Applications for Solid Waste Grants Open Today – Tuesday, September 2

H-GAC receives a portion of the money collected as tipping fees at landfills across the state as pass-through funding from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to fund solid waste grant projects throughout the 13-county region.  

As part of this program, H-GAC will award at least $950,000 in solid waste program grant funds to eligible projects through a competitive process. Grants will begin in March or September 2026, and all work must be completed by May 2027. This is the only call for projects planned for this biennium.  

The grant application period will be open from Tuesday, September 2, until noon Tuesday, October 14. H-GAC will host a webinar on how to complete the grant application from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 16. Registration is required.  

For more information about the grant program or to be added to an email list to receive future solid waste grant notifications, contact Erin Livingston. 

H-GAC Parks and Natural Areas Awards Application Period Now Open

H-GAC's annual Parks and Natural Areas Awards program is now accepting applications.  

The Parks and Natural Areas Awards recognize projects in four categories: Projects Over $500,000; Projects Under $500,000; Planning Process and Policy Tools; and Programming. Winning entries serve as models for planning and project implementation for parks and natural areas in the region. The application period closes at noon. Tuesday, September 30.  

Applications will only be accepted online through an application portal. An online application guide is available to help you prepare your application before logging in to the portal.

No funding is associated with this awards program.  

We are also seeking volunteers to help score the applications and select the winners.

Winners will be notified in December and recognized in 2026. For more information or to volunteer as a judge, contact Andrea Tantillo. 

H-GAC Accepting Reservations for Fall and Winter Legal Clinics    

H-GAC’s Elder Justice Program is taking reservations through March 2026 from senior programs and community centers to host free Advance Planning Legal Clinics for seniors 65+ and disabled persons of any age. 

The four-session clinic helps educate attendees on the legal documents needed to safeguard assets and preserve independence in the face of physical and/or mental decline. Seniors who attend both educational sessions, timely submit information and return for the scheduled signing date will receive attorney-drafted, fully executed legal documents free-of-charge.

Interested in booking a presentation or hosting an Advance Planning Legal Clinic? Contact Jessica Razo, program attorney, at 346-299-5682.

H-GAC Offers Customizable Storm Debris Response, Preparation Templates 

H-GAC worked with TetraTech to develop a set of customizable debris-related public information messages and templates. These outreach templates and tools are designed for local governments and other partners to customize and use to provide information to communities and residents before, during, and after a debris-generating event, such as floods, wildfires, or hurricanes.

Tools include graphics and messages that can be used on social media posts, on websites, and on flyers; public information / news release templates; and tips for setting up a call center.

The additional graphics and messages are available in English, Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

For several years, H-GAC has provided flyers and videos that provide easy to understand instructions for the public in both English and Spanish on the proper method to sort and set out debris. These customizable materials have been used across the region, state, and country, and even in a few international locations.

The tools and templates are available for download on H-GAC's Disaster Debris Cleanup and Management Resources web page. 

Water Innovation Strategies of Excellence Awards Ceremony – September 5 (In Person)  

H-GAC will recognize outstanding projects and programs during the Water Innovations Strategies of Excellence (WISE) Awards ceremony from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, September 29, at H-GAC second floor conference rooms.

Registration is requested, but not required, to attend.

The WISE Awards program is overseen by H-GAC's Natural Resource Advisory Committee. This program recognizes and celebrates projects, programs, and individuals using innovative strategies to protect and improve water resources in the Houston-Galveston region. Join us as we recognize the 2025 WISE Award winners and learn more about their projects and programs. 

For more information, contact Rachel Windham. 

Livable Centers Land Use and Transportation Workshop – September 18 (In Person)

H-GAC concludes its three-part 2025 Livable Centers Roundtable and Workshop Series—exploring the critical connections between transportation planning, design, and public health with the annual Land Use and Transportation workshop from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, September 18, second floor conference rooms.

Participant networking begins at 9 a.m. The program begins at 9:30 a.m.

Registration is requested, but not required, to attend.

This workshop will bring together leading experts, policymakers, and practitioners from urban design, transportation planning, and public health to discuss integrated solutions for reducing health disparities and improving community well-being. 

Speakers include:

• Keynote: KC Coyne, AICP, Certified Ecologist (Founder and Managing Principal at Resilient Future Studio)
• Emily Barker, AICP (Planner at Halff)
• Natalia Beard, LEED AP (Principal at SWA Group)
• Brandie Lockett, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP ND (Urban Design Lead at METRO)
• Dr. Ruth Rechis (Executive Director of Cancer Prevention and Control Platform at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center)
• Dr. Laura Solitare (Associate Professor in the Department of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy at the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University)
• Ashton Williams, PLA (Associate at SWA Group)

This workshop is a must-attend for anyone committed to designing cities and communities that prioritize well-being, mobility, and long-term resilience. 

This event is eligible for 2.25 CM credits.

For more information, contact Sarai Osorio at [email protected].

2025 Houston Regional Air Quality Summit – September 24 (In Person)  

The Houston Regional Air Quality Summit will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, September 24, at the Cullen Building at Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston.

The 2025 inaugural Houston Regional Air Quality Summit, co-hosted by the FIFA World Cup Houston Host Committee Sustainability Subcommittee, will bring together community members, policymakers, industry leaders, and youth advocates to explore solutions for cleaner air across the Houston-Galveston region.

