Section 3.3 of the Code of Ordinances allowing the public consumption or possession of an open container of alcohol in the Central Business District, CBD, during sporting and authorized events on facilities that are operated and owned by the entities responsible for the day-to-day management of the facilities. Professional sporting organizations such as the Astros, Dynamo and the Rockets, with venues in the CBD now have the option to allow tailgating on their venues.

City Council Members approved the confirmation of the following individuals to the Board of Directors of the Greater Sharpstown Management District: Kenneth Li, Feroze Bhandara, Kun Chee Youn, Harry Shani, Don Wang, Peter Acquaro, Rick Ogden, Toni J. Franklin, and Juana Madrid.

Leisa Holland-Nelson and Lisa Prewitt-Langston were confirmed by City Council to the Houston Center for Literacy, formerly the Houston Read Commission. The Houston Center for Literacy’s members are responsible for a number of literacy related activities and solicitation on behalf of the city. Among those are soliciting funding for literacy activities and providers in the City, advise the Mayor and City Council on proposed publicly funded literacy projects, oversee the management and investment of solicited funds, recruit volunteers and students for literacy organizations, and find facilities and resources to promote literacy.

The following individuals were confirmed by City Council to the Board of Directors of Harris County Improvement District Number 12: William Randall Robertson, Stephen C. Helm, Stewart G. Masterson, Jr., Kyle R. Sears, and Ashton L. Taylor.
Council Member Noriega would like to express her thanks each of these individuals for their time and energy as they perform their duties as board members.

Upcoming Events

Transportation, Technology & Infrastructure Committee
Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.
City Hall, 2nd floor, 901 Bagby, Houston, 77002
Committee Chair Council Member Noriega invites the public to the March committee meeting for the monthly Rebuild Houston update, a presentation of the Luce Bayou Inter-Basin Transfer Project, and three Public Hearings to consider Municipal Setting Designations in District A and I.

Committee information, agendas and back up materials can be viewed online at: http://www.houstontx.gov/council/3/committee.html

March 22, 2012 – World Day for Water: Water for Cities: Responding to the Urban Challenge.
The purpose of this annual international recognition is to encourage awareness of the importance of water in our daily lives. According the United Nations Water Organization, it is estimated that an individual consumes two to four liters of water daily. Most of this water is found in ones’ food supply; the United Nations Water Organization estimates that an astonishing 3,900 gallons of water is needed to produce a pound of beef.

Last summer’s dire drought conditions brought our city, region and state water restrictions and numerous devastating outcomes. From water and sewer lines bursting daily, streets warping, food prices increasing, and trees dying, to our homes foundations cracking, the effects have been lasting. By all indications, this summer may not be any different.

How can the public focus on the importance of water and support a plan for sustainable management of this valuable resource to make a difference to our family, our city and our world? Visit UNwater World Water Day at http://www.unwater.org/worldwaterday to get involved and for more details.

The Office of Council Member Melissa Noriega would like you to know about the following important meetings:

District City Wide CIP- Capital Improvement Plan Meetings
The City of Houston, since 1984, has held public meetings to obtain citizen input before the preparation of the operating budget and capital improvement plan. Citizens are given the opportunity to make comments and suggestions about needed improvements and services. Please consider attending and participating at your district meeting.

District I – Wednesday, March 21, 2012 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The E.B. Cape Center
4501 Leeland Street, Houston, 77023

District E – Thursday, March 22, 2012 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Creekwood Middle School (Auditorium)
3603 West Lake Houston Parkway, Houston, 77339

Housing and Community Development Department’s Spring Public Hearings
The community is encouraged to attend one of the two Housing and Community Development department’s Annual Action Plan meetings. Residents will be able to review the Action Plan as well as give comments about proposed federal fund allocations for affordable housing, single- family home repair, community development, and neighborhood facility improvements programs. The public will be given the opportunity to also comment on programs serving the youth, homeless, persons living with AIDS and people with special needs.

Comments may be sent to Andrea Jones, HCDD, 601 Sawyer, 4th floor, Houston, Texas 77007 or via email to andrea.jones@houstontx.gov no later than Wednesday, April 11, 2012.

For a draft version of the 2012 Annual Action Plan and more details please visit: http://www.houstontx.gov/housing/pdf/2012annualactionplan-draft.pdf

Wednesday, March 28, 2012, 6:00 p.m
Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center 3810 West Fuqua, Houston, 77074

Wednesday, April 4, 2012, 6:00 p.m.
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby, Houston, 77002

City of Houston Planning and Development Department and the Houston-Galveston Area Council are hosting the Inner West Loop Mobility Study Public Meeting
The focus of the Inner West Loop Mobility Study is the area bounded by Spur 527 and Bagby Street on the east, Interstate Highway 610 on the west, Interstate Highway 10 on the north, and by U.S. Highway 59 on the south. The study will recognize short and long range projects to promote improved mobility and to develop a multi modal classification for streets within the study area. For more details please visit: http://www.houstontx.gov/planning/DevelopRegs/mobility/InnerWestLoop.html

Thursday, March 29, 2012, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Upper Kirby District Center
3015 Richmond Avenue, #250, first floor Houston, 77098

Houston’s Municipal Court is among 21 courts selected to receive an award. They are being recognized for their work with juveniles in their Juvenile Case Manager Program. Their application also highlighted several outreach efforts with schools, students and other entities to take a proactive approach to traffic safety by reaching Houston’s younger population before they become violators.

