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Houston: Mayor Whitmire's March 2026 Newsletter

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Dear friends,

March 9 through 13 is "break week" at Houston City Hall. There are no council meetings scheduled, but my office is continuing to work on addressing Houston's challenges and meeting with constituents.

There is also a lot happening throughout the city. As the saying goes, this is not my first rodeo! The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ offers something for everyone - from concerts, to the carnival and a spotlight on cowboy and cowgirl culture. Please take advantage of METRORail to get to NRG Park, don't drink and drive and thank our police and firefighters who are working to keep the crowds safe.

Rodeo Houston is the beginning of several big events coming to Houston over the next several months, including the World Baseball Classic, March Madness, Fleet Week Houston and the 2026 FIFA World Cup at NRG Stadium.  As my administration prioritizes public safety, infrastructure, good government and quality of life issues, we are also excited to welcome the world to Houston to enjoy these events.

Let's go to work!

- John Whitmire

As a big supporter of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™, Mayor Whitmire joined the HLSR organization and volunteers for kickoff events including the Go Texan Day Rodeo Roundup where he surprised Pat Mann Phillips with a proclamation for her historic service as the first woman Chair of the Board of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The mayor attended the World's Championship Bar-B-Que cookoff, cheered on the runners for the Rodeo Run and was pleased to see more than 60,000 spectators at the Rodeo Parade. For more than nine decades, Rodeo Houston the has contributed to our city's economy, education, western heritage and community pride. More than 800 student scholarships will be awarded through the Rodeo's scholarship programs in 2026.

The countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is on, and Houston is ready for the spotlight. City Hall, Houston Airports and many downtown buildings were illuminated with blue lights on March 3rd to mark 100 days until the first FIFA World Cup match is played at NRG Stadium.

FIFA World Cup 2026™ will leave a lasting legacy for Houston's bright future

Mayor Whitmire joined the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee to launch FREEKICKS Soccer, an unprecedented, collaborative effort between the committee, the City of Houston, Harris County Precincts 1-4, and the youth soccer community. The initiative will construct and refurbish 23 soccer pitches across six parks and addresses a critical challenge: limited access to organized soccer for youth in underserved communities. Read more ...

Mayor Whitmire delivered his annual State of the City address on Feb. 12, sharing a message focused on no new taxes, honest government that works, and a city that is strong. He touted recent accomplishments and plans to further improve public safety and infrastructure and emphasized the continued efforts toward greater efficiency in city operations.  Read the full story and watch the video of the State of the City address.

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On Monday, March 9, Mayor Whitmire joined the Super Neighborhood Alliance to provide an update on City services and issues. He heard directly from the community leaders representing 88 neighborhoods across our city.

Alongside his team and department heads, Mayor Whitmire addressed concerns including heavy trash pickup, deed restriction enforcement, and residential permitting issues. The mayor is always happy to listen to constituents, answer questions, and work together to address concerns as he continues fixing Houston.

MARCH ON CRIME TAKES ON ILLEGAL DUMPING, TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT, AFTER-HOURS CLUBS

Mayor Whitmire joined the Houston Police Department to kickstart the 2026 Houston's March on Crime/Lucha Contra el Crimen Initiative. This year, the program will focus on investigating illegal dumping cases, traffic enforcement, and after-hours clubs. HPD is making significant strides toward fighting illegal dumping by arresting and charging individuals. Illegal dumping hurts our neighborhoods, our environment, and our quality of life.

IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE

xxxThe City is partnering with Downtown Houston+ and METRO to resurface more than 80 blocks and dozens of intersections as part of a major project to build safer, smoother streets across Downtown. It is preparation for the FIFA World Cup and an investment in infrastructure that will serve Houstonians and visitors long after the last match is played at NRG Stadium. Learn more about this infrastructure project.

