District C Resident Named Army Spouse of the Year
Council Member Cohen presented a proclamation at Council declaring Tuesday, July 8, 2014 as “Reda Hicks Day,” to celebrate our constituent’s recent designation as the 2014 Armed Forces Insurance Army Spouse of the Year. This national award is bestowed on the spouse who best represents the important contributions and unwavering commitment of military spouses to the military, their country, and their community. In addition to her tireless advocacy for active servicemen and women, veterans, and their families, Reda serves on the board of Leadership Houston and is a partner in Houston-based Diamond McCarthy LLP.
Liftoff Houston! Business Plan Competition Launches
The Office of Business Opportunity has partnered with Houston Public Library and Capital One to create Liftoff Houston!, a business plan contest open to Houston start-ups. This five-month competition provides new businesses with workshops and mentoring in the development of their business plan, and the winning firm in each of three categories will be awarded $10,000. Required orientations will be offered at multiple Houston Public Library locations citywide, beginning tomorrow and continuing until July 31st. Interested parties may visit LiftOffHouston.com to learn more information and to register.
On the Agenda
Council voted to approve the Capital Improvement Plan for FY2015 – FY2019. Over the next five years, District C has been allocated approx. $310,000,000.00 for infrastructure improvements, including the highest percentage of ReBuild Houston projects (which improve streets and drainage) of any council district. Among many others, these projects will include improvements to:
- Fire Station 13 in Oak Forest
- Jaycee Park
- Heights hike-and-bike trails
- W. Gray Metropolitan Multi-Service Center
- W. Alabama St.
- Greenbriar Rd.
What’s Happening in the District
Houston debuted its first “parklet” in District C, on 19th St in the Heights. Parklets, or miniature parks, provide passers-by with amenities and green space adjacent to the sidewalk, enhancing neighborhood walkability. This location is part of a pilot program spear-headed by Council Member Ed Gonzalez and Houston’s Director of Sustainability, Laura Spanjian.