All municipal courts in the State of Texas were eligible to apply. Applicants were judged on the basis of what their court is doing in terms of public outreach in their community to increase traffic safety while decreasing traffic crashes, traffic fatalities, juvenile DUI, child safety seat offenses, red light running, and other traffic related offenses.

Awards are dispersed based on the population of the municipality where the court operates. As a high volume courts serving a population of 150,000 or more, Houston is one of only 2 other cities in the state selected. The other two cities in that category are El Paso and Irving.

Texas Municipal Court Association (TMCA) Board President, Judge Donna Starkey of Alvin Municipal Court, will present awards the to the recipients today at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Addison, Texas.

Award recipients will host a breakout session at the TMCEC Traffic Safety Conference so other courts can learn about the award recipients’ traffic safety initiatives and ways they can incorporate traffic safety outreach in their own court.

To learn more about the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center or the Municipal Traffic Safety Award, contact Lisa Robinson, TMCEC Grant Administrator, at robinson@tmcec.com or 512-320-8274 or visit www.tmcec.com.

Now in the second year of a 100-city, $50 million program, each Smarter Cities Challenge grant is worth $400,000. This year’s winning cities were selected for projects in the areas of economic and workforce development, transportation, sustainability, health, education and urban planning.

An IBM expert lives in a selected city for three weeks, studies an issue plaguing the community and then makes recommendations for how to solve the challenge. In an email to Government Technology, Ari Fishkind, media relations manager for IBM Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs, said getting the pulse of each unique setting is a key part of the program.

“We want them to live in the city for a better part of the month to absorb the culture, rhythms, dynamics and texture of local life as they interview many dozens of people involved,” Fishkind said. “Taking note of these qualities help inform the tone and content of our team’s recommendations to the city at the end of the project. You can’t get that from just phoning it in, working remotely.”

Fishkind said the grant-winning cities all had a clear direction that they want to pursue and specific initiatives in mind.

“They were willing to share as much data during the engagement so that we can make sophisticated recommendations about their next steps,” Fishkind said.

The 2012 Smarter Cities Challenge Grant Winners (U.S. cities listed first):

• Atlanta
• Boston
• Durham, N.C.
• Houston
• Jacksonville, Fla.
• Louisville, Ky.
• Omaha, Neb.
• Pittsburgh, Pa.

• Accra, Ghana
• Ahmedabad, India
• Birmingham, UK
• Cheongju, Korea
• Chonburi, Thailand
• Curitiba, Brazil
• Da Nang, Vietnam
• Dortmund, Germany
• Eindhoven, Netherlands
• Geraldton, Australia
• Ishinomaki, Japan
• Jurong Lake District, Singapore
• Malaga, Spain
• Medellin, Colombia
• New Taipei City, Taiwan
• Nanjing, China
• Nairobi, Kenya
• Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• Pune, India
• Rabat, Morocco
• Rosario, Argentina
• Siracusa, Italy
• Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
• Tshwane, South Africa
• Toluca, Mexico

One of the 2012 grant winners, Louisville, Ky., is asking IBM to help lower the rates of respiratory illness there through complex data analysis. The city is involved in a program called Asthmapolis, where 300 to 500 “smart” emergency asthma inhalers will be outfitted with GPS technology that in real time will record the location and time the inhaler is used and transmit that automatically to a database. The inhalers should be distributed to patients throughout the city in the next couple months.

According to Chris Poynter, communications director for Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, the city hopes IBM’s experts will analyze the inhaler data in combination with weather, pollution and flora information to get a definitive handle on why the area has high levels of respiratory illness.

“What we’re wanting in the short term is to have IBM help us understand if there are any results they can find from the data so far, and use their brainpower to say what we are missing or what we should be looking at,” Poynter said.

IBM also will provide the grant winners with special assistance through City Forward, a website designed by the company with the help of public policy experts. The site allows diverse groups to contribute data that explores trends and visualizes statistics.

We are fully committed to working closely with all potential developers and investors to define shared objectives, priorities, incentives and development strategies. You are invited to the Developer’s Workshop to discuss what incentives are needed to attract investors and builders to this area.

Share your input on:

• Overview of recent Development Potential Report
• Potential development incentives – City of Houston, GEEMD, and East End TIRZ, etc.
• “Opportunity Sites” to include mixed-use commercial and residential uses sites.
• Establishment of a Special Purpose Urban District (SPUD) with customized development regulations and incentives.

Wednesday, March 7
8:00-10:00AM (Light breakfast provided)
Greater East End Management District Offices
3211 Harrisburg Blvd., Houston, TX 77003
Parking available on West side of building

Limited space available.
Please RSVP to eastend@betterhouston.org or (713) 528-0049