GEORGE R. BROWN CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION ON COURSE

Thanks to Mayor Whitmire's leadership, Houston City Council recently approved $2.3B in bonds for the next phase of the GRB Convention Center expansion. "We have such a great opportunity to become the destination for convention and visitors to our great city, and at no cost to Houston taxpayers," said Mayor Whitmire "It's coming from state revenue, the hotel occupancy tax." During his time in the Texas State Legislature, the mayor authored the bill making this possible.

CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIP LEAVES ITS MARK ON HOUSTON

80,000 cheerleaders, a $150 million impact, and three more years in Houston.

Houston was proud to host the National Cheerleaders Association All-Star National Championship recently, and the energy across our city was unforgettable. From our hotels and restaurants to our streets and venues, Houston showed how we host major events. Mayor Whitmire is excited this partnership will continue from 2026 to 2028, bringing thousands of athletes, families, and fans back each year. Hearing from visitors who called it "the best NCA we have ever attended" says it all. We can't wait to welcome everyone back next year!

KEEPING PUBLIC SAFETY A PRIORITY

The news is out: Houston is trending in the right direction! The Major Cities Chiefs Association recently released statistics that show crime is down in Houston. By reducing HPD's response time to violent crimes and graduating more than 700 police cadets in the past two years, Houston is on the right path, but the help and cooperation of our residents is still indispensable.

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On Feb. 19, the Houston Fire Department welcomed its 92 newest members. Mayor Whitmire thanks the these men and women for their commitment to serve Houstonians with courage and compassion. Increasing the number of firefighters and police officers is part of the mayor's public safety strategy that is making a difference across the city.

MAYOR TEAMS UP WITH CIVIC CLUB TO COMBAT ILLEGAL DUMPING

Watch out for the Whit-mobile - illegal dumping is an ever-present challenge that negatively affects the quality of life for Houstonians. Mayor Whitmire and members of Glenwood Forest Civic Club met at City Hall to strategize efforts to combat illegal dumping in their neighborhood. Mayor Whitmire visited Glenwood Forest last year, noticed their outdated neighborhood watch vehicle and learned how the car was a critical part of reporting illegal dumping and deterring crime. The Glenwood Forest Civic Club members unveiled the "Whitmobile" at City Hall and thanked the City for supporting their efforts to keep Northeast Houston clean and safe. Learn more by watching this KHOU Channel 11 news segment.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR TOUR de HOUSTON

Tour de Houston be rolling your way on Sunday, April 12, bringing riders across Houston to experience our neighborhoods and support a healthier, more active city. This annual bike ride with Apache Corporation as the presenting sponsor, celebrates the beauty, history, diversity and vibrancy of Houston's neighborhoods. Proceeds from the ride benefit Houston Parks and Recreation Department's reforestation program. The ride will feature a new route with three distance options ideal for families, casual riders and cyclists training for the upcoming MS 150. Registration is open now : https://bit.ly/3MnDd2r.

On International Women's Day, Mayor Whitmire attended the annual fundraiser for the Ivy Educational & Charitable Foundation of Houston and spoke about the importance of investing in education and opportunity. Since its founding in 1981 by visionary members of the Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the foundation has made a lasting impact through scholarships, service, and community leadership in Houston.

Mayor Whitmire hosted more than 2,000 neighbors who gathered to break their fast during Ramadan at the annual Mayor's Iftar. Mayor Whitmire also joined the board of the Egyptian Society for a Ramadan Iftar at the home of Dr. Zaafran. This is what makes Houston special. We celebrate our diversity, we show up for one another, and we build community together. Ramadan is a time of reflection, gratitude, and community and gatherings. Wishing everyone observing a peaceful and blessed Ramadan.

RECOGNIZING A LOCAL TV LEGEND

Mayor Whitmire stopped by the KHOU-11 studios to present a proclamation to longtime Houston journalist Shern-Min Chow, who retired after 29 years. Read more.
MAKE FAMILY PLANS TO PARTICIPATE IN FLEET WEEK APRIL 15-22

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