Houston City Council Meeting: July 22, 2025 (Two-Day Session)
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Houston City Council Meeting: July 22, 2025 (Two-Day Session)
The Houston City Council convened on July 22, 2025, in a session that continued into July 23. The meeting included proclamations, public comments on disaster recovery funding and the civility ordinance, a detailed report on the deteriorating condition of city buildings, and votes on several items, including the appointment of a new Solid Waste Director.
Proclamations & Recognitions
- Mayor John Whitmire proclaimed July 22, 2025, as "Lily DeBoss and Lily Toy Box Day" in recognition of the nonprofit distributing over 96,000 toys to children since its founding in 2017 by then-8-year-old Lily. Councilmembers praised Lily's work and family support.
- The council recognized the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 2025. Representatives from the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities highlighted Houston's role in the ADA's history and announced a celebration on July 26 at the Metropolitan Multiservice Center.
- On July 23, the council honored U.S. Marshals Service K9 Rocky, who was shot twice in January 2025 while apprehending a suspect. The mayor proclaimed July 23, 2025, as "U.S. Marshals Service K9 Rocky Day" and credited Rocky with saving officers' lives.
Public Comments & Testimony (July 22)
- Julia Arduña (Texas Housers) requested that the city amend the DR24 action plan to include language preventing further repositioning of housing funds, and called for stronger oversight of home repair programs, including homeowner involvement in inspections and a community oversight committee.
- Oscar L. Thomas (Texas Organizing Project) urged the council to move funds from power generation and police/fire vehicle categories to expand housing relief, stating that "you're the only avenue they have" for help as federal dollars dry up.
- Mari Lucas opposed the city's cooperation with ICE, urging HPD to focus on local enforcement and not act as "ancillary federal thugs."
- Jack Balinski thanked the mayor for addressing Solid Waste issues but raised concerns about poor communication from the department and fleet maintenance problems, saying trucks are often out of service due to aging vehicles.
- Neil Aquino (Houston Democracy Project) criticized the expansion of the civility ordinance and the city's cooperation with ICE, arguing that the city bears responsibility for what happens to people turned over to ICE. He called for a "Proposition A" ordinance to track the outcomes of those individuals.
- Gladys House Ale complained about a lack of response from HPD regarding a complaint filed three months ago, and asked the mayor for a meeting with the police chief.
- Jennifer Hadaya (Air Alliance Houston) asked the council to reevaluate the Houston Recycling Collaboration MOU, arguing that chemical recycling produces cancer-causing pollution and was never vetted publicly.
- Samuel Barnes spoke about a new Houston Public Library bag policy (two-bag limit, size restrictions) that he said prevents him from using the library as a homeless person, and asked for the policy to be overturned.
- Richard Rogers and Alex Grandstaff opposed the expansion of the civility ordinance, calling it cruel and ineffective, and argued that the city should instead invest in wraparound services and housing-first approaches.
- Dr. Victor A. Bear expressed disappointment in a food distribution event in Carverdale that gave out Doritos and dehydrated food, calling it nutritionally inadequate and disrespectful to the community.
- Sereza Page said she is homeless and living in her vehicle, and that the Houston Housing Authority lost her Section 8 voucher. The mayor arranged for a meeting with housing authority staff.
- Alicia Piper (Texas Organizing Project) said her home was damaged by Hurricane Beryl and she is still displaced, sleeping on a sofa in her salon. She urged the city to direct more disaster recovery funds to housing repair.
- Alfreda Franklin (Houston Motorcycle SAT) requested safety measures for motorcyclists, including billboard slogans, HOV lane access, and flashing warning signs.
- Tiffany Hogue (Texas Organizing Project) and Seneca McQueen Jr. requested $150 million for housing needs from the DR24 funds, arguing that this is the only federal disaster money available and that the city's proposed $50 million is insufficient.
- Felix Kapoor (speaker on July 23? Actually, the transcript shows a speaker Felix Kapoor on July 23? The public comments on July 23 appear to be from the same session? The transcript on July 23 after the break includes a speaker Felix Kapoor? Actually, the July 23 session starts with Rocky recognition, then appointment, then mayor's report, then discussion on item 5. There is no public comment period on July 23. So the public comments are all from July 22.
Discussion Items
- Disaster Recovery Funding (CDBG-DR24) – Item 5: The council debated the allocation of $151 million in disaster recovery funds. The administration proposed $50 million for housing (single-family and multifamily repair) and $50 million for power generation at critical facilities, with the remainder for other recovery needs. Councilmember Thomas filed an amendment to shift more money to housing. Stephen, the deputy mayor, detailed the administration's rationale, citing the need for backup generators at fire stations, police stations, multi-service centers, and lift stations, noting that $151 million is only a partial investment. Councilmember Plummer tagged the item and the amendment for further discussion the following week. Councilmember Pollard questioned whether the city was using storm funds for ongoing city services; the mayor and administration strongly denied that, stating all expenditures are storm-related.
