“We don’t want to ban short-term rentals because that would be illegal and unconstitutional," Houston Council Member Julian Ramirez said. "What we want to do is get at the bad actors, the folks who are not following the rules."

Houston’s City Council has approved Walkable Places and Special Parking Area designations for Park Eight Place. With safer streetscapes and reduced parking requirements, Park Eight Place aims to create a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly hub.

Many Houston residents have voiced their frustrations with short-term rentals being used as party houses, and a city council member is looking to educate and inform so homeowners have the legal tools necessary to fight back.

Millions of people live in the City of Houston. Inevitably, eventually someone is going to have a problem they will need help taking care of.

The proposal, which is agenda item #11 on Tuesday’s city council meeting agenda, relates to targeted residential picketing.

Houston’s former city councilman and community leader Felix Fraga has died. He was 94.

Pop-Off Politics is where we keep you informed about how your tax dollars are being spent by the City of Houston. Every Wednesday, 16 members of the Houston City Council convene to allocate millions of dollars toward projects intended to benefit Houstonians. We’re highlighting two significant items on the agenda that total $35 million.

Earlier this month, the Houston BCycle bike sharing service announced that it would be closing on June 30. As that day approaches, the City of Houston has begun the process of collecting all the bikes.

Houston Independent School District Superintendent Mike Miles presented the latest STAAR test results to the city council, highlighting significant improvements at several schools. Despite the positive outcomes, Miles faced tough questions about extensive teacher and principal layoffs. What do you think about these changes in Houston schools? Read the full story and share your thoughts in the comments!

Houston firefighters took to social media to celebrate the newfound victory claiming in a post, “this is a huge victory for our heroes on the frontline.”

The Houston BCycle bike sharing program has announced that it will be shutting down its service on June 30 after operating for 12 years.The service started back in 2012, when the City of Houston began a contractual agreement with Houston Bike Share. The bikes were funded by a grant from former Houston Mayor Annise Parker’s Office of Sustainability through the Environmental Protection Agency.

Houston City Council has approved a bond to help pay for a historic firefighter contract worth $1.5 billion. The deal includes $650 million in back pay and a 34% raise over the next five years for Houston firefighters. #HoustonFirefighters #ContractSettlement #BetterWorkingConditions

The Houston Fire Department is on the verge of a historic contract vote! 🗳️ This agreement promises better pay, enhanced working conditions, and comprehensive health provisions for our dedicated firefighters. 👨‍🚒🔥 #HoustonFireDepartment #ContractVote #CommunitySupport #FirefightersRock

District F Council Member Thomas says she wants to bridge the educational gap by holding a workshop Saturday where homeowners can learn how to combat, through legal means, the growing number of short-term rentals used for house parties in their areas.

Currently, payment is required from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, but the proposed changes would extend this time until 2am.

Houston City Council Members tasked with approving new airport additions aimed to benefit fliers.

Many Houston residents have voiced their frustrations with short-term rentals being used as party houses, and a city council member is looking to educate and inform so homeowners have the legal tools necessary to fight back.

Deal may not be done until June

The former Director of Houston City Council Relations William-Paul Thomas was sentenced to federal court on Monday.

An update to William-PaKPRC 2 Investigates obtained federal legal records on Tuesday showing a recent “Notice of Resetting” regarding former City of Houston City Council Relations Director William-Paul Thomas. Federal records in December showed Thomas was to have been sentenced this past Monday, January 22nd.ul Thomas sentencing date...

The final city council hearing of the Turner Administration took place at Houston City Hall on Wednesday.

On Tuesday morning, Councilmember Michael Kubosh echoed Knox’s sentiments during the “Pop-Off Politics” Segment on KPRC 2+.

The Houston City Council passed a high water bill relief plan Wednesday. Check out what the ordinance changes mean for all water bill customers.

On Wednesday morning at Houston City Hall, there will be nearly 80 agenda items heard by city council members.

