Super Neighborhood Alliance Monthly Meeting – June 8, 2026

The Super Neighborhood Alliance held its monthly meeting on June 8, 2026, via video conference. The meeting featured presentations on disaster recovery housing funds from the City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department and an update from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) on World Cup preparations. Other business included a budget and finance committee report, approval of minutes, and a decision to take July and August off.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Several super neighborhood representatives asked questions of Latasha Smith (HCD) about the disaster recovery program, including eligibility, taxable status of grants, floodplain requirements, and requests for presentations in their neighborhoods. Tamaro Bell expressed appreciation for TxDOT engagement. Vicky from Super Neighborhood 49/50 reported a lighting issue on 610 and a missing sign, and Glenn Albert committed to follow up. Lindsay Williams requested a meeting about the I-45 realignment project. Dexter asked about better communication on construction closures. Doug reported a victory against a proposed gas station on Southmore.

Discussion Items

• Disaster Recovery Funds (HCD Presentation): Latasha Smith presented on the Disaster Recovery Program for the 2024 storms (DeRico May 16–17 and Hurricane Beryl July 5–9). The program provides up to $100,000 for home rehabilitation and up to $300,000 for full reconstruction. Eligibility: owner-occupied primary residence in Houston city limits, outside floodway, income at or below 80% area median income, sustained damage from the named storms. Homeowners must be current on mortgage/property taxes. Temporary housing is provided during reconstruction. Applications are expected to open at the end of summer; advance preparation of documents is encouraged. Smith noted that application workshops will be held at community centers to assist.
• TxDOT World Cup & Cleanliness Update: Glenn Albert, Houston District Engineer for TxDOT, reported on efforts to beautify corridors in preparation for the FIFA World Cup. Over 5,500 trees planted, 17 million sq ft of concrete power washed, 13 million sq ft power washed and repainted, 2,800 large green signs replaced, and 1,200 high-mast lights upgraded to LED. Maintenance has increased: interstate sweeping from twice monthly to weekly, mowing from 4 to 8 times per year, and doubled litter pickup. During World Cup, contractors will continue work behind existing barriers but no new lane closures or temporary closures on game days; only the downtown NHIP drainage project will be paused.
• Budget and Finance Committee Report: Jack provided an overview of the city's budget situation. The city faces a ~$200 million shortfall in a $7.5 billion budget. Proposed solutions include transferring $200 million from the water fund and adding a $5 monthly household fee for trash service. Jack expressed concerns about sustainability and noted that the health department may be shortchanged. Controller Hollins approved the mayor's budget proposal, but overtime spending remains a concern. The budget must be approved by July 1.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of Off Months: A motion to cancel meetings in July and August was approved unanimously.
• Minutes Approval: The April and May meeting minutes were approved. The February minutes remain unresolved; Letitia directed Greg to meet with Cheryl within 14 days to resolve concerns, after which a virtual vote will be conducted. This directive was challenged by Greg but the meeting ended without further action.
• Next Steps: HCD will schedule presentations at individual super neighborhood meetings. TxDOT committed to better communication and will provide a map of state-maintained roads. A meeting on I-45 realignment will be arranged.