2025 Basin Highlights Report Published on June 30 

The Basin Highlights Report - Characterization of the Luce Bayou Watershed has been approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and is published online. 

Each year the H-GAC Clean Rivers Program produces a report outlining the state of water quality in the region. The Basin Highlights Reports include the status and trends of water quality and a brief overview of the previous year's activities. Every five years, H-GAC's Clean Rivers Program produces a Basin Summary Report which provides a more detailed analysis of the region's water quality.

H-GAC Hosted National Elder Abuse Prosecutor Training in June

More than 50 attendees from across the region, state, and country attended the 2025 National Institute on the Prosecution of Elder Abuse (NIPEA) hosted at H-GAC in June. This 3.5-day course designed for prosecutors provided important information about elder abuse and offered practical skills needed to ensure successful prosecution of elder abuse crimes. Topics included case evaluation and litigation skills, dementia and capacity issues, common injuries and the use of medical experts, ethical issues, available resources to support prosecutors, and more. 

This marks the first time the event was hosted in the Houston-Galveston area and not only gave us the opportunity to highlight the good work we do in the region but also provided the important training locally for 20 attendees from the 13-county region.

H-GAC's Elder Justice Program provides direct services to seniors and disabled persons who have been victims of crime and provides training, technical assistance, and other support for local efforts to build a coordinated community response to rising incidents of elder abuse.

Share Your Successes to Celebrate 20 Years of Parks, Natural Areas Awards 

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Houston-Galveston Area Council Parks and Natural Areas Awards. Since the first awards were given in 2006, we have recognized more than 300 planning, policy, built projects, and education programs in 10 of the 13 counties in our region to celebrate and elevate achievements of counties, cities, communities, neighborhoods, non-profit organizations, and individuals. As we celebrate this year’s award winners in February 2026, we will also highlight past honorees.

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.

Were you able to apply for funding or other awards as a result of your Parks and Natural Areas Award? Did you implement something new in your community because you heard about another community’s successful park or natural area project? Or maybe your value comes from approaching something differently now.

Send an email to Andrea Tantillo with your success story and a photo or two, and we may include it in a slideshow during the awards ceremony in 2026 or on our Parks and Natural Areas Awards webpage. 

Stories Sought to Highlight a Decade of Bringing Back Main Street  

Did you know our first Bringing Back Main Street Roundtable was October 1, 2015, in Tomball? As we reflect on 10 years of coming together in communities around the region to discuss opportunities and challenges in rural and small-town downtown revitalization, we would like to celebrate your successes and any value you have enjoyed thanks to Bringing Back Main Street.

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 during a special event tentatively planned for October 14 or on our Bringing Back Main Street webpage.

Big Creek Annual Meeting – July 3 (In Person)  

H-GAC will host the Big Creek Annual Meeting from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 3, at the George Memorial Library 1001 Golfview Drive, Richmond. 

The watershed stakeholder group will discuss any work done in relation to the Big Creek Implementation Plan. During this meeting, we will also kick off the implementation phase of the plan and discuss measures the community can take to reduce fecal sources of bacteria to help Big Creek meet water quality standards. 

For more information, contact Steven Johnston. 

H-GAC Disaster Debris Workshop, Webinar – July 7, 24 (Hybrid, Online)  

H-GAC’s Annual Disaster Debris workshop and webinar will be Monday, July 7, and Thursday, July 24. 

The workshop on July 7 will be from 9 a.m. to noon at H-GAC second floor conference rooms and on Zoom. The webinar on July 24 will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Zoom.

Registration is requested, but not required to attend in person on July 7. Registration is required to attend the online events on July 7 and July 24.

To receive updates on these workshops, email [email protected].

Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable – July 14 (In Person)  

Make plans to attend the next H-GAC Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, July 14, at H-GAC, second floor conference rooms. 

Registration is requested, but not required, to attend.

Attendees will:

• Discuss the upcoming Parks and Natural Areas Awards program (review the 2024 application guide for discussion);
• Learn about updates to H-GAC's interactive trail mapping tool;
• Hear from an award-winning park/natural area project; and
• Engage in a roundtable discussion of events and activities in the region.

Download a draft agenda.

For more information, contact Andrea Tantillo. 

Bringing Back Main Street Roundtable – July 15 (In Person)  

Make plans to attend the next Bringing Back Main Street Roundtable on Tuesday, July 15, at the Alvin Senior Center, 309 W. Sealy St., Alvin. Networking and check-in begin at 1:30 p.m. followed by the program from 2 to 4 p.m. See map for free parking and nearby restaurant options.

Registration is requested, but not required, to attend.

Topics include Alvin’s preparations for future growth and economic development including the 2035 Comp Plan; and Visit Alvin, including public art, foodie trail program, film friendly, music friendly, and other state programs. The event will conclude with a quick walk to the Historic Alvin Train Depot, just a couple of blocks from the Senior Center.

Speakers include: 

• Paul Chavez, Economic Development Director, City of Alvin
• Athlyn Roberts, Public Information Manager, City of Alvin
• Courtney Landers, Tourism and Marketing Officer, Alvin Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Betty Russo, Gulf Coast/East Texas Regional Representative, Office of Governor Greg Abbott

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. 