Houstonians have decided who will lead the city in the years ahead following Saturday’s runoff elections.

Voters cast their ballots for the Decision 2023 runoff election

Voters cast their ballots for the Decision 2023 runoff election

Mayor Sylvester Turner said he is ready to go with the Terminal B expansion at Bush Airport. The $2.6 billion project would make modern improvements to ticketing, baggage, and security.

On Wednesday morning at Houston City Hall there will be 74 agenda items heard by city council members. The agenda, which is one of Mayor Sylvester Turner’s final ones as Mayor, is unusually long.

The Houston mayor said his administration has a plan to address high water bill issues in our city. He made the announcement late Tuesday, the same day multiple Houston City Council members submitted a notice to place water bill relief on the city council agenda. This is all a result of KPRC 2′s DRAINED investigations.

Houston's Mayor had some choice words for KPRC 2 Investigates Amy Davis two weeks after residents praised her, and Council Members pledged to help them finally.

Houston City Council looking to spend Billions at IAH, and what's with the plans for a new convention center and hotel?

The 2023 General and Special Election will be held on Nov. 7, 2023. Voters who live within the city will cast their votes for Houston mayor candidates and for Houston City Council. Voters will also cast their votes for statewide and countywide propositions, county bond issues, school district props and trustees.

We should start by saying the vast majority of public servants do indeed serve Houstonians. However, there are others who do otherwise, according to federal and state prosecutors.

Water woes continue to plague our city. KPRC 2 Investigates shows you how much more the city is spending to fix the leaks.

The attorney representing Thomas – Monique Sparks - has made a request of the court to be removed from the case.

The segment featuring KPRC2 Investigator Mario Diaz takes a look at how politicians spend tax dollars during their meetings.

Houston City Council will provide $5 million to help residents who want to voluntarily move out of the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens cancer cluster.

Last year, the Houston Health Department said it found cancer-causing chemicals in the soil around the Union Pacific Railroad yard. The soil contained dioxin, a highly toxic chemical compound associated with cancer and other severe health risks.

Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Houston City Council have approved a vote to restore the lights on the Montrose Bridges which hang above Highway 59.

The lights on the Montrose Bridges over Highway 59 are one step closer to being fully lit at night. The bridges have seen better days when some of the lights were working.

A Houston pet store owner is accused of breaking the City’s “humane pet store” ordinance which bans stores from selling animals from puppy mills, instead requiring sales of puppies from places like animal shelters or private rescues.

The Houston City Council along with Mayor Sylvester Turner voted Wednesday to rename a police substation after a slain Houston Police Sergeant.

It’s not a dream, Texas! A psychedelic, immersive experience is coming to two Texas cities soon, and Houston is one of them.

Four Families will cease operating inside Hobby Airport at 11:59 p.m. Thursday. Eight temporary dining options will operate in their place.

West Houston Assistance Ministries announced the launch of its THRIVE campaign. The organization hopes to raise $1.2M and be able to help 5,000 families in the next year.

Texas Southern University’s Aviation Science and Technology program is reaching new heights with the approval of a training facility at the Houston Spaceport.

Houston Police Chief Troy Finner and HPD commanders will provide a quarterly update on violent crime to Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and members of the Houston City Council Wednesday.

Houston City Council voted to approve a proposed ordinance that would name six neighborhoods as part of a conservation district pilot program. This comes after a vote was tabled last Wednesday.

Houston City Council will vote Wednesday on a proposed ordinance that would name six neighborhoods as part of a conservation district pilot program.

The third time proved not to be the charm for former Director of City Council Relations for the City of Houston William-Paul Thomas. Federal legal records obtained by KPRC 2 Investigates show the federal sentencing date for Thomas has been pushed back from next week to June.

The city of Houston awarded a lucrative Hobby Airport concessions contract to a new company, pushing out Pappas restaurant amid much debate. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and 10 other council members voted “yes” in favor of awarding the contract, with six voting “no.”

