Applications for Solid Waste Grants Close – Tuesday, October 14

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 $960,000 in solid waste program grant funds to eligible projects through a competitive process. The grant application is for 2026-2027. 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 is open until noon Tuesday, October 14. H-GAC hosted a webinar on how to complete the grant application on September 16. View a recording of the webinar.

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. 

Water Careers Website Now Available

H-GAC, along with five partners, has launched the Texas Water Careers website to help inspire the existing and future workforce to consider a career in the water and wastewater fields.  

One in three water and wastewater operators is nearing retirement, and the number of new entrants into the field isn’t keeping pace. The partnership is uniting to not only connect the workforce to potential jobs, but also to change the narrative around utility careers, highlight the value of water and wastewater roles, and create real pathways for success in the industry. 

Learn more and explore the website today! 

Partners with H-GAC are Texas American Water Works Association (TAWWA), Water Environment Association of Texas, Association of Water Board Directors - Texas, Texas Rural Water Association, and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). 

New Water Resources Information Map (WRIM) Released     

The beta version of H-GAC's new Water Resources Information Map (WRIM) is now live!  

The WRIM is an interactive application to support regional water quality planning. This site is intended to help stakeholders explore, visualize, and understand water quality data and empower them to take actions to improve water quality.  

Explore the new site and provide feedback to Jenny Oakley. 

H-GAC Downtown Revitalization Guide Updated and Now Online    

Originally published in 2015 and updated in 2025, the Bringing Back Main Street: A Guide to Downtown Revitalization for Local Governments provides an overview of how communities can create vibrant downtowns, highlighting successful revitalization efforts implemented by small cities throughout Texas. 

For generations, small towns have served as cultural and economic centers for surrounding rural areas. Their physical and social fabric reflect the community’s unique history and identity. Changing economic conditions and demographics create challenges for rural downtowns, yet many communities remain vibrant places, attractive to residents and visitors alike. 

To retain and restore these downtown areas, H-GAC's Bringing Back Main Street: A Guide to Downtown Revitalization for Local Governments recommends establishing a community-based vision, bringing people in; creating attractive, walkable places; encouraging a diversity of uses; and promoting safety. For more specific strategies and examples of best practices across Texas, explore the full guide online.

Customizable Storm Debris Response, Preparation Templates Available

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 in English and Spanish with easy-to-understand instructions 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.

Find and download the tools and templates H-GAC's Disaster Debris Cleanup and Management Resources web page. 

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.

Speakers/Topics include: 

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Fitness Courts - Kennie Kerr, Partnership Development Manager, National Fitness Campaign 
• Parks Planning/Planning Resilient Parks - William C. Hajdik, CPRP, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation, City of Sugar Land, and Fenglin Du, PLA, Parks Development Manager, City of Sugar Land 
• H-GAC Parks and Natural Areas Awards Update - Andrea Tantillo, H-GAC staff 

Following the presentations, attendees will engage in discussions about project updates and upcoming events 

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: 

• A Brief History of the H-GAC Bringing Back Main Street Initiative and an Overview of the recently-updated Downtown Revitalization Guide for Local Governments - Andrea Tantillo, H-GAC 
• An update from Historic Downtown Rosenberg - Kaylee Manville and Tanya Kveton, City of Rosenberg 
• Trends and Tools for Downtowns - Patty Swords, Langford Community Management Services 
• Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Overview - TBA 

Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in an activity highlighting the best elements of YOUR downtowns and a roundtable discussion.  

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. 

Bacteria Implementation Plan Fall Meeting – October 28 (Hybrid)  

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

The meeting agenda includes discussions on the Bacteria Reduction Implementation Plan update, 2025 Annual Report, and New Methods in Bacteria Source Tracking.

Register to attend online or in person.

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 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.

Fall Planning Workshop – December 12 (Online)

Save the date for the next H-GAC Annual Planning Workshop, DIY Urban Planning - Empowering Public Spaces Through Community-Led Projects, from 9 a.m. to noon, Friday, December 12, on Zoom  

This event will explore how communities can redesign their urban spaces by taking a hands-on approach to planning. Participants will learn how to execute small-scale, DIY (do-it-yourself) urban design projects that address immediate community needs – whether it’s transforming vacant lots, enhancing public parks, creating pedestrian-friendly spaces, or making their neighborhood more inclusive and accessible. The focus will be on simple, actionable steps that spark change and encourage collaboration  

Registration is required to attend. 

For more than 16 years, H-GAC has hosted this free annual workshop to deliver timely, relevant topics that equip attendees with practical, real-world planning ideas, community planning best practices, and solutions. Designed for local governments, community members, neighborhood leaders, planners, city staff, nonprofit partners, and students.  

For more information, contact Amanda Ashcroft  

Take Care of Texas Video Contest

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) invites students in 6th through 12th grades to enter the annual Take Care of Texas Video Contest. 

Student videos should be 30 seconds long and portray positive ways Texans can help keep air and water clean, conserve water and energy, or reduce waste. 

The contest deadline is Friday, December 5, and the public will have the opportunity to pick their favorite videos in January 2026. There will be six winners. Waste Management of Texas, Inc. will provide prizes—gift cards and scholarships.

Green Infrastructure for Texas Offers Free Class

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

Matagorda County Soil Health Field Day – October 16

The Matagorda County Soil and Water Conservation District will host a Soil Health Field Day Thursday, October 16, at the El Maton National Hall, 565 FM 1095, El Maton.

Attendees can explore new conservation practices and hear from soil health experts.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., is $25 per person, and includes transportation to area farms, lunch, and three continuing education units (CEUs) for participants.

RSVPs to [email protected] or 979- 245-1138 ext. 3 are requested by Friday, October 10, to guarantee a meal. 

Greater Houston Environmental Summit – October 17

The Citizens Environmental Coalition (CEC) will host the 2025 Greater Houston Environmental Summit – Mobilizing the Eco-Movement from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, October 17. At the University of Houston-Downtown. This year’s summit brings together local leaders, changemakers, and community voices to build shared power, align strategies, and drive real solutions. For more information, including an agenda and ticket purchases, visit the 2025 Greater Houston Environmental Summit webpage. 

DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back –October 25

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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

Early bird registration for the 2025 Texas Downtown Conference is open through Friday, October 10. The annual conference, planned for November 2-5 in Waco, 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.

America Recycles Day – November 15

For more than two decades, communities have come together on November 15 to celebrate America Recycles Day.

Find tools for organizing or attending special events. 

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.