Super Neighborhood Alliance Meeting - April 13, 2026

The Super Neighborhood Alliance (SNA) held its monthly meeting on April 13, 2026, via video conference. The meeting covered a range of topics including voter turnout, the city budget and potential loss of state grants, heavy trash pickup, gas station proliferation, noise ordinance enforcement, and an update from the Harris County District Attorney's Office. A quorum was established, and the March 2026 meeting minutes were approved. The next in-person meeting was set for May 11, 2026, at City Hall's Legacy Room.

Voter Update

• Melanie Young and Cheryl O'Brien reminded representatives of upcoming elections: a runoff in District C, the May 4 special election for Senate District 4, and a runoff for Congressional District 18 on Memorial Day weekend. Cheryl expressed concern over low turnout, urging communities to energize voters. Greg added that runoffs from the primary occur at the end of May.
• Kevin announced a District C runoff forum hosted by the Near Town Montrose Super Neighborhood on April 29, 2026, at the Ismaili Center (limited tickets).

Budget and ICE Policy Discussion

• Councilmember Sally Alcorn confirmed that the mayor invited the SNA to meet at City Hall on May 11, noting the budget will be released the week prior. She stated that a threatened loss of $110 million in state grants due to the city's ICE policy is under discussion; the governor characterized the funds as public safety dollars. She noted the situation is breaking and that the mayor and staff are working with the legislature.
• Stacy Fairchild expressed concern that taxpayers will ultimately bear the cost of litigation over the policy, criticized the lack of vetting with the SNA, and called for future consultation on citywide ordinances. Sherry added that she believes council members are receiving bad information and that knee-jerk reactions could have long-term costs.
• Tom (unidentified) highlighted the need to prioritize public safety ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, referencing spring break security issues.

Heavy Trash Update (with Director Sims)

• Director Sims joined late and confirmed that heavy trash pickup has reverted to the previous schedule (as of March 2026) pending any further changes. He noted that only six code enforcement inspectors cover solid waste in Houston's 627 square miles.
• Beverly (SN 68) reported that a solid waste supervisor told her group everything was dispensed and the original schedule resumed. However, several representatives reported that pickups were not occurring on scheduled days and that 311 gave inconsistent answers.
• Will Rainey (SN 41) questioned the budget and suggested splitting the city into four quadrants for monthly pickup. Keith criticized the lack of resident education on changes and proposed using billboards in underserved communities near illegal dumping hotspots. Director Sims took feedback for Director Hassan.

Gas Station and Noise Ordinance Concerns

• Stacey raised the proliferation of gas stations near homes, noting a specific case where a station was about to be approved behind a million-dollar home. Councilmember Alcorn said the health department is veting environmental regulations, but property rights in a no-zoning city make changes difficult. She committed to following up with legal on the timeline.
• Tom (unidentified) urged the council to act as quickly as they did on the ICE policy. Letitia noted that the issue is citywide and that a single company appears to be building many stations. Kathleen O'Reilly highlighted that for-profit schools have different proximity rules and praised Riverside Terrace for fighting a gas station.
• Regarding the noise ordinance, Sherry reported that enforcement is ineffective; the revised ordinance made noise legal with a permit, but many do not obtain permits and HPD only issues warnings. Stacey stated the ordinance is currently unenforceable due to a lawsuit settlement. Councilmember Alcorn added the issue to her list to discuss with legal.

Harris County District Attorney's Office Update (Sherry)

• Sherry reported that in the first quarter of 2026, there were 149 trials. Misdemeanor trials focused on DWI and family violence assault. Of 101 felony trials, the most common were sexual abuse of a child (April is Child Abuse Awareness Month), followed by homicide (murder/capital murder). Sentencing outcomes included 13 life sentences, six sentences over 50 years, and 100 prison sentences ranging from 21 to 50 years. She emphasized that old cases are being tried promptly to avoid witness attrition.

Other Announcements

• Didi (District K) noted that the district's hot team collected nearly 50 tons of trash from 21+ illegal dumping spots. She promoted the Economic Development Committee meeting on April 15.
• Vicky announced an Earth Day event at Seta Gas Community Garden on April 18 and a Drug Take-Back educational forum on April 25 at Hoba Taylor Park.
• Letitia promoted the Acres Homes Affordable Housing Conference on June 27, featuring a "Politics to Policy" panel.
• Greg announced Houston Fleet Week starting this week (Coast Guard, Navy, Marines).
• Pastor Deb asked where to dispose of oxygen tanks (unresolved at adjournment).

Key Outcomes

• The March 2026 meeting minutes were approved by voice vote (motion and second). February minutes were tabled for May.
• The next in-person meeting will be held on May 11, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Legacy Room at City Hall (901 Bagby Street).
• Heavy trash pickup has reverted to the previous schedule; Director Sims will obtain a clear communication plan from Director Hassan and share it with the SNA.
• Councilmember Alcorn will follow up with legal on gas station regulations and noise ordinance enforceability.
• The SNA will continue to discuss voter engagement and may allocate agenda time for sharing strategies.
• The meeting was adjourned by motion and second.