Houston City Council approved a $7.5 billion budget that includes a new $5 trash fee and other revenue measures. The vote drew criticism from Controller Chris Hollins and some council members who questioned the city’s financial direction.

Houston City Council is set to take a final vote Wednesday on Mayor John Whitmire’s proposed $7.5 billion budget — and one item is getting a lot of attention.

As Houston City Council prepares for a final vote Wednesday on Mayor John Whitmire’s proposed $7.5 billion budget, members of the Houston People’s Budget Campaign are calling on city leaders to consider a different approach to funding city services.

Houston city leaders sought to calm public concern after federal officials designated George Bush Intercontinental Airport as one of three U.S. entry points for American travelers returning from regions affected by the latest Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.

Joe Panzarella, a progressive community organizer, is projected to win the Houston City Council District C runoff, securing 64.7% of the votes against Nick Hellyar.

Houston City Council District C voters will choose between Joe Panzarella and Nick Hellyar in a runoff election on Saturday, May 16, to fill the seat vacated by Abbie Kamin until January 2028.

A Houston proposal to eliminate campaign loan repayment caps sparked debate over ethics, wealthy candidates, and constitutional law before being referred to the council’s Ethics Committee.

A proposal before Houston City Council would remove limits on campaign loan repayments for mayoral, citywide, and district candidates.

Houston City Council is set to vote on a new ordinance aimed at cracking down on the city’s highest risk apartment complexes through inspections and penalties.

The Houston City Council is set to vote Wednesday on whether dozens of traffic-calming measures already installed across the city will become permanent.

Houston City Council approved a revised immigration policy, but Gov. Greg Abbott says HPD still hasn’t agreed—putting more than $100 million in public safety funding at risk.

Houston city leaders are divided over changes to a controversial immigration policy. The mayor’s proposal aims to address state concerns while preserving key protections.

Things got heated at Tuesday’s Houston City Council meeting, a day after the State of Texas threatened to pull more than $110 million in public safety grants over the city’s recently passed ordinance limiting when the Houston Police Department can call U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The Houston City Council is set to vote Wednesday on a revised immigration ordinance aimed at clarifying how the Houston Police Department interacts with federal immigration agents.

Houston voters will face a runoff election for the City Council District C seat after no candidate secured a majority in a seven-person special election.

Houston City Council District C voters will choose a new council member in a special election on Saturday, April 4, following Abbie Kamin’s resignation to run for Harris County Attorney.

Community leaders and civil rights advocates are speaking out after a major change inside the Houston Police Department that they say could impact trust between officers and the public.

During a tense exchange at Houston City Council, Councilmember Edward Pollard pressed Mayor John Whitmire to bring Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles before council to answer questions about the district’s plan to close 12 campuses.

Houston Council Member Edward Pollard urges HISD Superintendent to address 12 school closures, citing transparency and community impact for families.

Houston city leaders are considering stricter oversight and an inspection ordinance for apartment complexes to improve safety and living conditions, prompted by tenant complaints of crime and neglected maintenance. District F, including Ashford Court Apartments, experiences high police call volumes, while concerns mount over absentee ownership slowing accountability. The proposed ordinance aims to establish formal inspections, focusing on problematic properties, yet emphasizes the need for real enforcement to ensure compliance.

The Democrat's announcement comes a week after she lost to Christian Menefee in a special election runoff for the seat that had been vacant since the death of Sylvester Turner.

Former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards announced Monday morning that she is suspending her campaign for Texas’ 18th Congressional District.

Confusion over provisional ballots and long wait times may be contributing to low early voting turnout in the 18th Congressional District. Here’s what to know.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire says the city is handling immigration differently than other communities as residents voice fear and frustration at a heated city council meeting.

Dozens of protesters gathered at Houston City Hall Tuesday, demanding the City Council end cooperation with ICE amid nationwide outrage over federal agent shootings.

A north Houston homeowner says she’s frustrated and disappointed after Houston City Council approved a plan that will use stormwater money to tear down abandoned buildings instead of funding drainage projects.

Houston council members’ spending on travel, photography detailed in KPRC 2 investigation

Polls have closed in Houston’s City Council At-Large Position 4 runoff, and early voting numbers show trial attorney Alejandra Salinas with an edge over former council member Dwight Boykins.

Houston City Council Member Letitia Plummer is proposing a change to HPD’s general orders that would give officers discretion over when to contact immigration authorities. The Houston Police Union is rejecting the idea, saying officers are legally required to notify agencies about open warrants.

Houston City Council voted unanimously to approve a ban on electric scooters, outdoor bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) during the nights on Houston’s city streets.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has set the date for the runoff election for Texas 18th Congressional District.

The crowded race for Houston’s City Council At-Large Position 4 is heading to a runoff. After a packed field of 15 candidates, Alejandro Salinas and Dwight Boykins have emerged as the top two vote-getters, setting up a decisive showdown set for Saturday, December 13th.

With Polk Street set to close, many East End residents say the loss of this critical route into downtown will make commutes longer and further isolate their community.

Election results for Nov. 4, 2025, on statewide constitutional amendments and local races across counties, cities, and school districts.

Voters across Texas headed to the polls on Nov. 4, 2025, to decide local races across the Houston area.

Negligent landlords of federally subsidized housing could face federal fines under a bill inspired by a KPRC 2 investigation into unsafe conditions at a Houston complex.

Polling locations and sample ballots county by county for Texas general and special elections for Nov. 4, 2025.

