Houston City Council tackles budget challenges, new admin fee ahead of June 10 vote
Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s proposed budget faced a wave of mixed reactions from city officials, labor unions, and frustrated residents during a City Council meeting on Wednesday, where a new admin fee for garbage pickup and the diversion of public utility funds took center stage.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s proposed budget faced a wave of mixed reactions from city officials, labor unions, and frustrated residents during a City Council meeting on Wednesday, where a new admin fee for garbage pickup and the diversion of public utility funds took center stage.
Mixed reactions to proposed Houston 2027 budget
Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s proposed budget faced a wave of mixed reactions from city officials, labor unions, and frustrated residents during a City Council meeting on Wednesday. FOX 26's Sherman Desselle gives a recap of the meeting.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s proposed budget faced a wave of mixed reactions from city officials, labor unions, and frustrated residents during a City Council meeting on Wednesday. FOX 26's Sherman Desselle gives a recap of the meeting.
Houston launches $30M 'Demolition Days' using controversial flood dollars
Houston has launched a $30 million "Demolition Days" initiative to tear down more than 2,000 dangerous, abandoned buildings, starting with eight properties this weekend. However, the project has sparked intense controversy at City Hall because the funding was pulled from the city’s Stormwater Fund.
Houston has launched a $30 million "Demolition Days" initiative to tear down more than 2,000 dangerous, abandoned buildings, starting with eight properties this weekend. However, the project has sparked intense controversy at City Hall because the funding was pulled from the city’s Stormwater Fund.
Houston launches 'Demolition Days' with controversial funds
Houston Mayor John Whitmire has kicked off the city initiative to take down abandoned buildings, but some city officials are against the project using funds from another initiative. FOX 26's Mekenna Earnhart explains "Demolition Days" and the controversy behind it.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire has kicked off the city initiative to take down abandoned buildings, but some city officials are against the project using funds from another initiative. FOX 26's Mekenna Earnhart explains "Demolition Days" and the controversy behind it.
Proposed fee for Houston trash questioned by City Council
The Houston mayor's fee proposal for trash was faced with concern from the City Council on Wednesday. FOX 26's Sherman Desselle shares the highlights of the meeting.
The Houston mayor's fee proposal for trash was faced with concern from the City Council on Wednesday. FOX 26's Sherman Desselle shares the highlights of the meeting.
'Administrative' trash fee proposed for City of Houston
Houston Mayor John Whitmire is proposing an "administrative fee" for residents' garbage services. FOX 26's Sherman Desselle explains the proposal, why some city officials support it, and why one expert says it could backfire.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire is proposing an "administrative fee" for residents' garbage services. FOX 26's Sherman Desselle explains the proposal, why some city officials support it, and why one expert says it could backfire.
Houston council changes HPD-ICE policy
The Houston City Council approved changes to its controversial policy on how city police interact with federal immigration authorities. FOX 26's Greg Groogan explains the changes, and we hear Gov. Greg Abbott's response.
The Houston City Council approved changes to its controversial policy on how city police interact with federal immigration authorities. FOX 26's Greg Groogan explains the changes, and we hear Gov. Greg Abbott's response.
Houston mayor speaks on 'politics' regarding funding at risk
Houston Mayor John Whitmire talks one-on-one with FOX 26's Sherman Desselle about the mounting pressure against the city's policy for police and ICE.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire talks one-on-one with FOX 26's Sherman Desselle about the mounting pressure against the city's policy for police and ICE.
Houston’s new homeless ‘Super Hub’ branded as national model for ‘self-sufficiency’
Mayor Whitmire and federal HUD officials finalized a $314 million investment today to launch a "Super Hub" in the Second Ward, a low-barrier facility designed to transition 1,000 homeless individuals into self-sufficiency annually. The project moves away from traditional "Housing First" models by prioritizing 24/7 security and "wraparound" services, while also using $100 million of the grant to install industrial backup power for citywide storm resilience. However, the plan faces pushback from advocates like Texas Housers, who argue that "reprogramming" $41 million in disaster funds for the hub diverts critical resources away from repairing the homes of low-income seniors.
