Howdy WHA Members!
It’s Rodeo Season! That means long days and late nights for thousands of people in our region. Go Texan Day kicked off the season on February 24th with the official proclamations in downtown Houston. I mention the Rodeo because of its huge impact on both the people and companies here in the region, supporting thousands of jobs, millions of dollars in economic activity, and a significant impact on education. All things that matter if we want to continue to see quality growth in our region!
Speaking of things kicking off in February, we held our first WHA public forum. On February 9th the Parks, Recreation, & Open Spaces Committee and the Sustainable Infrastructure Committee jointly hosted a very well attended panel on Nature Based Infrastructure. The month also included our first Parks, Recreation, & Open Spaces Committee meeting of the year which took place onsite at Woodchase Park in the Westchase district where members discussed the history and politics involved in getting the park built as well as its impact on the community. Also, in February, the Regional Mobility committee met with the City of Houston’s Chief Transportation Planner, David Fields, to learn more about the federal grant to improve safety and expand transportation options on Bissonnet.
We have two major forums coming up in the months ahead, both with a focus on policy. On March 23rd, we will be hosting a Tri-County Commissioners Forum featuring Fort Bend Co. Commissioner Pct. 1 Vincent Morales, Waller Co. Commissioner Pct. 4 Justin Beckendorff, and Harris Co. Commissioner Pct 4. Lesley Briones. The discussion will focus on topics related to quality growth in the region such as mobility, flooding, and development. On April 12th, we are hosting a Federal Issues Luncheon with Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-7) who will be able to provide us with insights from the federal level on infrastructure funding and other issues.
We also have a few committee meetings taking place in March. The Government Affairs Committee on March 13th, Sustainable Infrastructure Committee on March 14th, Water Resources Committee on March 16th, and the Quality Planned Development Committee is having a special meeting related to its July Forum planning on March 16th. If you would like to be added to the email list or calendar invites for these committees, or any others, please let us know.
We should also note that our 2022 Annual Report has been released. Special thanks to Ryann Mahoney for all her work on the report!
As I wrap up this month’s update, I would like to take a moment to reflect upon the legacy of Ted Nelson. For more than four decades Ted was involved with the development of some of the most successful and acclaimed communities; an innovator and leader in residential development. His impact on the greater West Houston region will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Thank you for your support of the West Houston Association and working to improve quality of life for the 2,000,000+ people who live, work, and play across the region!