Common Bond and Pinks Pizza are among the local restaurant concepts coming to William P. Hobby Airport under a new concessions contract Houston City Council approved Wednesday.

IN THIS EPISODE:

Houston City Council voted to purchase land in efforts to mitigate flooding in vulnerable communities during future severe storms, according to a release.

One council member wants a legal explanation and a broader approach to safety concerns after 2021 Astroworld Festival tragedy at NRG Park

KPRC 2 Investigates is asking why water rates are skyrocketing and what we’re getting for the extra money we’re all paying.

Houston City Council is discussing a plan to redraw the districts, but the agenda item has been delayed.

KPRC 2 Investigates has uncovered another example of convicted Houston City Council Relations Director William-Paul Thomas working outside of his scope at city hall last spring.

City of Houston leaders are calling for an outside investigation into the actions of a now former city director, William Paul Thomas, after KPRC 2 Investigates uncovered emails showing negotiations in favor of a private businessman.

Your H-Town traffic breakdown!

Tenants at Timber Ridge Apartments spoke in front of Houston City Council members and Mayor Sylvester Turner Tuesday to voice their concerns about the hazardous conditions hundreds of them have reportedly been experiencing while living there.

Public hearings begin Wednesday as Houston City Council reviews new redistricting maps.

A Houston city council member said she’s taking steps to address concerns about public safety in her district, which includes areas of Alief and Westchase.

Houston City Council passed an ordinance Wednesday that will now require security cameras and lighting at certain businesses.

Houston City Council on Wednesday passed its proposed policy to give city of Houston employees paid parental leave with a unanimous vote.

Pleasant Hill Village Retirement Community was built in 1998, but decades before, the land was occupied by an auto repair shop, washateria and a dry cleaner. Three businesses that left behind toxic chemicals that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality confirmed have contaminated the soil and groundwater.

Houston City Council has passed an ordinance prohibiting the smoking of e-cigarettes, also referred to as “vaping,” in public locations.

Houston City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to amend several ordinances related to Houston-area pet owners and shops.

The group is asking for the elimination of the city's five at-large council seats and for the creation of four new districts.

Members of the Houston City Council voted on Wednesday to approve incentives for vaccinations up to $150.

Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey and Houston City Council Member Edward Pollard are expected to hold a news conference with other local officials Monday to remind residents of the effective date of House Bill 2795, and how the two offices are partnering to address Bissonnet Street (between Beltway 8 and Southwest Freeway), an area known nationally for prostitution.

Houston City Council is one vote away from issuing a huge increase in water bills for residents.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18) will hold a press conference Thursday to discuss anti-gun violence legislation.

Houston city council approved Tuesday an increase in fines for illegal dumping, the secretary’s office confirms.

In election years, we see political signs and candidates for public office everywhere. They are out canvassing neighborhoods and greeting voters. Unfortunately, the pandemic has made our elected leaders less visible. There have been no face to face public meetings for months. We wondered how well those men and women are connecting and communicating with the constituents they serve.

The Houston City Council is expected to vote on the approval of 75 kiosks Wednesday.

HOUSTON – The Houston City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to approve the appointment of Troy Finner as the next police chief. Finner takes over for outgoing Chief Art Acevedo, who is leaving to become the top cop in Miami. Finner is a native of Houston and grew up in the Fifth Ward. He attended James Madison High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University and a master’s degree from the University of Houston. Finner takes the helm at HPD on April 5.

HOUSTON – Members of the NAACP Houston Branch and the Women’s Coalition for Women’s Empowerment gathered on the steps of Houston City Hall in response to a recent social media post by City Councilman Greg Travis. Councilman Greg Travis maintains his comment specifically was directed toward his thoughts on the former first lady’s performance in the unelected position. RELATED: Houston City Councilman Greg Travis faces backlash over Facebook comments“Everybody can have an opinion. She said his post disparaged Black women’s hard work. He has yet to acknowledge these women worked hard to reach their dreams and strive for a better life, said Robinson.

