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Top Story
Public-private partnership provides free dental screenings to more than 100K students in Houston

Founded in 2010, the Houston Health Foundation was created to partner with the Houston Health Department to serve vulnerable individuals in the community. 

How it works: The foundation has five core health and wellness initiatives, including one for students called Project Saving Smiles. Primarily focusing on second graders, Project Saving Smiles is a partnership between the foundation and the health department to assess students’ oral health and provide oral education.

The local impact: Once a child is screened, the dental technician can apply a dental sealant and fluoride varnish to prevent cavities from forming. If the student already has cavities, the dental team will refer them to a clinic where they can receive treatment regardless of their insurance status. Mansur also said more than 1 million children in Texas are uninsured, making up 23% of the national average. 

Get involved: For Project Saving Smiles, volunteers are needed to help usher children from each station and conduct pre-screening assessments. The foundation also needs volunteer hygienists and dentists for the clinical operations. 
 
Latest City News
Houston’s $7.5B budget highlights new controversial trash fee

Houston City Council passed the city’s $7.5 billion budget June 10.

Budget explained: The new budget comes with significant changes, namely a new $5 administration fee that will eventually increase up to $25 over the next several years. It would also establish a Combined Utility System and designate the Solid Waste Department as a municipal utility under Texas law.

Other changes include a right-of-way fee, which would implement a fee on water and wastewater utilities for using public rights of way.

Public input: Homeowners will be charged a $5 monthly administration fee that will be added to city water bills to cover trash and recycling services. The fee will remain at $5 for two years and could increase each year until it reaches the full cost of service at $25 per month by 2032. For this fiscal year, it's expected to generate $24 million.

Mayor John Whitmire said he has had mostly support for the new fee, saying that it's being done without raising property taxes. However, the fee has been split among residents’ opinions.

 

Your Weekend To-Do List

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

Tiles + Tides

Chase the Rainbow: Stride with Pride

June 12, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Houston

June 13, 7:30 a.m.
Cypress

Learn more.

Learn more.

 

TexMex Smoke N Fire BBQ Fest

White Linen Night

June 13, noon-6 p.m.
Humble

June 13, 4-8 p.m.
League City

Learn more.

Learn more.

 
To submit your own event, click here.

Key Information
Harris County Flood Control District hosting webinars for FEMA floodplain map updates

The Harris County Flood Control District is hosting a series of webinars for the general public to explain the new draft floodplain maps from the Federal Emergency Management Administration. 

What residents need to know: During the webinars, HCFCD officials will go over major changes in the floodplain maps and how residents can utilize the county's online interactive tool to view the floodplain changes.

Residents can register to join the free webinars hosted on the following dates:

  • June 23, 4:30 p.m.
  • July 1, noon

In their words: "These sessions are designed for the general public and no prior knowledge is needed," HCFCD officials said in the news release. "Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or simply interested in flood risk in your community, we encourage you to attend a session and learn more."

 
CI Texas
How much oversight should the state have over local ordinances? Texas legislators weigh impact of 2023 law

In 2023, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 2127, a sweeping regulatory measure designed to prevent cities and counties from adopting local ordinances that conflict with various sections of state law. Three years later, there is confusion about what local governments can and cannot do under the law.

The background: At the time, some legislators and other proponents of the bill said it would ensure consistency among Texas cities, citing ordinances passed by “liberal blue cities” that they said made it hard to run a business. Opponents of HB 2127, including some local leaders, said the law would prevent cities from addressing residents’ needs while undermining local worker safety provisions and nondiscrimination ordinances.

What's happening: During a June 4 hearing, the law’s critics said it has had a “chilling effect” on some local actions, while those who support the law expressed concerns that cities have not removed ordinances that are preempted by the state.

Ahead of the 2027 state legislative session, lawmakers are considering whether changes are needed to clarify or better enforce the law.

 

Your local team

Cassie Jenkins
Editor

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