Happy 713 Day, y’all 🤘🏾

The people who run Houston should have to explain every major spending decision the same way a family explains their household budget: Who benefits? What problem does this solve? And what are we giving up to pay for it? That’s actual accountability.

They need a sustainability plan and a way to be held accountable to help out communities in need to prevent displacement. Create green infrastructure and ways to help mitigate flooding and other climate events.

Shea Jordan Smith@sheajordansmith.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Earlier this week, Houston City Council approved a nearly $50M housing and community development plan. It sounds like progress, but the real question is whether we’re finally ready to stop treating affordability like a temporary problem and start treating it like infrastructure.

Earlier this week, Houston City Council approved a nearly $50M housing and community development plan. It sounds like progress, but the real question is whether we’re finally ready to stop treating affordability like a temporary problem and start treating it like infrastructure.

Shutting down an election after votes have already begun being cast in Louisiana is a test run for November.

And just like that… we’re officially one month out from Houston City Council’s FY27 budget vote on June 3. Mayor John Whitmire will be releasing his proposed budget on Monday, May 5… but I’m curious to revisit every amendment, “priority,” and last-minute add-on from last year.

I’m the birthday. XXXII.

I could’ve sworn there used to be a basic rule in politics: if you’re flying into somebody else’s city, somebody else’s state, to do “the work,” you start by listening to the people who’ve actually been on the ground doing it. Not talking over them. Listening. Gaining context.

“It’s pretty clear who’s concerned with public safety here and it isn’t a governor who threatens to withhold funding for it. [Greg Abbott’s] office sent a letter saying it would withhold unspecified public safety dollars, which […] could include the police…” www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/edit...

Guess who wants to defund the Houston police? Gov. Greg Abbott.

Dallas and Austin have even stronger immigration policies than Houston and yet those cities have avoided Abbott's threats, writes the editorial board.

houstonchronicle.com

If the city of Houston had its own Project 2028, what’s the one thing you’re putting on that list that is a non-negotiable? Not the “it would be nice if...” I’m talking about the thing you’d stand ten toes down on getting done—no compromise, no delays, no excuses.

“Mayor John Whitmire has yet to publicly present a plan for how he will address the city’s budget deficit… Whitmire is scheduled to present the budget for the 2027 fiscal year on May 5… The new fiscal year begins July 1.” www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/hou...

Houston’s budget deficit grows to $174M due to fire, police overtime spending

The fire and police departments are over budget nearly $51 million and $16 million, respectively, mostly due to overtime spending.

houstonchronicle.com

The Daily Mail is reporting that after a late night blowout inside the White House—where she was reportedly begging and pleading to keep her job—Donald Trump has fired Attorney General Pam Bondi.

“‘His history managing large-scale projects and doing the on-the-ground work organizing his own neighbors matters,’ says local political commentator and friend Shea Jordan Smith. ‘He understands both how the city functions and who it’s supposed to work for…’” www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-cit...

He Swore He'd Never Move Back to Houston. Now He's Running for City Council.

Meet District C candidate Joe Panzarella.

houstoniamag.com

Houston, we didn’t get “invaded” for spring break—we got discovered. For weeks, it’s been traffic, packed brunch spots, clubs spilling into the streets… and yes, a little chaos. But “that kind of cultural momentum doesn’t happen by accident.” www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/outl...

Houston wants tourists. So why weren't we ready for spring break?

Since COVID, thanks to TikTok, Houston has become a spring break hotspot. This year, it got way out of control.

houstonchronicle.com

I need to hear Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul marching band play Don Toliver’s “Body”

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people…” — Galatians 6:9-10 NIV

Back in that mode. Just know, my time is coming… And the revolution will be live-streamed.

Some days you’re motivated. Some days you’re exhausted. But giving up still isn’t an option. Not this time. Not after everything it took to get here. All the growth. All the healing. All the progress moving you forward. Keep going.

What I love most about this Houston Spring Break discourse is that everyone seems to be aligned with the notion that Sylvester Turner would not have allowed any of this to happen… I know it has to be eating John Whitmire up.

Someone should tell Deidra Fontaine that Lina Hidalgo needs to come out in the swangas tomorrow with Shaboozey and Beyoncé.

Surviving Spring Break: Houston has become my new favorite show… Mainly because we told y’all not to bring y’all asses down here.

Le’Andria Johnson singing in this see through blouse at Rev. Jesse Jackson’s homegoing makes… sense.

EVANGELIST BIG SISTER GENERAL KAMALA HARRIS

William Jefferson Clinton never takes anything seriously. Talking about making “lists” and his impeachment hearing. A VERY UNSERIOUS MAN.

Barack Obama never lost it. That man is an orator.

Former NBA star Isiah Thomas recognizes the five presidents in attendance at Rev. Jesse Jackson’s homegoing service. President Kamala Harris. President Hillary Clinton. President Bill Clinton. President Joe Biden. President Barack Obama.

First, it was “Jasmine Crockett isn’t electable.” Now, suddenly everybody’s a strategist, mapping out which office she should run for next: • Ted Cruz’s seat, which isn’t up until 2030. • Running against Greg Abbott for governor… which is literally already on the ballot.

Miss you, Sylvester Turner. We could really use some of your advice and wisdom right now, because the ones you left us with are really making a mess of things…

Respectfully, the 18th Congressional District has had two representatives die in the last 24 months and went nearly a year without representation. People are tired. Congressman Al Green is pushing 80, while he’s championed important causes over nearly two decades in office…

Alright everyone, y’all can go back to focusing on your own state now… y’all have pillaged and opined on what we do down here in Texas ENOUGH.