Erica Lee Carter is currently leading efforts in the 18th Congressional District of Houston, Texas, continuing her mother’s legacy as a prominent advocate for social justice, community empowerment, and legislative change. Elected to complete the term of her late mother, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Erica Lee Carter has swiftly moved to implement policies reflecting the values and priorities that characterized her mother’s tenure.

Carter’s efforts have focused on critical issues such as human trafficking legislation, economic equity, and community development. For instance, she has introduced the “Sheila Jackson Lee Stop Human Trafficking in School Zones Act,” a tribute to her mother’s work against human exploitation, which aims to strengthen penalties for trafficking offenses near schools. Additionally, Carter is involved in launching new programs to support minority- and women-owned businesses and to promote educational equity in Houston.

The timeline for Carter’s initiatives extends into 2025 and beyond, reflecting a long-term commitment to building on her mother’s legacy of public service. Her focus includes hosting community events like a Federal Job Fair to connect residents with opportunities in the federal government, scheduled for December 7, 2024. This aligns with her broader mission to enhance economic opportunities and address systemic challenges within the community.

Through her work, Carter aims to be more than just a caretaker of her mother’s seat—she is committed to furthering the progressive policies and advocacy that defined Sheila Jackson Lee’s career. This period represents a crucial moment for Houston’s 18th District as it transitions from one dedicated leader to another, both driven by a vision of a more just and equitable future.

The Houston City Council is moving forward with several significant updates as it begins the new term under Mayor-elect John Whitmire. Recent runoff elections in December 2023 brought in six new council members, including Mario Castillo (District H), Julian Ramirez (At-Large 1), Willie Davis (At-Large 2), and Twila Carter (At-Large 3). These new members are set to collaborate closely with Whitmire on issues ranging from budget management to infrastructure improvements and public safety. One major change is the passage of Proposition A, which allows council members to place items on the agenda with the support of two others, bypassing the mayor’s approval—a move aimed at enhancing the council’s ability to respond more swiftly to resident concerns.

Key challenges for the council include addressing a growing budget deficit and managing city resources effectively. The new members’ priorities focus on improving response times for low-level crimes in District H, enhancing transportation infrastructure, and supporting economic development around Hobby Airport. This focus on practical, resident-driven issues reflects a shift towards more responsive governance in Houston.

As Houston grows and changes, the City Council’s efforts to balance spending and plan for future needs will be critical in shaping the city’s development. 

Elon Musk’s ambitious new venture, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is set to fundamentally reshape the federal government’s structure, promising to eliminate waste and streamline services. For Texans, this project represents a unique opportunity to address long-standing challenges in how federal resources are accessed and utilized, potentially bringing significant benefits to the state’s economy and residents.

The DOGE project aims to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget by reducing unnecessary regulations and eliminating redundant programs. This initiative could be a game-changer for Texas, where many residents have long faced bureaucratic obstacles when accessing government services like unemployment benefits, healthcare, and disaster relief. Streamlining these processes could significantly speed up response times and improve efficiency, making federal services more accessible to everyone, particularly in rural areas and low-income communities.

For Texas’ economy, DOGE’s focus on reducing waste and increasing federal investment is also critical. The state’s infrastructure, education, and healthcare systems often struggle with underfunding. By cutting wasteful spending, DOGE could free up funds for more impactful investments, fostering economic growth and job creation. This is particularly important for small businesses and entrepreneurs, who often face significant barriers when dealing with federal compliance requirements.

However, the success of DOGE will depend on bipartisan support in Congress—a challenge in a politically divided landscape like Texas. The project’s ambitious goals require careful implementation and consideration of the impact on various sectors and communities. In Texas, where regulatory compliance can be cumbersome, the project’s potential to streamline processes and reduce bureaucracy is both a welcome and contentious change.

Elon Musk’s vision for DOGE goes beyond just financial reform—it’s about creating a more nimble, responsive government that can better serve its citizens. For Texans, this project offers the possibility of a government that works more effectively, efficiently, and equitably. The focus on transparency and accountability in federal spending could also foster greater public trust in government, especially in areas where residents feel disconnected from decision-making processes.

For everyday Texans, the impact of DOGE could be transformative. Quicker processing times for federal services mean less frustration when dealing with agencies like the Social Security Administration or FEMA. This is particularly critical for low-income communities and rural areas, where delays in receiving benefits can have outsized effects on quality of life. As DOGE unfolds, Texans will be on the front lines witnessing whether Musk’s vision can lead to meaningful change in the way the government functions and serves its people.

In the end, DOGE represents a bold attempt to reshape the federal landscape, creating a more effective and responsive government system. For Texas, it offers the hope of a new approach to governance—one that is more efficient, equitable, and in tune with the needs of its citizens. As this initiative progresses, it could redefine how Texans interact with the federal government, making it a crucial test case for broader reforms across the country.

Harris County is currently navigating a series of updates and initiatives that are set to impact its residents significantly in the coming year. Key among these is the recent approval of the FY2024 budget by the Harris County Commissioners Court, which allocates substantial resources to crucial services such as flood control and healthcare. The budget includes $128 million for the Harris County Flood Control District, aimed at maintaining and improving its flood risk reduction infrastructure amid a growing number of severe weather events in the area.