For more information, contact Andrea Tantillo. 

Regional Flood Management Committee Meeting – July 16 (Online)  

The next meeting of the H-GAC Regional Flood Management Committee will be from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, on Zoom.

Registration is required to attend.

The committee will welcome newly nominated members, discuss chair and co-chair nominations, discuss bylaws updates, and hear from speakers on relevant topics.

For more information, contact Amanda Ashcroft. 

Oyster Creek Annual Meeting – July 17 (In Person)  

H-GAC will host the Oyster Creek Annual Meeting from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 17, at the Lake Jackson Library, 250 Circle Way St., Lake Jackson. 

The watershed stakeholder group will discuss any work done in relation to the Oyster Creek Implementation Plan. During this meeting, we will also kick off the implementation phase of the plan and discuss measures the community can take to reduce fecal sources of bacteria to help Oyster Creek meet water quality standards. 

For more information, contact Steven Johnston. 

Solid Waste Management Committee Meeting – July 23 (Online)  

The next meeting of the H-GAC Solid Waste Management Committee will be from 10 a.m. to noon. Wednesday, July 23, on Zoom.

Registration is required to attend.

The final meeting of 2025 will be in person from 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, October 22, at H-GAC second floor conference rooms.

We are seeking a sponsor for refreshments at the in-person meeting (October). Reach out to Erin Livingston if you would like to sponsor or if you have suggestions for speakers or content you'd like to see featured.  

For more information, contact Erin Livingston. 

Caney Creek Annual Meeting – July 31 (In Person)  

H-GAC will host the Caney Creek Annual Meeting from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 31, at the Cedar Lane Community Center, 13622 FM 457, Cedar Lane.

The watershed stakeholder group will discuss any work done in relation to the Caney Creek Implementation Plan. During this meeting, we will also kick off the implementation phase of the plan and discuss measures the community can take to reduce fecal sources of bacteria to help Caney Creek meet water quality standards. 

For more information, contact Steven Johnston. 

Natural Resources Advisory Committee Meeting – August 7 (Hybrid)  

H-GAC's next Natural Resources Advisory Committee meeting will be from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, August 7, in person at H-GAC and on Zoom.

Registration is requested to attend in person and required to attend online.

The main topic of discussion will be a review of the 2025 Water Quality Management Plan Update. H-GAC is seeking comments on the current draft of the document which is available on the H-GAC website. 

For more information, contact Rachel Windham. 

Chocolate Bay Stakeholder Meeting – August 7 (In Person)  

H-GAC will host a Chocolate Bay stakeholder meeting from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, August 7, at the Alvin Library, 105 S. Gordon St., Alvin.

The watershed stakeholder group will discuss any work done in relation to the Chocolate Bay Implementation Plan. During this meeting, we will also kick off the implementation phase of the plan and discuss measures the community can take to reduce fecal sources of bacteria to help Chocolate Bay meet water quality standards. 

For more information, contact Steven Johnston. 

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. 

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

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

Plastic Free July 2025 Starts Now

The Plastic Free Foundation encourages everyone to be a part of the plastic pollution solution by refusing single-use plastic when practical and possible. Plastic Free July is a global movement with resources such as videos, products, and posters. The effort also includes information on how you can reduce your plastic consumption, events to attend, and a challenge you can take to show your commitment to reducing plastic pollution. 

2026 Texas Environmental Excellence Awards Application Open, Galveston Bay Foundation Earns Recogniton in 2025 Awards

Each year, the Governor's Office and commissioners from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality honor the state's most outstanding environmental projects through the Texas Environmental Excellence Awards. Winners from across the state exemplify how Texans set the standard for ensuring clean air, clean water, and the safe management of waste.

Congratulations to the Galveston Bay Foundation for being honored as the 2025 Winner in the Education category for their STEM Education programs.

The application period for the 2026 awards is now open. To see winners from 2013 to 2025, visit the Texas Environmental Excellence Awards webpage. The application deadline will be in August (specific date to be announced).

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. 

Green Infrastructure for Texas Offers Free Class

Green Infrastructure for Texas has launched 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.

Area Projects Chosen for AARP Community Challenge Awards

Three Houston-Galveston area projects have been selected to receive American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Livable Communities Community Challenge Grants. These grants fund quick-action projects across the country to improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; diversity, equity and inclusion; and more, with an emphasis on the needs of adults age 50 and older.

Are projects include:

• Houston: Wesley Community Center — This project will provide older adults with technology resources and digital resilience workshops to prepare for natural disasters. It includes laptops, solar-powered phone chargers, hotspots, and solar charging stations. (Flagship Grant)
• Houston: Fit Houston — This project will feature four walk audits to assess sidewalks, safer streets, and potential trail expansion along Keegan's Bayou. Translated materials and community meetings will amplify older adults' voices. (Capacity-Building Microgrant)
• Sugar Land: Mayfield Park Subdivision Rehabilitation for Aging Seniors — This project will conduct five educational trainings on making homes safer and more comfortable for all ages, focusing on older adults and their families. (Capacity-Building Microgrant) 

All projects must be complete by November 30, 2025.

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.