Mayor's Press Release
Keeping Promises on Mayor Whitmire's Priorities
March 1, 2024
Hello friends,
Public safety and infrastructure remain the focus of Mayor Whitmire's priorities. This week, he strongly expressed concern about the thousands of suspended cases in the Houston Police Department. He has directed Houston Police Chief Troy Finner to get to the bottom of the ongoing controversy and expects accountability. The mayor also announced a tentative agreement with the Houston Professional Firefighters Association, ending an eight-year contract dispute. Stay tuned for more details.
Next week, Mayor Whitmire will ask City Council members to vote on the long-delayed United Airlines Terminal B expansion at IAH. He will soon announce registration details for the 2024 Tour de Houston. Get ready to pedal your bike through some of Houston's unique and vibrant neighborhoods.
In the meantime, if you need information about city services, please call 311 or visit the website anytime.
New Appointees
Jim Szczesniak promoted to Director of Aviation for the Houston Airport System
Jim Szczesniak, A.A.E. was the Interim Director of Aviation for the Houston Airport System (HAS) but during City Council on Wednesday, he was unanimously appointed as the director. He has over two decades of management experience in the public and private sectors. Read more about Jim Szczesniak ...
Michael C. Nichols as Interim Director of Housing and Community Development
Mayor Whitmire announced he is appointing Michael C. Nichols, former president and chief executive officer of the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County, as the City of Houston's next director of the Housing and Community Development Department (HCD), pending approval from Houston City Council. Read more about Michael Nichols ...
In the News
Tentative agreement reached to resolve contract deadlock between City of Houston, firefighters
Mayor Whitmire kept his promise to fix the fight between Houston firefighters and the city by ordering the city legal department to end all pending litigation against Houston firefighters and initiate negotiations. And now, a tentative agreement was reached to resolve the years-long contract dispute.
“During my campaign, I committed to Houstonians that I would resolve this issue beginning on my first day in office," Whitmire said. "I am pleased that we have reached this tentative agreement within the first two months. I will ask City Council members and all Houstonians to support this arrangement once final details are settled with our partners at the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association.” Read more about the Agreement ...
Mayor John Whitmire expresses faith in HPD Chief Troy Finner
During an interview with KPRC 2 and ABC 13, Mayor Whitmire said that while he continues to support Police Chief Troy Finner, he is concerned that HPD did not investigate thousands of cases and wants Chief Finner to get to the bottom of what is happening and hold individuals accountable.
The comments come a week after the chief revealed to Houstonians that HPD dismissed 4,000 sex assault investigations and more than 260,000 investigations department-wide due to a lack of personnel.
‘Need to do it right’: Mayor Whitmire does not favor heavy-handed approach to street vendors
A southwest Houston neighborhood squabble is raising questions about how the city can accommodate enterprising vendors and frustrated residents alike. During Wednesday's City Council meeting, Mayor Whitmire said he is not interested in taking a heavy-handed approach.
“So many of them are desperate," he explained. "This is their only income. So, we’ve got to be considerate." Read more about Street Vendors issue ...
Houston Rodeo 2024
Downtown Houston Parade
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is underway in Houston, offering three exciting weeks of concerts, a carnival, agriculture, and opportunities to taste some exciting food.
Mayor Whitmire and his two daughters, Whitney and Sarah, participated in the annual parade last Saturday.
It was a beautiful, crisp morning, and the sunshine perfectly captured the excitement in the air.
Before the parade, Mayor Whitmire joined community members at a breakfast. He was presented a striking new cowboy hat and jacket by HSLR Board Chairman Pat Mann Phillips and President Chris Boleman.
- The three-week event is equal to staging a Super Bowl each night!
- The unique organization is also a 501 (c)(3) charity, and it has committed more than $600 million to the youth of Texas since 1932.
- RodeoHouston® is the world’s most innovative Rodeo, with an annual payout of more than $2.1 million and features 360 contestants.
Upcoming Events
Happy Women's History Month!
This March, let's honor the remarkable women who've shaped our world. Tag and show us the most influential women in your life, because every story deserves to be celebrated.
Texas Independence Day
On March 2, 1836, the Lone Star State declared its independence from Mexico to create the Republic of Texas.
This Saturday, we celebrate Texas Independence Day to honor the sacrifices of those who gave their lives to the fight for that independence.
YOU'RE INVITED!
Houston Public Library turns 120! Join us from March through June for 120 days of fun! The kick-off will be held at the Central Library on Saturday, March 2nd from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy giveaways, crafts, music, and the chance to pick up your limited-edition library card powered by H-E-B. You don't want to miss this birthday bash!
Registration is required beforehand. Click here to register.
