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Heights River Oaks Montrose Edition VOLUME 7, ISSUE 12 MARCH 11 APRIL 8, 2026
2026 Camp Guide
All paws on deck Houston aims to tackle stray animal crisis amid overcrowded shelter
Five German Shepherd mix puppies became available for adoption Jan. 19 at BARC—Woody, Winona, Wilson, Walter and William. (Jamaal Ellis/Community Impact) BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
BARC Adoption Center
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Also in this issue
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View a noncomprehensive list of local summer camps to send your kids to this year Community 12
Read why seven candidates are running for Houston City Council, District C in an upcoming special election Election 14
Check out 12 new businesses, restaurants that recently opened across Houston Impacts
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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION
Welcome to care that gets better with age.
As your resource for senior-focused healthcare, Kelsey-Seybold for Seniors can help ensure you receive quality, proactive, coordinated care that understands your changing health needs. There are several ways to learn about your Medicare coverage options, you can review resources from Medicare, contact Medicare Advantage health plans directly, or speak with a licensed insurance agent.* 713-442-8526 (TTY: 711) Choose your Kelsey-Seybold provider today! Calling this number will connect you to a licensed insurance agent.
seniors.kelsey-seybold.com
*There are several ways to learn about your Medicare coverage options. You can review the CMS website at medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227/TTY call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week. You can contact Medicare Advantage health plans directly for information about the plans they offer. Another option is to speak with a licensed insurance agent. Kelsey-Seybold Clinic accepts patients with Medicare Advantage plans. Not all plans accepted. Call for details. © 2026 Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. All rights reserved. KSSCIM_1087
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Impacts
7 Studio Pulse Founded by sisters Ashton and Adele Verrengia, the workout studio o ers signature mat Pilates, Vinyasa and recovery classes. Heated and non-heated classes are available. • Opened Jan. 31 • 600 N. Shepherd Drive, Ste. 449, Houston • www.studiopulse.com 8 Hand & Stone Massage and Facial The business o ers massages, facials and toning for customers, with prices beginning at $79.95 for a rst- time visit. • Opened in February • 2770 Summer St., Ste. 100C, Houston • www.handandstone.com 9 SweatHouz A contrast therapy studio that combines infrared saunas, cold plunges and Vitamin C showers. The studio o ers private, luxury suites where guests can personalize their experience. • Opened Feb. 12 • 3737 Cogdell St., Ste. 160, Houston • www.sweathouz.com 10 Flea Style The Texas-based lifestyle brand is known as the home of the original hat bar, where customers can design their own Western hats. The store will also have women’s apparel, jewelry and home decor. • Opened March 7 • 1963 W. Gray St., Ste. A, Houston • www.fleastyle.com 11 Marel Houston The 2,200-square-foot space introduces a mix of sleek cabinetry, custom furnishings and lifestyle solutions for kitchens, living areas and o ces infused with Brazilian spirit. It is the brand’s rst showroom in Texas. • Opened Feb. 12 • 3600 Kirby Drive, Ste. G, Houston • www.marelhouston.com 12 Bricks & Mini gs The Lego aftermarket reseller sells mini gures, sets, bricks and accessories in one store. It is the largest store of its kind that specializes in new and used items. • Opened Feb. 21 • 3636 Greenbriar Drive, Ste. A110, Houston • www.bricksandmini igs.com
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• 5602 Fulton St., Houston • www.johnnyritas.com
Now open
1 Tiny’s Milk & Cookies The popular walk-up bakery and co ee shop opened in the Heights in February. It is known for its famous chocolate chip cookies and also serves house-roasted co ee and artisan breads. • Opened Feb. 4 2 Alturas Mexican Cafe Dishes such as classic enchiladas, street tacos, Pambazo and Milanesa are served at this authentic Mexican cafe by the Navarro family. Breakfast is also served. • Opened Feb. 6 • 2409 Airline Drive, Ste. 100, Houston • www.alturasmexcafe.com • 3423 White Oak Drive, Houston • www.tinysmilkandcookies.com 3 Johnny Ritas Cocina y Cantina Led by Chef Jesus Salinas, the new restaurant uses a mesquite- and charcoal- red approach that blends Tex-Mex favorites, Oaxacan tradition and Baja-inspired seafood. • Opened Feb. 6
4 Tacos A Go Go With a brand-new full bar, the restaurant serves street tacos with brisket, barbacoa and pollo tinga, as well as nachos, burritos, quesadillas and margaritas. • Opened Jan. 29 • 1102 Yale St., Ste. 300, Houston • www.tacosagogo.com 5 Machi Sushi The spot o ers all-you-can-eat sushi seven days a week. The Japanese restaurant also serves cocktails and sake. • Opened Feb. 11 • 5820 Washington Ave., Ste. 100, Houston • Facebook: Machi Sushi AYCE 6 Flora & More For members only, this wholesale orchid market is designed for industry professionals like orists, garden centers and interiorscapers. • Opened in February • 707 N. Shepherd Drive, Ste. 200, Houston • www.floraandmore.com
