News

Council Unanimously Passes Amendment on Police Traffic Stop Quota

Council Member Edward Pollard successfully authored an amendment through Proposition A that prohibits the Houston Police Department from imposing mandatory traffic stop quotas on its officers. The ordinance—passed unanimously—aims to reduce unnecessary traffic stops and encourage more equitable policing practices. The amendment emerged from a collaborative effort between the Houston Police Officers’ Union (HPOU) and several community advocacy groups. It responds to concerns over a sharp rise in traffic stops in recent years. By eliminating quotas, the ordinance empowers officers to use greater discretion and focus on meaningful enforcement rather than arbitrary numbers. Special thanks to Council Members Tiffany Thomas and Tarsha Jackson for co-authoring the amendment.

Examining the City Budget

Mayor John Whitmire has introduced a $7 billion city budget, calling it balanced and free of new taxes or fees. But behind the headline, there are serious questions about how this budget will affect everyday services. Key departments like Public Works and the Department of Neighborhoods—responsible for addressing 3-1-1 complaints, fixing potholes, and maintaining safe communities—have faced major cuts, with Public Works losing $21.8 million and Neighborhoods nearly half its funding.

While efficiency is the stated goal, fewer resources often mean longer delays and fewer services for residents. Even more concerning, the city continues to rely on its fund balance to cover deficits—a move that could lead to a $500 million shortfall in five years if no structural changes are made. This budget should spark ongoing discussion about how we fund essential services and plan for Houston’s future. It’s not just about balancing the books today—it’s about making sure we’re not shortchanging tomorrow.

Native Planting Program Kicks Off Bissonnet Corridor Revitalization

Last week, we took another major step in the transformation of the Bissonnet Corridor by launching our sustainable esplanade maintenance program. Native wedelia was planted along the esplanade to enhance the area’s beauty, lower long-term maintenance costs, and support environmental sustainability. This milestone marks the next phase in our ongoing efforts to revitalize the Bissonnet Corridor—from eradicating crime and conducting large-scale cleanups to now focusing on beautification and community pride. A heartfelt thank you to the Alief Super Neighborhood, Alief ISD Executive Team and students, and the Southwest Management District for their partnership and hands-on support in making this event a success. Together, we’re showing what real community progress looks like.

Le Tour de J City Highlights Mobility in Houston

Council Member Pollard led a bike ride through District J in honor of National Bike Month and the 10-year anniversary of Freewheels Houston. Dubbed Le Tour de J City, the 10-mile ride brought together community leaders, cycling advocates, and residents to celebrate the power of bikes to connect people and strengthen communities.

The route highlighted the beauty and diversity of J City, culminating at the Freewheels Houston headquarters in Gulfton. There, participants enjoyed light refreshments and a heartfelt program recognizing the incredible impact of Freewheels Houston. Since its founding, the organization has provided over 3,000 bikes—along with helmets and lights—to veterans, refugees, students, and low-income residents across Houston under the leadership of Executive Director Bill Mintz.

If you or someone you know needs a bike—or if you’d like to donate—Freewheels Houston is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 6020 Jessamine #103. Visitwww.freewheelshouston.org for more information.

Real Authentic Women Magazine Launches in West Houston

The launch party for RAW (Real Authentic Women) Magazine was a powerful evening of empowerment, fashion, inspiring testimonies, and meaningful networking. Council Member Pollard delivered remarks and presented city recognitions to honor the impactful women celebrated at the event. Special appreciation goes to DeAnna Green for her leadership and vision, and to Porsche West Houston for hosting this memorable occasion.

Eritrean Independence Day Celebration

Council Member Pollard was honored to deliver remarks at the Eritrean Independence Day Celebration held at Bayland Park in J City. The event commemorated May 24, 1991—the day Eritrea officially gained independence. District J is proud to be home to a vibrant Eritrean community, and it was a meaningful opportunity to celebrate their culture, history, and contributions to the district.

Hope Court Ribbon Cutting at Higher Dimension Church

The community came out to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new Hope Court at Higher Dimension Church in J City. This multi-use flex court—designed for both soccer and basketball—offers a safe and welcoming space for children in the surrounding neighborhood to play and stay active.

Hope Court is a powerful example of how ministry can take many forms, using sports as a tool to uplift and inspire. Special thanks to Pastor J, Lady J, and the entire Higher Dimension Church family for their vision and dedication to this new community amenity. Appreciation also goes to More Than A Game, Love Has No Limits, and Revival Sports for their roles in bringing this project to life. The excitement on the kids’ faces said it all—Hope Court is already making a difference.

Connect High Star Opens in Gulfton

The grand opening of Connect Highstar marked an exciting moment for the Gulfton community, introducing a vibrant new development with spacious 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units and unique amenities like the Fabric Forge textile lab. Designed with community in mind, the project also features workforce training, retail space, public art, and easy access to healthcare, fresh food, library services, and other vital resources.

During the celebration, Council Member Pollard highlighted the power of collaboration between the City of Houston Housing Department, TIRZ 20, Brinshore Development, and local partners. With its focus on walkability, livability, and inclusion, Connect Highstar is helping to shape a stronger, more resilient future for the Gulfton neighborhood and beyond.

