Houston's Bikesharing Program to Triple in Size

Houston’s bikesharing program, B-Cycle, is set to triple in size. This is very good news for transportation in Houston. The system will expand to 100 stations and 800 bikes. Biking in Houston just got a whole lot easier.

Uber to only charge $7.13 in Inner 610 Loop & Uptown

Most Houstonians Know Houston as “The 713”. Well, Uber had an idea about that and now says that it’s new policy is that if you take a trip, in which your starting location and ending location are both in Houston’s Inner 610 Loop or Uptown Houston, Uber will only charge you $7.13 for the ride. Now that’s a good deal!

The Houston nickname is based on the cities area code of 713.

The decision also comes as Houston will soon release an app from which you can summon a ride sharing company to come give you a ride and it also includes taxis and limos. The app is expected to quickly increase ridesharing competition in the Houston area. Props to Uber for giving us Houstonians a really good deal!

Smither Park to Open October 1st in East End

A new park for the East End called Smither Park will open October 1^st. This new park will be an excellent addition to the East End. The park will open next to the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art The park is being built in honor of Houston folk art philanthropists Stephanie and John Smither. The park is filled with art from 300 artists across the country who meticulously crafted mosaic artworks from donated materials including broken dishes, mugs, glass, trickets and recycled items. Here is some of the artwork that can be found there.

Smither Park is a welcomed addition to the East End of Houston.

Houston ad in Times Square!

Visit Houston Texas has put an ad for Houston in Times Square. The advertising word is getting out about what a great city Houston is.

Here is the advertisement.

Hopefully our New Yorker friends will enjoy a bit of Houston in their city.

Houston Photo Series #13

Art in Houston's EaDo

Houston’s EaDo, east of downtown, is known for having lots of bars and a brewery, along with family friendly restaurants but it also has some great public art. Houston is a great city for the arts and EaDo is a representative of that. Here are some Houston Eado Art pieces.

Houston is a great city for art and I recommend that you check out the art in EaDo the next time you get a chance.

Houston Hotel added to "Curio Hilton" Line of Hotels.

Hilton’s Curio Hotels program has added the Sam Houston Downtown Hotel to its lists. This is very good news for Houston. The Curio line highlights specific Hilton hotels that are exceptional, then helps online customers plan their trips to these hotels. Houston is moving forward in improving its tourism. Here is a link to a webpage that helps you plan your trip to stay at a Curio Hilton hotel in Houston.

https://www.citiesbycurio.com/houston/?platform=hootsuite

Houston Astrodome Saved!

After 16 years of being unused, the Houston Astrodome was approved for renovation by the Harris County Commissioners Court today. After 16 years under threat of demolition, the world’s first domed stadium has been saved. The Astrodome has not been used since the Houston Astros left the stadium in favor of the retractable roof Minute Maid Park located downtown. Harris county has struggled to find a use for the dome, especially as they have not been able to find a willing private investor. Proposals included a movie studio, indoor theme park, convention center and the Urban Land Institute recommended an indoor park. Although my ideal use of the dome is an indoor park, keeping it standing is a positive outcome.

4 levels of parking will be built under the dome and the ground floor will be raised, the facility will be used for events such as festivals and conferences.

The Houston Astrodome has been saved. Although we wanted a better use of the building, the world’s first domed stadium will be left standing.

City and County may Unite on Stray Animals.

The City of Houston and Harris County may unite on the issues of stray animals. The two organizations are currently in discussions on merging their stray animal programs together.

As of now, Harris County concentrates on unincorporated areas of the county, despite having animal shelters in Houston city limits. The county got in trouble when it refused to help a German shepard who was shot, even though an animal shelter was only 7 miles away. City and county leaders will meet October 12^th, in order to hold a “summit” on stray animals and having a united city/county program will be discussed. This is an important problem that needs to be fixed but I’m confident the city and county will fix it.

Houston METRO Passes Fiscal Year 2017 Budget

Houston’s METRO Public Transit organization has approved a budget for fiscal year 2017.

METRO’s budget is well done and takes into account a possible future downturn in the economy.

The budget is actually $70 Million less than last year. The budget has $568 Million for operations and $178 Million for capital costs. $4 Million of that will be used to improve bus stops and transit infrastructure. The budget was done as if there were a 1% drop in sales revenue, as the entire state prepares for a possible economic downturn following lower oil prices. The budget is smartly done and improves the service while cutting the cost.

Houston Firefighters Pension Fund Declared Constitutional by the 14th Court of Appeals

The 14^th Court of Appeals has upheld the constitutionality of the Houston Firefighters pension fund.

This is a setback for lowering the pension fund but although not wise, this pension funding system does not seem to violate the United States Constitution. The Texas law, allows the Houston Firefighters union to determine their own contribution levels. I believe the taxpayers funding this pension fund are the ones who should be determining how much money is allocated. Although, this is unwise policy, we should not change it through the courts. We should elect officials to the Texas Legislature who will assume responsibility to change this policy.

The firefighter’s union determining their own contribution levels could destroy Houston’s budget and the policy should change.

Houston's Revenue Cap May Force Property Tax Cut.

Due to the cities revenue cap, the City of Houston will likely be forced to cut the property tax rate.

This is good news for those who want lower taxes and bad news for those who want better services.

Mayor Sylvester Turner is against the revenue cap and plans to put a measure to repeal the revenue cap on the ballot in the Fall of 2017. The rate will be held at 58 cents per every $100 of property value. City Council will vote on this property tax cut on September 21^st, 2016.

I think Houston needs to ensure that it only funds what is necessary, that is why we need a revenue cap. If this cap is forcing us to cut spending which is absolutely necessary, maybe it should be repealed. Maybe a better solution is electing city leaders that will not waste our money.

Houston's New Ridesharing App

The City of Houston has found its own way to handle the controversies confronting ridesharing in America, following the advent of Uber and Lyft.

The city is looking at putting together its own app, which would include all ridesharing companies in the area. From this one app, a Houstonian can simply give their intended destination and whichever companies car arrives first, gets the ride. The app includes local taxi and limousine transportation companies, along with Uber or Lyft. The app has not been completed and will require City Council approval in order to be implemented. However, city officials say it may be ready by the end of October, 2016. City officials are also rushing to make sure it is fully operational by the time that the Super Bowl comes to Houston in February, 2017.

The idea is an original way to resolve ridesharing competition issues which have come about in recent years.

Texas Legislature May Pass "David's Law" This Session.

The Texas Legislature is considering a law to help fight cyber bullying. "David's Law" may be proposed during the 2017 session by State Senator Jose Menendez.

The law would make it a misdemeanor to harass or bully someone under 18 through text messages, social media, websites or apps. The law is inspired by David Molak; a 16 year old who committed suicide as a result of cyber bullying.

Freedom of speech has a limit when it harms someone's safety. When these actions are leading to the loss of someone's life, there must be consequences. The consequence would be much better if it was a $500 fine than if it was living with the responsibility of knowing you caused someone to commit suicide.