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Welcome to the first edition of the One for All e-newsletter!
This monthly e-newsletter will provide useful updates and interesting facts about Precinct One programs, activities, parks and policies, all of which are designed to
improve the quality of life for all Harris County residents.
Driven by the guiding principles of equity, fairness and justice, Precinct One serves the overall needs and interests of our community. In this month’s recap, those guiding principles are front and center as we move forward our efforts to realize a new criminal legal system, fight for equitable flood mitigation for all residents, promote community health, and encourage alternative transportation.
As we marked the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death this week, justice was on the collective mind of the nation. While each of us experienced the anniversary in a different way, many of us were reminded of the global unity we experienced after his death through participating in protests and marches. That unity has begun to bring change to a criminal legal system
built on criminalizing communities of color. In my opinion piece published by The Texas Signal, A year after George Floyd’s death, it’s time to turn rhetoric into
meaningful action, I assess how far we’ve come with reimagining the current system over the past year and how far we still have to go.
Meanwhile, equitable flood mitigation continues to be a priority for Precinct One. As the 2021 hurricane season begins next week, Harris County was informed that the Texas General Land Office (GLO) decided not to give Houston and Harris County a disbursement from more than $1.3 billion of federal money meant for flood mitigation. Commissioners Court is doing everything within its power to convince GLO to change its mind. While we are fighting for Harris County residents through our channels, you and your neighbors can help by making a simple phone call to the GLO at 512-463-5001 to voice your opposition to its decision. Those funds would help close a roughly $900 million budget shortfall for flood mitigation projects in socially vulnerable neighborhoods that are at high risk of flooding and ensure all communities receive that equitable flood protection they deserve.
Health care for everyone is another Precinct One priority. We learned during the pandemic that a community is only as healthy as our most vulnerable neighbors. Thanks to the Biden Administration’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), more families can now get access to the health care they deserve. A countywide coordinated campaign that includes 30 billboards, postcards, and
social media will help bring awareness to the Affordable Care Act special enrollment period, which was extended to August 15 by the ARPA. Since everyone deserves health care, I’m proud to serve as the campaign’s spokesman in this partnership with Clear Channel Outdoor, Community Health Choice, and Young Invincibles.
Harris County residents can look forward to even more benefits provided by the ARPA. The county expects to receive $915 million in Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund in the coming months and year. Commissioners Court set three clear priorities: Health, Jobs, and Housing for this recovery funding, and all the
investments in our community will use an equity framework as a guide. Providing fair distribution to those who need help the most. Read Harris County's entire ARPA plan here.
In case you missed it, May was National Bike Month. In a county as large as ours, transportation is key to economic equity. This short video was produced to urge you to cycle not only in May, but throughout the year. As an avid bicyclist, I encourage you to learn more about alternative transportation and explore Harris County on the hundreds of miles of bikeways that connect our region.
Sincerely,
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APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE UNTIL JUNE 30
If you need help applying for government benefits such as rental assistance, WIC, unemployment or Medicaid/Medicare, Precinct One staff will be available to help you at our Cavalcade and Lincoln Park community centers.
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RENTAL RELIEF
Communities thrive when residents are housed. Harris County Precinct One wants you to know that you are not alone — there are resources available to help you stay housed.
[Learn more...]
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OP-ED: EQUITABLE FLOOD MITIGATION
Two years ago, Harris County voters approved a $2.5 billion flood bond package with equity language that assured every community – regardless of wealth or ZIP code – would receive funding for adequate flood-protection projects.
[Read more...]
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BCYCLE AT EISENHOWER PARK
No bike? No problem.
You can still enjoy bike riding in Precinct One's Eisenhower and Deussen parks. Through a partnership with Houston Bike Share, residents can get the most out of their park visit by pedaling along the bike paths of both parks. Rentals normally cost $3 per 30 minutes.
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GREETINGS FROM DEUSSEN PARK
Did you know that visitors to Alexander Deussen Park are greeted by a functional piece of public art that was designed and created by Texas artist, David Adickes?
Mr. Adickes, who is known for his massive concert artwork, has created many well-known pieces, including the "We Love Houston" sign and several busts of U.S. Presidents. He is most famous for the 687-foot-tall
statue of Sam Houston that stands beside Interstate 45 in Huntsville.
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NEW REGIONAL PARK IN SUNNYSIDE AREA
All Harris County residents deserve access to greenspaces that give families opportunities to stay healthy and connect with neighbors. In fact, the proximity to greenspaces is a critical indicator to a community's quality of life.
Because improving the lives of all residents is a priority for the entire Precinct One staff, the creation of Trails at the Hill at Sims, a new regional park that is currently in the early stages of design, is one of many infrastructure projects funded by Precinct One. Feedback gathered from residents at a community meeting on November 13, 2019 provided foundational information to begin to design a park that will truly serve your needs but the conversation didn't end there.
On Wednesday, March 31 at 6 pm, the community was invited to join a virtual community meeting to hear updates on the planning study and discuss the initial improvements to gather public input. A recording of the meeting can be watched here. The meeting presentation slides may be viewed here.
More virtual updates, as well as in-person events, are planned throughout the summer. Let us know if you'd like to join the conversation by emailing us at Capital.Project@cp1.hctx.net
See the below links to view the initial study:
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