Houston City Council Service Delivery Committee Meeting – October 28, 2026

The Houston City Council Service Delivery Committee met in hybrid mode on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, beginning at 2 p.m. Chair Tarsha Jackson presided. The meeting featured a presentation by Margarita Gardea, administrative manager for the Mayor's Office of Adult Literacy (MOL), on efforts to improve adult literacy in Houston. No agenda or minutes were available; this summary is based on the meeting transcript.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Marilyn White, a public speaker, shared her experience attending a digital literacy class with her 82-year-old mother. She praised the instructor and the library, and said they donated to Wesley Community Center to help purchase computers. She also expressed concern that when classes are run through partner organizations, the sign-up process should explain the full agenda, because some sessions covered financial literacy rather than the expected computer skills.

Discussion Items

• Ms. Gardea stated that nationally 48 million adults read below the sixth-grade level, adults with low literacy are more than two times more likely to face unemployment and significantly lower earnings, and nearly one in three adults in Harris County struggle with basic and/or digital literacy skills.
• She described MOL's vision and its role to enhance, engage, build, and support adult literacy across four functional areas: health, financial, basic, and digital literacy.
• In 2021, MOL and the Barbara Bush Foundation created the Houston Adult Literacy Blueprint, which established seven goals, including awareness, comprehensive systems, multi-generational learning, workforce skills, digital resources, shared data practices, and sustainable resources.
• From January to August, MOL's four digital lab partners delivered 63 classes serving 1,071 adults. Ms. Gardea highlighted a digital literacy class for seniors at A. Leaf Regional Library and a financial class at Young Library, both developed after community requests.
• In the Kashmir Gardens area, MOL partnered with Kashmir Library and Wesley Community Center to provide a three-week digital skills course; adult learners received a new laptop upon completion.
• A GED class at Cashmere Neighborhood Library launched in June 2026, with 37 students currently enrolled and a graduation planned for December. Ms. Gardea said a retired-teacher volunteer was being placed to help the 9 to 10 students who still needed to pass the math section.
• In September, MOL and Houston Community College hosted a family literacy event at the North Forest campus, with more than 30 vendors and 66 participants.
• MOL has developed a centralized data intake system and a volunteer program. Ms. Gardea said 25 volunteers have signed up for MOL and all are vetted and trained before working with adult learners.
• Councilmember Alcorn asked how residents learn about programs and how volunteers are trained. Ms. Gardea said libraries refer residents to MOL, and volunteers receive structured training, with curricula and resources provided by partners for GED support.
• Councilmember Ramirez asked about location selection, outcome measurements, attendance accommodations, and funding. Ms. Gardea said locations are based on intake data and partner and library input; outcome tracking was not previously available, but new pathways will allow follow-up; and a mother and daughter who missed a session were offered a makeup class.
• Director Gaw said MOL receives approximately $400,000 annually. She noted that ARPA funds helped purchase technology and support services, but the ARPA grant ends this year. She said MOL intends to continue services through volunteers and by pursuing grants.
• Councilmember Selena's office asked about eligibility requirements. Ms. Gardea said services are free, open to all adults 18 and older, and not targeted to specific demographics.

Key Outcomes

• The committee received the presentation and asked follow-up questions; no formal vote or ordinance was considered.
• Director Gaw committed to provide a written breakdown of MOL funding sources after a question about whether the funding comes from the general fund or grants.
• MOL identified upcoming strategic priorities: expand citywide literacy awareness in all council districts, add more multi-generational learning opportunities, build workforce-aligned pathways and referral systems, strengthen partnerships, expand volunteer development, and pursue grants for long-term growth.
• The meeting adjourned after one public comment; the next Service Delivery Committee meeting will be announced by email.