One For All E-Newsletter: August 2021 Edition

Dear Friends,

All of us are ready for positive change, and this summer has brought some welcomed changes for Harris County residents.

A return to in-person contact that reminds us of the days before the pandemic began has been a welcomed change for all of us. As good as it feels to return to some normalcy, let’s keep in mind that those who are not vaccinated are still very vulnerable to COVID and its new variants. By staying vigilant, we will protect our neighbors who have not been able to receive their vaccine. To help everyone in our community, Harris County Public Health is now offering vaccinations on demand. Learn more here.

For residents who are still struggling from COVID’s economic fallout, applications for additional recovery funds became available through the Harris County Recovery Assistance program on July 28. This direct assistance will provide $1,500 to 20,000 Harris County families who fell behind on payments for basic needs like rent, utilities, and childcare. Learn more about the program and apply until August 11.

Additional COVID recovery funds are also available through the Houston-Harris County Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The fund, which launched in February and has already helped 39,000 Harris County families stay housed, was recently awarded $53.5M from the American Rescue Plan for those who are struggling with paying their rent.

As our community begins to recover from the effects of COVID, we also move deeper into hurricane season. Unlike the past, Commissioners Court is now working to ensure everyone, regardless of their ZIP code, is protected from flooding. We know that changing how we allocate funds to flood mitigation projects are long overdue for many communities. We do not have a moment to waste, and these projects cannot be delayed. That's why Commissioners Court created the Harris County Flood Resilience Trust to ensure that all flood control and mitigation projects in the most vulnerable communities continue after the state initially denied our region a fair share of federal mitigation funding.

Meanwhile, at the National Association of County Officials (NACO) conference in Washington, D.C. in July, Precinct One’s policy experts presented the equity framework that Harris County is incorporating into all of our programs funded by the $915M American Rescue Plan. By invitation, Precinct One's Deputy Director of Policy Sasha Legette and Policy Advisor Janae Ladet gave the presentation along with a member of the White House’s Rescue Plan team and a King County representative. I’m proud that Precinct One was recognized for being a national model for delivering responsive public service in an equitable manner.

The nation's eyes are on Austin as Texas Democrats stopped a voter suppression bill that would have hurt everyone's ability to vote. By breaking quorum, these public servants are working to protect voting rights for all because voting is not a partisan issue. Read my Texas Signal op-ed, "Texas Democrats are taking a stand for our democracy " that outlines why I fully support this righteous stand for our democracy.

Another victory was recently won in Precinct One’s continued effort to removed symbols and geographic names that are reminders of Jim Crow. Commissioners Court unanimously voted to change the name of Precinct One’s Dixie Farm Road Park to Juneteenth Park. Changing the name of this park is a major step to ensure that the symbols and names in public spaces reflect the values of all Harris County residents.

May you continue making lasting memories this summer as you reconnect with family and friends and enjoy all that Harris County has to offer.

Sincerely,

PRECINCT ONE CELEBRATED PARK AND RECREATION MONTH: GET OUTSIDE!

With 22 parks to choose from, chances are Precinct One has a park that offers something for everyone.

Although July, which is Park and Recreation Month, is over, we encourage you to discover your new favorite Precinct One park. You may find that Deussen Park, which offers a free boat launch and t-pier on Lake Houston, or Tom Bass Park, which offers fishing ponds that are stocked twice a year, fits your outdoor style perfectly. Visit to escape into nature, for a challenging workout, or to spend quality time with family and friends. Residents may reserve pavilions for special occasions throughout the year.

While the Precinct One staff is restructuring our in-person programs to ensure we protect the health of you and your family, you may want to prepare for the reopening of the Community Centers by exploring our new Community Portal. This system makes registering for classes easier. With the Community Portal, residents can now register for Community Center activities and programs online. Additionally, the system allows residents to reserve pavilions and meeting rooms online.

In the past, park reservations or program registrations were done by phone or in person at a Precinct One office. Those services are still available, but the online Community Portal could save you time. We've created videos and a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process.

NORTHEAST TRAILS EXPLORATION COMMUNITY MEETING

Precinct One is currently studying how a trail system could better connect communities along Carpenters Bayou and throughout northeast neighborhoods.

Community members are invited to give feedback that will help identify key issues, opportunities, and challenges for the proposed project at an upcoming virtual meeting co-hosted by Precinct One and the Houston Parks Board at 6 p.m. tomorrow - Tuesday, August 3. During the meeting, a study of a future hike-and-bike trail system along Carpenters Bayou will be explored.
Area of Study

INVESTING IN SAFER STREETS: PHASE ONE OF TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY STREET IMPROVEMENTS ENDS / PHASE TWO BEGINS

Every Harris County community should have access to well-lit, safe roads and sidewalks. Harris County Precinct One, in partnership with the City of Houston and Texas Southern University, is completing the reconstruction of a 1.2-mile portion of Cleburne Street. The project will make it safer for all road users by incorporating shared-use paths, lighting, transit connections, landscaping and other enhancements.

Phase Two of the project, which includes improvements to sections of Blodgett, Tierwester, Sampson, Attucks and Rosewood streets, is set to begin and will take approximately sixteen months to complete.

Learn more about Phase One and Phase Two.