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Elected in a unanimous vote at the May 13 City Council meeting, council member Connie Rossi will serve as the mayor pro tem in the case of Mayor James Singleton’s absence.

This role was previously held by council member Michelle Martin.

The details: The vote follows after new council members Michael Brittain, Brian McCauley and Rossi, who was reelected, were sworn in at the meeting.

“Everything that I’ve been to as current mayor pro tem, Connie’s been right by my side,” Martin said. “Her energy and exuberance and passion for the city is second to none, and I really think it is time to pass the baton."

Harris County officials are gearing up for another summer of tough budget decisions as the projected shortfall for fiscal year 2026-27 could reach up to $257 million, according to a May 14 presentation to Commissioners Court.

The overview: Based on current spending forecasts, Harris County’s general fund shortfall for FY 2026-27 is projected to range from $129 million to $257 million pending the adopted property tax rate, OMB Director Daniel Ramos told Commissioners Court.

More details: While Harris County’s spending has increased year over year—jumping 12% in FY 2025-26 compared to the prior year—revenue sources aren’t keeping pace, the presentation shows. The county is on track to conclude the current fiscal year Sept. 30 with a $27 million shortfall, Ramos said. 

Quote of note: “You’re going to be hearing about Harris County fees, cuts [and] others soon enough if we don’t figure out a way to be more efficient,” County Judge Lina Hidalgo said. “We put the county and the people of Harris County at a $200 million hole irresponsibly last year.”

As Houston prepares to see the first of seven matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Chris Canetti, president of the Houston Host Committee, said the city is ready for the influx of visitors expected during the tournament beginning June 14.

Quote of note: “Our greatest asset in Houston is our people,” Michael Heckman, president and CEO of Houston First Corporation, said. “And when visitors come here ... you're not just a visitor, you're one of us. And what a great message from people from all over the world that come here, that see all the languages that are spoken here, our diversity that we welcome people, not just from the United States, but from all over the world.”

The overview: On May 11, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee gave updates from entities such as the Houston Host Committee, the airports, the Metropolitan Authority of Harris County, Downtown Houston, NRG representatives and FIFA Fan Festival representatives.