Houston invested just over $1 million in a new campaign finance management tool, aiming to improve accuracy and fiscal accountability in local elections.

In a nutshell: City Council approved the purchase Feb. 4, and several council members called the initiative a long-overdue replacement of the city’s dated campaign finance management system. The new tool will serve as a centralized system to document campaign contributions, lobbying and personal finance disclosures, per city documents. 

The city will purchase the tool from RFD & Associates—the company behind the Texas Ethics Commission’s electronic filing platform—a popular resource for tracking campaign finance contributions statewide.

Some context: Houston’s current platform for filing and searching through electronic records dates back to 2007, and several council members said the dated technology has created challenges for accurate tracking and enforcement of filing requirements.

What's next? The campaign finance tool is anticipated to go live on the city’s website within 60 days, with additional components for lobbying and personal finance disclosures set to launch within 180 days, said Mary Benton, the mayor’s chief of communications.

Alturas Mexican Cafe serves authentic, flavorful meals that reflect Mexican traditions and heritage. 

On the menu: Founded by the Navarro family, the cafe is dedicated to preserving recipes passed down through generations, according to the website. 

The menu features classic items such as enchiladas and street tacos, as well as more cultural dishes such as Pambazo, Milanesa and Quecas, which are fried corn tortilla quesadillas stuffed with melted cheese and protein.

One more thing: Breakfast options, including pancakes and chilaquiles, are served from 7 a.m. to noon, with lunch served from noon to 8 p.m. 

• 2409 Airline Drive, Ste. 100, Houston

Here are several black-owned businesses located across the Houston metro to commemorate Black History Month, as recently reported by Community Impact.

Good Eatz
Veteran and Good Eatz owner LaTroy Johnson opened his restaurant in July 2022. Johnson said he chose the location due to its friendly community.

• 8805 Jones Road, Ste. A-101, Jersey Village

• 29110 Hwy. 290, Ste. 220, Cypress

• 5802 FM 1488, Ste. F, Magnolia

Community Impact is now covering BCS, from growth and schools to business and city happenings. 

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