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Houston program aimed at helping minority-owned businesses deemed unconstitutional

A federal judge declared a longstanding program in Houston that requires a percentage of Harris County contracts to be awarded to women- or minority-owned businesses unconstitutional during a July 28 trial.

U.S. District Judge David Hittner, the ruling judge on the case, said the program violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

Explained: The city's Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program sets intentional percentage targets for certified minority- and women-owned businesses to participate in municipal construction, professional services and goods contracts.

However, a white couple from Spring filed a lawsuit in 2023 against the city, stating that the program violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. After a three-year back-and-forth trial, Hittner voted in favor of the couple.

Hittner's ruling now blocks the city from using race-conscious preferences in public contracts.

Before you go: In fiscal year 2025-26, Houston awarded approximately $1.4 billion in contracts, with roughly $362 million, or 25%, awarded to certified minority, women and small business firms.

 
Now Open
New hybrid playground and dining experiences now catering to parents, children in River Oaks

A new business featuring a supervised kids' play area and a full-service restaurant and bar officially opened in River Oaks in late July.

Check it out: Recess is a brand-new concept to the Houston market that blends the interests of both parents and children. The two-story family-friendly play and dine retreat located on Waugh Drive combines a supervised indoor playground with an all-day restaurant and bar.

The structure features a climate-controlled, large indoor play space for children aged 4 to 11 with professional supervision, as well as a separate play area for toddlers aged 1 to 3 that requires direct parental supervision.

Overlooking the play areas on the second floor is a bistro and bar with a menu that highlights classic American breakfast, lunch and dinner choices.

The cost: Pricing varies based on availability. A weekday-only membership costs approximately $130 per month for one child, while an all-week access pass sits at $180 per month for one child. 

  • 1500 Waugh Drive, Ste. 150, Houston
 

Your Weekend To-Do List

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

Vintage Media Swap

The Woodlands Farmers Market at Grogan’s Mill

July 31, 2-4 p.m.
Fulshear

Aug. 1, 9 a.m.-noon
The Woodlands

Learn more.

Learn more.

 

Under the Sea Art Workshop

Back to School Bash Family Day

Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-noon
Missouri City

Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Spring

Learn more.

Learn more.

 
To submit your own event, click here.

Latest City News
Houston rental AC ordinance delayed after committee loses quorum

An ordinance which would close a decade-old loophole for Houston landlords regarding air conditioning got stuck in committee due to a lack of a quorum to move the item to the Houston City Council agenda on July 28.

What residents need to know: During the July 28 Prop A committee meeting, council member Alejandra Salinas said her proposal was aimed at ensuring a basic quality of life for renters in lower-income areas where rental properties may not have central cooling or window units.

The committee lost a quorum after nearly an hour of testimony in favor of the Right to Air Conditioning ordinance, which would no longer allow window screens to be the sole method of cooling in rental housing.

What’s next: Salinas said she would bring the ordinance back to the Prop A committee at the next meeting, which is scheduled for Aug. 25 at 2 p.m. in Houston City Council chambers.

 
Stay In The Know
H-GAC to host Safety Action Plan public meeting to discuss road safety in Greater Houston area

The Houston-Galveston Area Council will host a public meeting Aug. 5 for its Safety Action Plans—an effort to improve transportation safety and reduce serious roadway injuries and fatalities, according to a July 27 news release from H-GAC.

Why it matters: The Houston-Galveston region accounts for nearly 20% of traffic deaths in Texas, and every day an average of two people are killed and 10 people are seriously injured in traffic crashes across the region, according to H-GAC’s website.

A closer look: H-GAC is working with local governments, transportation agencies and community partners to identify critical issues and help lead future safety improvements, per the release.

 

Your local team

Cassie Jenkins
Editor

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