Additionally, voters in Harris County recently approved Proposition A, a tax rate increase that will fund these flood control efforts. This tax hike, which passed with over 51% of the vote, will lead to an average increase of about $60 per year for homeowners. This reflects the community’s growing awareness and concern about flood risks, especially as Harris County continues to face heavy rains and flooding, making it a priority for both residents and the local government.

In parallel, the FY2024 budget also allocates $888 million to the Harris County Hospital District, supporting healthcare services across the county. This budget underscores the county’s commitment to enhancing public health services as it grapples with increased demand due to population growth and changing demographic trends.

These updates are crucial for Harris County as they look to address key challenges related to infrastructure, healthcare, and public safety. As the year progresses, residents can expect more information and updates on these initiatives, particularly as the Commissioners Court implements the changes laid out in the FY2024 budget. For more detailed information, visit the Harris County District Attorney’s Office .

HOUSTON – As the holiday season brightens Houston, organizations across the city are stepping up to ensure no one is left out of the festive spirit. Among them, Houston Children’s Charity stands out with its *Annual Toy Distribution*. This initiative supports families facing economic hardships by offering toys and gift cards to hundreds of children. Parents, acting as “shoppers,” select gifts with the help of volunteer “elves,” allowing them to personally surprise their children on Christmas morning. The distribution event will take place on December 20th at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Meanwhile, H-E-B’s *Feast of Sharing* provides a different but equally impactful gesture. On December 14th, at the NRG Yellow Lot, this drive-thru event distributes thousands of hot meals and holiday meal boxes to Houston families. With live music and cheerful volunteers, the Feast not only nourishes but also uplifts, creating a sense of community unity and celebration.

Programs like these embody the spirit of giving, which civil rights leader Coretta Scott King eloquently described: *“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”* This sentiment resonates deeply as Houstonians work together to bring joy to neighbors in need, proving that the holiday season is about more than gifts—it’s about shared humanity and hope.

For more information or to get involved, visit the Houston Children’s Charity [Annual Toy Distribution](https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/annual-toy-distribution) and H-E-B’s [Feast of Sharing]programs.

Opening in 1965, the Astrodome was the world’s first domed and air-conditioned stadium.

Gabby Dawkins

Houston Public Media Reprint

The Astrodome Conservancy unveiled new plans to bring the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ back to life.

The conservancy is hoping that the $1 billion project will spark new life into the dome, which has sat vacant for more than a decade. The plan includes a flexible arena space for events and entertainment at its core. Surrounding the center, the plan shows levels of office and hotel spaces with an array of restaurants for visitors to choose from.

Phoebe Tudor, the founder of the Astrodome Conservancy, addressed the swirling questions surrounding the condition of the idle landmark.

“There is no debt left on the dome; it is a fully paid-for Harris County asset,” said Tudor “Any asbestos has already been removed.”

She continued by stating the dome is structurally sound, in remarkably good condition and ready for its next phase of life.

Gensler architect, Kristopher Stuart, shared intricate details of the plan including raising the floor of the dome approximately 30 feet to provide a seamless flow for visitors entering the Astrodome and allow for more parking spaces underneath. Stuart shares another key detail to enhance the experience for onlookers.

“The boulevard was a gesture to make it more public and more accessible,” said Stuart. “If we do a program within the dome, we don’t want people walking around wondering what’s inside. We want them to know that they can come inside and experience what we create.”

The conservancy is asking for a $250 million investment from the county. The conservancy also plans to utilize $400 million in tax credits alongside private and public partnerships to get the project off the ground.

“There’s a lot of enthusiasm, but there’s a long way to go. This is a complicated project. It’s complicated in many ways,” said Tudor. “I think finding consensus among the political leadership and the stakeholders involved with this is going to be an important next step.”

To ensure the success of this project, they need support from key stakeholders including the Rodeo and the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation. Following the press conference, Bishop James Dixon, the Chairman of the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation said he respects the efforts of the Astrodome Conservancy in a released statement.

“Over the last few years, we have seen several concepts that, while thought-provoking, haven’t resulted in viable funding and maintenance solutions,” he said. “We are currently working with Harris County and a team of industry-leading experts to plan for the future of NRG Park. The solution for the Astrodome must be decided within that context. In addition, we cannot consider any future vision for NRG Park without first understanding certain baseline financial information related to the Astrodome.

The Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation is in the process of obtaining data to use in evaluating proposed plans. This critical information will provide us with the most viable path forward, ensuring NRG Park continues to meet the needs of its stakeholders and the public for now, and for the future.”

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo also released a statement shared widely on social media and said the money might be used better elsewhere.

“The proposed plan by the Astrodome Conservancy does not align with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s strategic vision and operational requirements. The Rodeo, Texans, and Harris County Sports & Convention Corporations have been working on plans for NRG Park’s future,” the statement said. “As the only tenant that uses all three of these buildings at NRG Park, we recognize and must address these critical facility issues.”