HOUSTON – Houston City Council has approved a nearly $625,000 program to provide internet vouchers to low-income Houstonians. Task Force has partnered with Comcast to provide around 5,000 vouchers to qualifying applicants from now until Dec. 20, 2020. This agreement will ensure qualifying applicants can continue to stay connected to the internet, a news release said. “This pandemic has highlighted the importance of quality internet service particularly for those vulnerable populations who must stay at home to stay safe,” Mayor Turner said. “During this unprecedented time, it is vital for Houstonians to stay connected to the Internet – for education, work, and personal health reasons,” said Comcast’s Melinda Little, Director of Government Affairs, Houston Region.

HOUSTON – The Houston City Council approved $10 million in additional funding for the Small Business Economic Relief Program. The money will come from the CARES Act 2020 funds and will bring the total money set aside for the program to $35 million. The program provides grant assistance to small businesses and chambers of commerce that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The maximum amount a business or chamber can receive from the SBERP is $50,000, according to the city. This component is meant to ensure businesses that receive grant funds have a higher likelihood of surviving the pandemic.

HOUSTON – Houston City Council unanimously approved Wednesday to bring another round of COVID-19 relief funds for residents during the coronavirus pandemic. The city has once again partnered with BakerRipley to help support the direct financial assistance program that is already in place. The city and BakerRipley are finalizing the eligibility criteria and distribution logistics by the end of the week, according to a release. “We’ve worked with the city, the county, and other community organizations on several COVID-19 relief programs. The county program provided $1,200 per household and the city of Houston program is expected to award the same amount, according to the release.

HOUSTON – Houston City Council members will consider an agenda item on Tuesday morning in connection with the City’s Rental Assistance Program for people affected by COVID-19. Agenda Item 17 showed it is “necessary to extend the program to assist Houstonians who are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 and its secondary.”According to the paperwork on the agenda, The funding would allow for a one-time payment of $1,200 for financial assistance for up to 23,750 individuals. If approved, the mayor said that the funds would available this month. “The plan is to get those dollars out in the month of December, and people can utilize that on whatever means utilities, rent, childcare, you name it,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. The agenda shows that Baker Ripley would be paid up to a maximum of $1.5 million to execute the plan.

HOUSTON – A date for the runoff in the race for Houston City Council District B seat has been set, more than a year after the original election. Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins announced Wednesday that the deciding contest between Cynthia Bailey and Tarsha Jackson will be held Dec. 12. Jackson finished first in the 2019 general election but did not garner enough of the vote to avoid a runoff with Bailey, the second-place finisher. “It’s a shame that it has taken this long to determine the future of District B, but I’m glad that this matter will soon be put to rest,” Hollins said in a written statement. “Voters in District B will have an important decision to make this December.”The District B seat is still filled by Councilman Jerry Davis, who was to vacate the seat because of term limitations.

HOUSTON – Houston City Council has passed an ordinance Thursday that prohibits vehicles to park in dedicated bicycle lanes. Mayor Sylvester Turner, who listened to bicyclists, said in a statement the city is taking a step further to protect the designated bike lanes for Houstonians to enjoy. “The ordinance is an opportunity to promote safety and educate those who park in dedicated bicycle lanes without realizing how it impedes access," Mayor Turner said in a statement. A flyer will be distributed to vehicles parking on the bike lanes during a 90-day warning period, however no word on when the 90-day period will start. The ordinance is also a commitment by the city of Houston to become a bike-friendly city by the year 2027, according to the release.

HOUSTON Helping improve the Houston experience for pedestrians and bicycle riders is the goal for two new ordinances recently approved by Houston City Council. The Transit-Oriented ordinance will make updates to streets within half of a mile of a bus or transit station and the Walkable Ordinance will dictate how new buildings and re-development are constructed. As the fourth largest city in the United States, a number of areas in Houston are attracting bigger business buildings and residential developments. This type of construction presents an opportunity to create more vibrant, walkable streets that support alternative modes of transportation, according to Principal Planner for the City of Houston, Muxian Fang. If they do not comply they will not get the permit, said Fang, Principal Planner for the City of Houston.

