Sign in Subscribe

Civics

A (Half) Day in the Life of a Houston City Council Member and Her Staff

A (Half) Day in the Life of a Houston City Council Member and Her Staff

On November 7, 2023, Houstonians can visit the polls to elect city council members. But what does a council member do, anyway? To learn, reporter Kace’ Conaway contacted Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas, who represents District F, including Alief and the Chinatown section of Sharpstown. Thomas welcomed her to City

What Do Houston City Council Members Actually Do? An Interview with Tiffany Thomas, District F

What Do Houston City Council Members Actually Do? An Interview with Tiffany Thomas, District F

Houston city council elections are coming up on November 7, but they aren't getting nearly as much press as the mayoral race. That's no surprise, but council members are empowered to make important decisions too. It's worth learning what the job entails. After experiencing

Sharpstown Civic Association Members to Vote on Proposed Bylaw Changes 8/24 and 9/28

Sharpstown Civic Association Members to Vote on Proposed Bylaw Changes 8/24 and 9/28

If you live in a house in Sharpstown, your property is probably deed restricted by the Sharpstown Civic Association, a non-profit corporation that decides which colors you can paint your house, pays for local mosquito spraying, helps put on Liberty Fest, pays for neighborhood S.E.A.L. Security patrols,

What Gets Sprayed in Sharpstown’s Weekly Mosquito Treatment?

What Gets Sprayed in Sharpstown’s Weekly Mosquito Treatment?

Ever take a walk on a Sharpstown evening and notice that something was missing? Something like cool air, non-sweaty skin, or maybe…mosquitoes? If you’ve noticed a strange absence of the biting critters, it may be thanks to the weekly mosquito spraying paid for by the Sharpstown Civic Association.

Local Government Spotlight: An Interview with District J Council Member Edward Pollard

Local Government Spotlight: An Interview with District J Council Member Edward Pollard

It’s easy to lose sight of what’s happening in our own backyards. After all, most media outlets focus on state, national, or international politics. We’re constantly being told about what’s going on in Texas, America, or the world—but what about what’s going on in

Demystifying SW Houston’s Government: How TIRZ 20 Collects Local Property Taxes

Demystifying SW Houston’s Government: How TIRZ 20 Collects Local Property Taxes

If you’re like me, you probably read the eight-foot-wide sign at Club Creek Park and think, “Okay, so what?” It says that something called TIRZ #20 contributed $1.3 million to the new Houston Vietnam Veterans Memorial. At this point, your eyes are probably glazing over—or you’re