Taste of Ethiopia in J City

J City recently hosted “Taste of Ethiopia” in partnership with the Gulfton District and Houston’s Got Spice at Bahel Ethiopian Mart & Dining, located at 6509 Chimney Rock. The event highlighted the incredible cultural diversity that defines the area and offered guests a unique opportunity to experience authentic Ethiopian cuisine. Attendees enjoyed a guided tour of the restaurant, where the owners shared their mission to serve not only delicious food but also support refugees and the unhoused in the community.

8th Annual Houston Africa Day Celebration Honors Culture, Legacy, and Community

The 8th Annual Houston Africa Day Celebration was a powerful and vibrant tribute to African culture, unity, and progress. Held at NRG Center for the first time since the event’s inception, this year’s celebration brought together community leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and families to honor the rich heritage of Houston’s African diaspora.

The event featured dynamic cultural performances, fashion showcases, African cuisine, and a strong focus on business and community development. Special recognition was given to the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and former Mayor Sylvester Turner for their lasting legacies and advocacy for the African community in Houston.

Organized by the African Diaspora Advancement Council, the event was a true celebration of culture and connection, reinforcing Houston’s status as a global city rooted in diversity and inclusion.

Celebrating Workers at the AFL-CIO Working Families Celebration

This past weekend, the AFL-CIO hosted its 2025 Working Families Celebration at the IBEW Hall, bringing together labor leaders, elected officials, and community advocates to honor the contributions of working families across Houston. The evening recognized the vital role unions and workers play in building strong communities and driving economic progress. Council Member Pollard was in attendance to show his support and appreciation for the hardworking individuals who keep our city moving. It was a night of unity, recognition, and celebration of the labor movement’s enduring impact.

City Recognitions Presented at DreamCon Panel Celebrating Houston’s Creative Economy

As part of DreamCon at the George R. Brown Convention Center, a special panel hosted by the International Entertainment Partnership and the Houston Entertainment Initiative (HEI) highlighted the city’s thriving creative sector. Council Member Pollard presented Certificates of Recognition to honor individuals making significant contributions to Houston’s entertainment landscape. The event celebrated the city’s dynamic and growing creative economy—spanning music, film, television, art, fashion, theatre, esports, gaming, and photography. With the support of HEI and IEP, Houston continues working to expand access to resources, education, and opportunities, aiming to solidify its place as a global hub for entertainment and innovation.

UTHealth School of Dentistry Launches “Give Seniors-A-Smile” Event

UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry will host its first-ever Give Seniors-A-Smile event on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 7500 Cambridge Street on the South Campus of the Texas Medical Center. Building on the success of their programs for children and veterans, this new initiative will provide free dental care to 200 senior patients, including screenings, preventive services, and simple restorative treatments. The event is supported by dedicated students, residents, faculty, and staff, and will serve seniors from partner organizations such as Meals on Wheels of Montgomery, the Houston Food Bank, YMCA, and more. Facility tours will be offered at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, and 11:30 AM. For more information or to RSVP, contact Pamela Kennedy atPamela.Kennedy@uth.tmc.edu or 713-500-3964.

Parent Cafe Offers Free Workshop for Caregivers

Parents, caregivers, and anyone who supports children are invited to attend Parent Café, a free two-day workshop taking place June 6–7 at Bayland Community Center (6400 Bissonnet St.) from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. Presented in partnership with Young Audiences of Houston and the City of Houston, this event provides helpful discussions and strategies for strengthening families—just in time for summer.

Participants can choose to attend in English or Spanish. Free arts activities will be available for children ages 4–11, and adults who complete the full program will receive a $50 gift card. Breakfast snacks and lunch (on Day 2) will be provided.

Space is limited. To register, visit: Parent Café Registration Form

J City Projects

The work to replace panels along Fondren and Beechnut is active and on-going.

J City Beautification

The J City Beautification Team cleaned up an abandoned homeless encampment, littered with trash and other discarded items.

Wednesday Wrap-Up

Now more than ever, it is critically important for as many constituents as possible to be informed about how our local government operates. With this in mind, Council Member Pollard highlights one topic addressed at Houston City Council sessions in a video series called Wednesday Wrap-Up. It’s an effort to provide insight into the innerworkings of City Hall. Check out the YouTube channel to see weekly wrap-up videos.

Thursdays in the J

Stay in the loop with everything happening in J City by watching Thursdays in the J—our weekly video series where Council Member Edward Pollard highlights programs, services, and key initiatives across the district. From community resources to public safety updates, these videos provide valuable insights into the services our office offers and how they can benefit you.

Tune in every week on the District J YouTube channel.

District J Patrol is a three-pronged approach to public safety bridging the gap between the law enforcement officers in District J and the communities they serve. Sponsored by the District J office, this initiative includes community patrolling by Houston Police Department’s Differential Response Team (DRT), the use of five Polaris vehicles and the District J Patrol Task Force. Residents may report small neighborhood violations and infringements, such as panhandling, loitering, overgrown lots, graffiti, homeless encampments and other public nuisances. To file a report, visit the online portal at www.DistrictJPatrol.com.

To learn more about our modern approach to community policing, or to file a report regarding a quality of life issue, please visit www.districtjpatrol.com. To retrieve data, research policy, or to file a complaint online, visit houstontx.gov/policetransparency.

District J Office Staff

The District J office staff is here to serve you.
David “Alex” Brizuela, Deputy Chief of Staff
Ana “Francis” Ellis, District Coordinator
Council Member Edward Pollard
Misty Starks, Director of Communications
Paul Young, Chief of Staff