HOUSTON Five Houston City Council members sent a letter to Mayor Sylvester Turner Monday with suggested police policy reforms. The letter, signed by Martha Castex-Tatum, Vice Mayor Pro Tem, Edward Pollard, Esq., Houston City Council Member, Tiffany D. Thomas, Houston City Council Member, Jerry Davis, Houston City Council Member, Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Houston City Council Member -- calls for an overhaul of the Independent Police Oversight Board, among other measures including the creation of an online complaint system for interactions with police. We must create a structure of guidelines that governs the function of the new board to restore public trust with public input. This is what his office texted our newsroom: The mayor welcomes input from city council members and thanks them for their thoughtful letter. He expects other council members to weigh in.

Here are things you need to know for Thursday, August 20:1. The program is open to more than 1,200 businesses previously vetted through the Mayors Office of Cultural Affairs. The family came up with a drive-by quinceaera birthday party. 3 things to shareWORD OF THE DAYGalliard [gal-yerd] (noun) a spirited dance for two dancers in triple rhythm, common in the 16th and 17th centuries. THIS DAY IN HISTORYAug. 20, 1619: 20 and odd Angolans, kidnapped by the Portuguese, arrive in the British colony of Virginia and are then bought by English colonists.

HOUSTON The Texas First Court of Appeals has upheld a ruling by a lower court in the dispute over the Houston City Council District B runoff, allowing Cynthia Bailey, a convicted felon, to remain on the ballot. The justices also suggested that an injunction might be a better way for Jefferson-Smith to resolve the issue. Bailey, who finished second in the general election, was to face the first-place finisher, Tarsha Jackson, in a runoff last December. It was not immediately clear when the District B runoff would be put to the voters. Below is a copy of the Appeals Court ruling.

HOUSTON – Houston police Chief Art Acevedo called for better policing during an interview on ‘The View’ Thursday morning. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are working to pass new police reform legislation in the wake of the death of George Floyd in police custody. Among the proposed reforms comes changes to “qualified immunity,” which shields officers from being sued for their actions on the job. During the interview, Acevedo spoke on the possible removal of the immunity -- and those calls for defunding police departments. Just last week, the Houston City Council just increased its police budget from $945 million dollars to $964 million.

HOUSTON Faced with the biggest budget shortfall in five years due to the coronavirus pandemic and a slump in oil prices, the Houston City Council unanimously approved Mayor Sylvester Turners $5.1 billion budget for the fiscal year 2021 Wednesday. City councilmembers debated for six hours before approving the budget for the fiscal year that will begin on July 1. They faced a budget hole of $169 million, the worst in recent history, as a result of the pandemic and oil prices. The budget includes funding for five Houston Police Department cadet classes and four Houston Fire Department cadet classes. It is a balanced budget that meets the needs of Houston residents, Turner said in a press conference Wednesday.

The Houston City Council increased its police budget Wednesday from $945 million last year to $964 million for the upcoming fiscal year. But in Dallas, 10 of 15 City Council members sent City Manager T.C. The Austin City Council plans to vote Thursday on decreasing the police department's funding, among other reforms. Theres plenty of fat in the city budget other than just the police department," he said. Council members Adam McGough, Cara Mendelsohn, Jennifer Gates and David Blewett did not, according to the city manager's office.

HOUSTON – Just a couple of hours after opening for tenant applications Wednesday, the rent assistance program authorized by the Houston City Council ran out of money. The council voted last week in favor of a $15 million assistance program with an additional $8 million for Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Landlords had to enroll in the rental assistance program in order for their tenants to apply for the funds. TenantsRenters were able to apply for rental assistance starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Just about two hours later, a tweet from the Houston Housing and Community Development Department indicated that all of the $15 million in assistance money had been allocated.