Mayor Whitmire and federal HUD officials finalized a $314 million investment today to launch a "Super Hub" in the Second Ward, a low-barrier facility designed to transition 1,000 homeless individuals into self-sufficiency annually. The project moves away from traditional "Housing First" models by prioritizing 24/7 security and "wraparound" services, while also using $100 million of the grant to install industrial backup power for citywide storm resilience. However, the plan faces pushback from advocates like Texas Housers, who argue that "reprogramming" $41 million in disaster funds for the hub diverts critical resources away from repairing the homes of low-income seniors.
New HPD immigration ‘deadline’ rule announced amid allegations of policy deviations
Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Police Chief J.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Police Chief J.
Houston city council discusses overtime budget issues
Houston is facing a growing budget strain as overtime spending across key departments continues to exceed expectations, according to a new analysis from City Controller Chris Hollins.
Houston is facing a growing budget strain as overtime spending across key departments continues to exceed expectations, according to a new analysis from City Controller Chris Hollins.
Houston city council considers electric scooter ban in some areas
Houston city council could possibly ban electric scooters in East Downtown, Midtown and Downtown. On Thursday, the public weighed in on the proposal. Some people want a complete ban while others want stronger regulations.
Houston city council could possibly ban electric scooters in East Downtown, Midtown and Downtown. On Thursday, the public weighed in on the proposal. Some people want a complete ban while others want stronger regulations.
Crackdown on dangerous driving on I-10 and Westheimer
Mayor John Whitmire is joining forces with law enforcement to target dangerous driving along I-10 and Westheimer. They urge drivers to mind their manners. FOX's Jade Flury has the latest.
Mayor John Whitmire is joining forces with law enforcement to target dangerous driving along I-10 and Westheimer. They urge drivers to mind their manners. FOX's Jade Flury has the latest.
Houston mayor, police union announce proposed pay increases for officers
If approved, there would be a five-year increase in officers' salaries, patrol pay, weekend pay, and more.
If approved, there would be a five-year increase in officers' salaries, patrol pay, weekend pay, and more.
Texas Governor, Houston Mayor agree state constitution need to change to hold felony court judges accountable
Governor Greg Abbott has made it one of his priority bills this legislative session.
Governor Greg Abbott has made it one of his priority bills this legislative session.
City of Houston offering retirement payout to eligible employees
Mayor John Whitmire says City of Houston employees should expect citywide restructuring and offered a one-time retirement payout option to eligible employees.
Mayor John Whitmire says City of Houston employees should expect citywide restructuring and offered a one-time retirement payout option to eligible employees.
Texas to execute convicted killer who sent death threats to John Whitmire
Richard Tabler, who was convicted of killing two men in 2004, is scheduled to be put to death in Huntsville on Thursday.
Richard Tabler, who was convicted of killing two men in 2004, is scheduled to be put to death in Huntsville on Thursday.
Houston mayor alleges Controller Chris Hollins committed 'Pay-to Play' violation
Houston Mayor John Whitmire has called out Controller Chris Hollins for unethical fundraising practices linked to the annual Investor Conference, igniting a fierce political debate.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire has called out Controller Chris Hollins for unethical fundraising practices linked to the annual Investor Conference, igniting a fierce political debate.
Houston names J. Noe Diaz and Thomas Muñoz as official police and fire chiefs
Houston City Council has officially voted on new leadership for the police and fire departments. With Mayor John Whitmire's recommendation, J. Noe Diaz has been appointed as Police Chief, and Thomas Muñoz as the Fire Chief.
Houston City Council has officially voted on new leadership for the police and fire departments. With Mayor John Whitmire's recommendation, J. Noe Diaz has been appointed as Police Chief, and Thomas Muñoz as the Fire Chief.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire endorses Kamala Harris for president
Houston Mayor John Whitmire has announced who he is endorsing in the 2024 presidential race.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire has announced who he is endorsing in the 2024 presidential race.