- Condition of City Buildings (July 23): Public Works Director Randy and Police Chief Harden presented a report on the severe deferred maintenance at 611 Walker (public works) and 1200 Travis (HPD headquarters). Both buildings are 59 years old, with original electrical, plumbing, and elevator systems. The estimated cost to rehabilitate both is $575 million, while the remaining service life index is 18% and 15% respectively. The administration is exploring options to relocate employees, possibly into a new or purchased building, and noted that the water utility could finance a new building. Councilmembers expressed shock and support for finding a long-term solution, and Councilmember Flickinger requested a tour.
Key Outcomes
- Minutes approved: The minutes of July 15 and 16 were adopted unanimously.
- Procedural motions: Several speakers were moved to the top of the public comment list via suspension of rules.
- Appointment of Solid Waste Director: Richard Hason was unanimously confirmed as the new director of the Solid Waste Management Department. He pledged to address the department's challenges, including aging trucks and communication issues.
- Item 5 (CDBG-DR24): Tagged by Councilmember Plummer for further discussion; the amendment also tagged.
- Item 12 (Library Overdrive): Tagged by Councilmember Ramirez pending cost information.
- Item 26 (MUD addition): Tagged by Councilmember Plummer for additional floodplain information.
- Item 28 (Rufino Hills land swap): Approved unanimously after positive comments from Councilmembers Pollard and Kamin.
- Item 41 (MUD addition): Delayed for two weeks at the request of Councilmember Shabazz for an engineering study on sewer system capacity.
- Adjournment: The council adjourned in memory of Bob Stein, a former councilmember and civic leader who recently passed away.
Meeting Transcript
Mayor Pro Tim to preside. Okay, today we have an exceptional young lady. I'm so excited to bring before council. This is Lily DeBeau's. And she has started Lily's Toy Box, um, where they have given out over 96,000 toys to kids. And so I'm gonna read this proclamation, which explains more of the cause, and then I bet she'll have some words for you. But whereas on July 22nd, 2025, Lily's Toy Box is celebrating its mission of spreading joy, comfort, and hope to children experiencing difficult times by providing new toys and meaningful experiences. And whereas Lily's Toy Box was founded in 2017 by then eight-year-old Lily, after witnessing the devastation Hurricane Harvey brought to children in her community. She was moved to action by a desire to bring smiles to those who had lost everything. And whereas what began as a small act of kindness has since grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit with a warehouse in Houston, year-round programming and the distribution of more than 96,000 brand new toys to children across the country affected by natural disasters, medical challenges, poverty, and other hardships. And whereas Lily's Toy Box partners with schools, hospitals, and organizations such as the Correa Family Foundation, Jose Altuve, and professional athletes to make meaningful connections with children and families in need. And whereas the heart of Lily's Toy Box lies in its message that every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and celebrated, especially during life's most difficult moments. And whereas the city of Houston recognizes the incredible compassion, leadership, and dedication of Lily and her supporters, and celebrates the positive and lasting impact of Lily's Toy Box on our beloved city. Thank you, Councilmember Huffman, for bringing it to our attention. Lily, uh I'm just sitting here trying to visualize 96,000 boys. Started by an eight-year-old. Yeah, the operation. So we probably need you down here working at City Hall to help us address some of our concerns. But today is your day and the toy boxes day in the city of Houston. Now, therefore, I, John Whitmeyer, Mayor of the City of Houston, hereby proclaim Lily DeBoss and Lily Toy Box Day in Houston, Texas, on July 22nd, 2025. Congratulations. Thank you so much for your support and this opportunity today. It's just so exciting to be here and see all of you. If you would like to make a donation, please go to Lily's Toy Box. Thank you so much again. It's just a dream to be here and to make all these kids happy. Thank you so much. Thank you, Lily, for being here. We do have a couple of council members in queue to address you. We'll start with Councilmember Carter. Hi, Lily. Hi. You may not remember me, but I remember you when you were a little girl and you got this started. I ran the Astros Foundation and we gave you money. I'm gonna come out and say hello to you, but thank you for all you do and all you've done. I've just followed you for all these years, and you just it's a should be an inspiration to so many young people that when you put your mind to it and your heart in it, you can do anything. And God bless you for continuing to step up and do what you do. It makes me so happy. Thank you. Councilmember Km. Lily, congratulations and Councilmember Huffman. Thank you for sharing this with us and with the city. Uh Lily, I wanted to give you a quick opportunity. Is your family here today? Yeah. Do you want to introduce them? Yes, so this is my mom, and then this is my dad, and this is my Aunt Walls. Well, um, I have no doubt uh that you are not only a true leader, but that your family backs you 110%. So to mom and dad, thank you for just giving her the space to give to all of us and to the community, and congratulations. Thank you so much.
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