Today, Houston took an important step toward more open and accountable government.
The Joint Economic Development Committee and Budget & Fiscal Affairs (BFA) Committee voted to advance Council Member Julian Ramirez’s Transparency Amendments (CIP Amendments 1.01, 1.02, and 1.03).
This means the package has officially cleared committee — a major procedural hurdle — and will now move forward to full City Council for consideration.
This is a win for every Houstonian who wants clearer communication about infrastructure decisions, fewer last-minute surprises, and a more accessible city government.
But the final vote is coming soon.
And several councilmembers have not yet stated a position.
Your voice is now more important than ever.
What Happened Today?
This morning, the administration and council discussed Agenda Item 5, a set of Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) transparency amendments introduced by Council Member Julian Ramirez (At-Large 1). The amendments address long-standing concerns about how the City communicates delays, redesigns, cancellations, and scope changes affecting neighborhood infrastructure — including sidewalks, trails, bike lanes, transit access, drainage, and road work.
These committees serve as the gatekeepers for major policy and budget decisions.
By passing the amendments out of committee, members signaled that transparency and public accountability must improve.
Today’s action means the amendments will now be scheduled for full Council debate and a recorded vote.
Why These Amendments Matter
Houston residents often learn about major changes to public projects only after delays occur, or after a planned improvement suddenly disappears from the agenda. Even councilmembers themselves sometimes receive little advance notice or incomplete explanations.
The Ramirez amendments begin to fix that.
CIP Amendment 1.01 — Real-Time Transparency
Requires the administration to publish monthly reports or maintain a searchable online database showing:
- Any project proposed for delay, cancellation, redesign, or scope change
- Location and district
- Cost impacts
- Reason for the change
- Expected length of delay
This applies to roads, sidewalks, trails, bike lanes, bridges, drainage, parks, and more.
CIP Amendment 1.02 — Council Oversight
If three or more councilmembers object to a proposed change, the item must be placed on a City Council agenda within two weeks.
This ensures significant decisions cannot be made quietly or unilaterally.
CIP Amendment 1.03 — Public Notification
Allows councilmembers to hold a public meeting before the City initiates work that would install or remove infrastructure in the public right of way.
This restores a basic but essential principle: the public deserves a chance to weigh in before something is built—or removed—in their neighborhood.
What Happens Next
With committee approval secured, full City Council will vote next.
This vote will determine whether Houston adopts one of its most meaningful transparency reforms in years.
Several members remain undecided.
Now is the time to contact council and urge a YES vote on the Transparency Amendments.
Below are the official office numbers for all district and at-large councilmembers:
How to Make Your Call
A simple message works:
“Hello, my name is _____. I’m calling to urge Councilmember ______ to vote YES on the Transparency Amendments (CIP Amendments 1.01–1.03). Houston residents deserve clear, consistent information about infrastructure projects, and these amendments ensure accountability and public engagement. Thank you.”
It takes less than two minutes.
Your call matters — especially right now.
Background: Joint Committee Hearing (Dec. 9, 2025)
The Joint Economic Development Committee and BFA Committee met today at 10:00 AM. The transparency package was reviewed, debated, and ultimately voted out of committee, clearing the way for action by the full council.
These committees shape how public dollars are used and how quickly infrastructure improvements reach communities. Their approval today signals that transparency should be a priority across City Hall.
This momentum is real — but it’s fragile.
Public engagement will determine what happens next.
Take Action
✔️ Call your district councilmember
✔️ Call all five at-large members
✔️ Email councilmembers urging a YES vote
✔️ Share this information with neighbors and community groups
Houston deserves a government that is transparent, collaborative, and accountable.
Today was a victory — now let’s finish the job.
Political advertising paid for by Texas Rainbow Fund PAC.
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