Houston will continue its multifamily recycling program to make 3,000 units recycling households by the end of 2026.

The Houston Solid Waste Management Department presented updates on its multifamily recycling program at the Budget and Fiscal Affairs meeting March 31.

What is it: Through a grant from The Recycling Partnership, Houston has a goal of delivering recycling services to 3,000 units across 12 multifamily properties throughout the city. The program is free, and funding comes from the Alliance to End Plastic Waste. Services in the program include:

• In-unit recycling bins provided by the city
• Valet service options
• Future city-wide recycling policies
• Full service and management are done by the city of Houston
• Weekly contamination monitoring by staff

The ice house first opened in 2016 and became known for its expansive patios and for holding the title of the longest bar in Texas. 

The overview: To celebrate ten years of memories, the franchise is holding a free anniversary celebration April 18 at its flagship location in Upper Kirby. The party will feature live music, an extensive tap wall featuring Texas craft beers, signature cocktails, food trucks and a crawfish boil, according to a March 31 news release from company representatives. 

Something to note: With locations also in the Houston Heights, The Woodlands and Memorial, Kirby Ice House continues to grow. The news release announced more locations in the works, including one in Clear Lake near the Johnson Space Center. 

• 3333 Eastside St., Houston

Eligible Texans have until April 2 to register to vote if they would like to cast a ballot in the May 2 elections. Races that will be up for election include city council member seats and school district board of trustee spots across the Greater Houston area.

What you need to know: Texas requires voters to be registered 30 days before election day. Missing the deadline could prevent eligible residents from casting a ballot, unless they qualify for a limited ballot during early voting.

Key dates include:

• April 2: voter registration deadline
• April 20-28: early voting
• May 2: election day (7 a.m.-7 p.m.)

At least 257,000 students have applied for Texas’ inaugural education savings account program, according to the state comptroller’s office. Less than half of those applicants are likely to be accepted.

The overview: Applications for Texas Education Freedom Accounts close at 11:59 p.m. March 31. Students enrolling in private schools will receive $10,474 to spend on tuition and related expenses, while homeschool students can get up to $2,000 each, and students with disabilities may qualify for up to $30,000 each.

Through March 29, about 23% of applicants had indicated they would be homeschooled while 77% of applicants said they wanted to attend a private school, state data shows.

Program funding is capped at $1 billion for the 2026-27 school year, meaning between 90,000 and 100,000 students will likely be accepted.

By the numbers: About 34,000 students indicated in their application that they have a disability, per the comptroller's office. Students who have a disability and are considered low- or middle-income will receive priority acceptance into the program under state law.