A long-troubled apartment complex in Spring Branch has gone up in flames for the second time this month, renewing demands from nearby residents for the property’s demolition.

Houston City Council approved a $16 million plan to turn the former Star of Hope building in East Downtown into a homeless "superhub.”

Houston City Council has once again delayed a vote to purchase a $16-million facility that would serve as a “super hub” for people experiencing homelessness.

The council meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.

With Polk Street set to close, many East End residents say the loss of this critical route into downtown will make commutes longer and further isolate their community.

Houston is moving forward with a $16 million plan to renovate BARC, the city’s animal shelter. The upgrades include a new roof, updated systems, and a safer, modernized facility to help address the city’s stray animal crisis.

Houston City Council is expected to vote Tuesday on whether to abandon a stretch of Polk Street in downtown — a move that would clear the way for the George R. Brown Convention Center expansion and TxDOT’s I-45 overhaul.

Loose dogs, strays and neglected pets remain a daily problem across Houston as the city’s shelter strains for space.

If your latest Houston water bill was shockingly high, you’re not alone. Some residents say their bills aren’t rising slowly — they’re skyrocketing in just a matter of months.

Houston City Council votes against another electric rate hike

A new ordinance proposed by the Houston City Council aims to keep pedestrians off narrow medians in an effort to reduce serious accidents and save lives.

Houston City Council approved an $8.5 million plan Wednesday to replace some of the oldest water meters in the city.

"This change in time was made to give the community more opportunities to engage and voice their concerns to their elected officials," the City of Houston said in a social media caption back in July.

The Houston City Council has approved its Action Plan for Disaster Recovery following the 2024 Derecho and Hurricane Beryl, with nearly a third of the money going to housing repair.

This event, themed "Building Intergenerational Help for a Stronger Houston," brought together civic leaders, entrepreneurs, and passionate youth for a day of empowerment and growth.

We've heard your frustrations about recycling delays. Now is your chance to show us how severe the issue has gotten in your neighborhood by sending photos to our Click2Pins. Click the article for more details.

Houston City Council’s Quality of Life Committee spent Thursday debating whether to ban all electric scooters — rental and privately owned — from Downtown, Midtown, and East Downtown.

Houston City Council is considering a significant update to its civility ordinance, aimed at addressing homelessness. The proposed changes would enforce a 24-hour ban on sitting, lying, or placing personal items on sidewalks in the Central Business District and East Downtown, replacing the current time-limited restrictions. While the ordinance could lead to Class C misdemeanor charges, with fines up to $500, the focus is on connecting individuals to services over punitive actions. This decision, pending tomorrow's vote, could mark a pivotal shift in the city's strategy to manage homelessness.

The new $5.18 million proposal seeks to assist 1,600 people with housing, mental health services, and more.

CM Plummer is the third candidate to announce her run to unseat longtime Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

A Westheimer-area food truck lot that’s served hungry Houstonians for nearly a decade is now at the center of growing neighborhood frustrations.

While students may be out of school for the summer, city and county leaders are working behind the scenes to address a serious safety hazard that impacts their commute year-round, a rail crossing near McReynolds Middle School that regularly leaves children with no safe way across.

Dozens of protestors were asked to leave after several disturbances at Houston's city council meeting on Wednesday.

Houston City Council will likely soon vote on a groundbreaking apartment inspection reform ordinance aimed at holding landlords accountable for health code violations.

After months of pressure from deputies, constables, and law enforcement unions, Harris County Commissioners have voted to move forward with pay raises that would bring sheriff’s deputies and constable officers up to the same pay scale as Houston police. But now the county faces a new challenge: how to pay for it.

Harris County constables are demanding pay equity for their deputies following the Houston City Council's approval of a five-year contract that raises Houston Police Department (HPD) officer salaries by 38%, making them the highest-paid in Texas.

Houston police chief J. Noe Diaz called the new contract “generational” and said it will allow his department to recruit “homegrown talent.”

Houstonians are invited to a town hall meeting Tuesday night about the city’s budget and how cuts impact them.

How much residents pay for water in Houston is a significant focus of the ongoing “Drained” investigation. The city may hire a consulting company to study its water rates.

Mayor Whitmire will be joined by Police Chief J. Noe Diaz and members of the HPOU at City Hall to outline the agreement’s salary updates, benefits, and recruitment efforts.

Whitmire was fired up on Thursday telling Houstonians, “If we don’t make this city safe and have workable fire hydrants nothing else matters.”

The Houston City Council approved the ordinance on Wednesday.

A recent survey conducted by the University of Houston showed stark divisions among residents when it comes to the direction the city is going in, how safe they feel and the job our elected leaders are doing.

This decision follows an extensive audit by Ernst & Young, which highlighted areas for improvement

“I’ve lost a personal friend,” a somber Mayor John Whitmire said before the City Council. “No one will be able to step into Sylvester’s shoes and carry on his duties because there’s only one Sylvester Turner.”

As part of the city's commitment to combat homelessness, there are big plans in store for several grants equating to roughly $2.5 million that, if approved by council members, could help facilitate these efforts.

Houston City Council will have to vote on increasing the maximum contract for legal services to defend the city and Art Acevedo for what happened during the deadly Harding Street Raid in 2019.

Houston City Council Member Willie Davis is set to announce a new initiative aimed at addressing the growing concerns over violent crime in the community.

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.

Scammers are back at it again, this time they’re taking advantage of Houston’s annoying parking situation. Don't fall for it.

This week, we're exploring this additional hike CenterPoint Energy wants you to pay on your monthly bill.

“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+.