Howdy WHA Members!
In January 2025, our region faced a historic winter storm from January 20 to 22, bringing up to 4 inches of snow. The storm further highlighted vulnerabilities in Houston’s infrastructure while causing significant disruptions, including the closure of Houston’s airports and much of the region avoiding the streets. This stark reminder of our infrastructure challenges reinforces the importance of the West Houston Association’s work.
As we settle into 2024, the West Houston Association is building momentum for another year of growth, collaboration, and impactful initiatives. The progress we’ve made in January sets the stage for even greater accomplishments in the months ahead. With the legislative session spinning up, the importance of collaboration across public and private sectors to drive meaningful progress is more in mind than ever. We have identified our priorities for the 89th Legislative session including funding for water and flood infrastructure, increasing energy reliability, and reducing costs of home ownership.
The highlights of last month include continued engagement around infrastructure planning and flood mitigation efforts. Our work with Houston Stronger remains critical in ensuring that regional flood control projects receive the necessary attention and funding at the local, state, and federal levels. The WHA Board of Directors met on January 9th to review a project priority list that, along with the updated 2060 plan, will provide guidance to our committees on our direction for the years ahead. We published our 2024 Annual Report, which highlights our accomplishments of the past year and outlines our programing for 2025. The report showcases our advocacy for mobility improvements, sustainable infrastructure, and quality growth strategies that benefit both current and future generations.
February brings a full slate of committee meetings, providing members with opportunities to engage on key issues shaping our region. Our Flood Control & Drainage Committee kicks things off on February 5 with their first meeting of the year, followed by our Government Affairs Committee on February 10 and meeting virtually to accommodate our members on the ground in Austin. On February 11, our Sustainable Infrastructure is meeting to finalize their April Forum and then our Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Committee will be meeting immediately after. Our Education & Workforce Committee meets on February 13, and our Regional Mobility Committee convenes on February 17. Rounding out the month, our Quality Planned Development Committee is working on the upcoming QPD Symposium and our Water Resources Committee is putting together their multi-year approach, both on February 20. These committees are at the core of WHA’s work, and I encourage all members to participate and lend their expertise.
On March 27th we are hosting a forum entitled Planning for Houston’s Future featuring Vonn Tran, Director of Planning for the City of Houston, Lisa Clark, Chair of the Houston Planning Commission, and moderated by WHA Board Chair and Executive Vice President of Midway David Hightower, the event will explore the strategies shaping the city’s growth and development.
Then on April 24th our Sustainable Infrastructure committee is hosting Building Resilience Through Sustainable Infrastructure. This forum will delve into the use of durable materials, efficient resource management, and adaptable designs, such as green infrastructure to mitigate flood risks and purple pipes for water reuse. By reducing vulnerability to disruptions like droughts and floods, sustainable infrastructure promotes environmental, social, and economic stability, ensuring our communities thrive long into the future. Join us to learn how these innovative strategies are shaping resilient, sustainable growth.
I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and look forward to working with each of you to make 2025 a year of significant achievements for the Greater West Houston region.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our shared vision!
Alan Steinberg
President & CEO
West Houston Association