Please register to attend. More information is available on the Summit webpage.

Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable – October 6 (In Person)  

Make plans to attend the next H-GAC Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, October 6, at H-GAC, second floor conference rooms. 

Registration is requested, but not required, to attend.

Attendees will:

• Preview applicants for the 2025 Annual Parks and Natural Areas Awards Program,
• Hear from National Fitness Campaign regarding fitness courts in area parks; and
• Engage in a roundtable discussion of events and activities in the region.

Additional topics and speakers will be announced.

For more information, contact Andrea Tantillo. 

Bringing Back Main Street Roundtable and 10th Anniversary Celebration – October 14 (In Person)  

Make plans to attend the Bringing Back Main Street Roundtable and 10th Anniversary Celebration on Tuesday, October 14, at H-GAC second floor conference rooms. Networking and check-in begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by the program from 10 a.m. to noon.

Registration is requested, but not required, to attend.

Topics include

• H-GAC's history of the Bringing Back Main Street Initiative;
• Highlights of the new Downtown Revitalization Guide for Local Governments;
• Historic Downtown Rosenberg updates; and
• Trends and Techology in Downtown Revitalization.

More topics will be announced.

The Bringing Back Main Street initiative offers local communities a place to share best practices and engage in a regional dialogue about revitalizing and supporting vibrant downtown spaces. Each quarter, community leaders gather for a roundtable on topics ranging from small business support to sidewalk infrastructure. 

Share your success: You are invited to help us celebrate past projects by sharing any stories you have showcasing the value the awards have brought to your community.

Have you implemented any new projects or approaches based on something discussed at a Bringing Back Main Street roundtable or highlighted in the Downtown Revitalization Guide for Local Governments?

Send an email to Andrea Tantillo with a note about successful new or updated changes in your community following a roundtable and a photo or two, and we may include it in a slideshow at the October roundtable and celebration, or on our Bringing Back Main Street webpage.

For more information, contact Andrea Tantillo. 

Bacteria Implementation Plan Fall Meeting – October 28 (Hybrid)  

Make plans to attend the Bacteria Implementation Group Fall Meeting from 1 to 3 p.m., Monday, October 28, at H-GAC second floor conference rooms, and on Zoom.

Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact Steven Johnston.

Houston GIS Day – November 19-21 (In Person) 

Save the date for the 2024 Houston Area GIS Day on  November 19-21, at the University of Houston – Clear Lake campus, 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Bayou Building, Houston. Houston GIS Day is a one-day celebration of Geographic Information Systems for local GIS professionals, universities, high school students, and teachers. 

This year’s activities include: 

• Cutting-edge GIS tools demos
• Hands-on workshops
• College and University GIS Program Exhibitors 
• Geospatial Exhibitors and Vendors 
• Student GIS Activities and Games and More!

For more event information including sponsor, exhibitor, speaker, and volunteer opportunities, visit the 2025 Houston Area GIS Day website.

Green Infrastructure for Texas Offers Free Class

Green Infrastructure for Texas has launched a new free online course, Introduction to Green Infrastructure, designed for professionals involved in community development, infrastructure planning, and environmental management. This self-paced course is now available for users to take a closer look at tools and skills for local communities' green infrastructure needs.

Adopt-a-Beach Coastwide Fall Cleanup – September 20

Save the date for the Adopt-A-Beach Coastwide Cleanup on Saturday, September 20, at various Texas beaches. This annual event by the Texas General Land Office encourages volunteers to help keep beaches clean. Since the program began in 1986, more than 567,000 volunteers have removed 9,8000 tons of trash from Texas beaches. Registration information and a list of cleanup locations are available online.

Houston Audubon Bird Week – September 20-27

Houston Bird Week 2025 celebrates the important role Houston plays in the journey of billions of migratory birds and the everyday lives of resident birds. Houston Audubon and local conservation partners arrange a week of events centered around the region’s birds and wildlife. Past events have included birding opportunities, watch parties, trivia, movie night, and more. Visit www.houstonaudubon.org/BirdWeek for details. 

DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back – October 26

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 25. Check the DEA website in early October for area drop-off locations and year-round pharmaceutical disposal locations. The collection event provides a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the public about the potential for abuse of medications and environmental contamination. Law enforcement agencies interested in hosting a collection site should call the point of contact for this area.

Texas Downtown Conference – November 2-5

Save the date for the 2025 Texas Downtown Conference November 2-5 in Waco. The annual conference includes networking, field sessions, and educational workshops highlighting new ideas, inspiration, and innovation for municipal and county staff working to shape the future of downtowns across Texas.

Funding Sources

H-GAC's Community and Environmental Planning Department maintains a list of ongoing funding opportunities for parks improvements, conservation projects, active transportation projects, and downtown revitalization projects. H-GAC also provides a Funding Resources Hub with many funding opportunities for individuals, local governments, organizations, and others.

If you know of a funding opportunity, forward it to Andrea Tantillo.

All content, including links to websites on these funding lists, is for informational purposes only. Users of this content are responsible for checking its accuracy, currency, and suitability.

Mapping Applications

Looking for interactive applications or GIS data related to the H-GAC Community and Environmental Planning Department? Visit H-GAC's interactive applications web page.