Members of Bellaire City Council unanimously approved a budget amendment July 6 that would increase funding to the METRO Fund by $500,000. The requested amount is intended to be used to address significant pavement deficiencies throughout the city to ensure the timely restoration of roadways impacted by underground utility repairs.

The setup: The funds will allow the city to address larger-scale pavement failures and deteriorated roadway segments through targeted rehabilitation efforts such as concrete panel removal, asphalt overlay and curb and gutter replacement, according to the agenda item.

As of July 6, Velasquez said the department has had 31 jobs in 2026 where workers have had to refill and restore all the pavement after a project is completed.

Zooming in: The $500,000 additional funding will go toward specific projects for the remainder of 2026, Velasquez said. An example is the South Rice Asphalt Repair project.

According to the city's website, the project involves replacing the asphalt surface along South Rice Avenue to improve roadway conditions and provide a "smoother driving experience."

The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge has received $40,000 from the HCA Healthcare Foundation, per an ACS news release. The funds will support meals and food security for patients and their caregivers. 

The context: Hope Lodge is home to 64 rooms that are free for patients who have to travel to the Texas Medical Center for cancer treatment. The center also has meals, community spaces and group activities to build community among patients, according to the ACS website.

What they’re saying: Hope Lodge General Manager Maggie Williamson said the funding will help provide healthy meals to residents, which in turn will strengthen their community and overall well-being.

“Together, we’re creating a sustainable model of nourishment, comfort, and hope for families facing cancer,” Williamson said.

More details: The HCA Healthcare Foundation donated a total of $240,000 to six Hope Lodge locations throughout the country.

On July 13, there will be several events and specials offered around the Greater Houston area to celebrate 713 Day. Check them out below. This list is not comprehensive and information is subject to change.

Common Bond Coffee & Bakery
The bakery will offer customers one small hot drip coffee or one small cold brew paired with a pastry for $7.13 for 713 Day, per a July 6 news release. Common Bond has multiple locations across the Greater Houston area.

Typhoon Texas
The first 713 visitors to Typhoon Texas Waterpark in Katy will be able to enjoy $7.13 admission, per a July 7 news release. There will also be select food and drink specials priced at $7.13.

Houston Zoo
Visitors at the Houston Zoo between July 11-13 can enjoy $7.13 discounted tickets to celebrate 713 Day. For interested visitors, the zoo is also offering an upgraded ticket that includes a limited edition 713 Day hat, per its website.

Joe Panzarella now represents Houston's District C as council member after he won the May runoff election following Abbie Kamin's resignation to run for Harris County attorney.

What happened: Panzarella was sworn in as council member May 27 and will serve the district through January 2028 to complete the current term. He will be eligible to run again for two full terms, an opportunity he said he recognizes could be impactful in the district.

“If I were to win two more terms, that would give me 10 years to make a big impact in the district,” he said.

What to expect: Check out Community Impact's Q&A with Joe Panzarella.