Coming soon
13 Yuma Presenting as a fast-casual atmosphere, this Brazilian and Cuban sandwich shop by owner Miriam Leek-Meira, will replace the former Ninja Ramen. • Opening in March • 4219 Washington Ave., Houston • Instagram: @yumahtx 14 Federal American Grill Serving a range of dishes, the restaurant’s menu o ers
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
seafood, steaks, burgers and sandwiches, along with starters such as jumbo lump crab cakes, sticky ribs and
Closings
Coming soon
true beef carpaccio. • Opening late March
17 Succulent Fine Dining Rooted in sustainability, the California-based dining experience closed in early February after less than a year in service. The restaurant cited ongoing site- related access, parking and valet limitations as the main reasons for closure. • Closed Feb. 5 • 1180 Dunlavy St., Houston • Facebook: Succulent Fine Dining 18 Mutiny in the Heights The wine room, founded by Emily Trout and Mark Ellenberger, closed in January. The pair cited the rising costs of rent, food and insurance as the main reason behind the decision. • Closed Jan. 31
• 2400 Mid Lane, Houston • https://thefederalgrill.com
15 Opera Gallery Known for its modern and contemporary art collection, the major international art gallery is poised to open a new location in Houston alongside cities such as New York, London and Dubai. The gallery will present three to four curated exhibitions annually. • Opening March 20 • 4444 Westheimer Road, Ste. A115, Houston • www.operagallery.com 16 Tutu School Heights Children as young as six months to 8 years old can attend the new ballet school inside the M-K-T Shopping Center. Classes are broken down by age and skill level. • Opening March 16 • 600 N. Shepherd Drive, Unit 454, Houston • www.tutuschool.com/heights
Momentum Climbing Gym An indoor climbing gym facility that will cap out at 52,000 square feet will feature extensive rope climbing, including lead, top rope and auto-belay zones, along with a large bouldering area and dedicated youth climbing spaces. • Opening in the fall • Address TBD • www.momentumclimbing.com
• 1124 Usener St., Houston • www.mutinyheights.com
19 Orangetheory Fitness The Highland Village location closed its workout studio in late December. The gym o ered high-intensity interval training and group tness classes.
• Closed December 2025 • 2400 Mid Lane, Houston • www.orangetheory itness.com
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Government
Houston is on track to exceed its budgeted overtime spending by more than $54 million by the end of the fiscal year, a Feb. 3 presentation from the city controller’s office shows. What’s happening? City departments are spending more on over- time pay each month than allocated for in the FY 2025-26 budget, adding to Houston’s $227 million growing shortfall for the fiscal year, according to a Feb. 3 committee meeting. Houston’s fire, police and solid waste depart- ments have contributed the most to employee overtime spending so far this fiscal year, Deputy Controller Will Jones said. According to general fund projections from the controller’s office, these departments are expected to exceed budgeted overtime spending by: Employee overtime grows budget deficit
Department overtime spending, FY 2025-26
The Houston fire, police and solid waste management departments are expected to exceed budgeted overtime by $54 million.
Budgeted
Actuals/ projections
Fire Department
Solid Waste Department
Police Department
Projection
$8M
$6M
$4M
$2M
$0
July 2025
Aug. 2025
Sept. 2025
Oct. 2025
Nov. 2025
Dec. 2025
Jan. 2026
Feb. 2026
March 2026
April 2026
May 2026
June 2026
Fiscal year
NOTE: VALUES ARE APPROXIMATE.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF CITY CONTROLLER CHRIS HOLLINS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
• $38 million: Fire Department • $13.2 million: Police Department • $2.1 million: Solid Waste Management Common causes of overtime include staff short- ages, recruitment challenges and holidays.
Looking ahead Finance Director Melissa Dubowski said the finance department is working on analyzing the spending and savings of all city departments, not just the three from the presentation, which will be presented to Houston City Council in April.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY SARAH BRAGER, JESSICA SHORTEN & ARIEL WORTHY
FEMA reveals updated draft flood maps Houston residents can now see preliminary Federal Emergency Management Agency map data through a new interactive dashboard from FEMA and the Harris County Flood Control District in the first countywide update since 2007. The big picture HCFCD spokesperson Emily Woodell confirmed the county’s 34 floodplain administrators received preliminary data and maps from FEMA in the first week of February. The Modeling, Assessment and Awareness Project (MAAPNext) kicked off in 2019 and aims to supplement FEMA maps while incor- porating the data in an interactive, user-friendly dashboard. HCFCD Executive Director Tina Petersen said the preliminary data received from FEMA will help individuals understand potential floodplain impacts. However, she cautioned against using the
Local Government News 3 stories we’re following online
Proposed flood hazard zones Draft floodway (extreme-risk) Draft 100-year floodplain (high-risk) Draft 500-year floodplain (moderate-risk)
1 HPD to continue using ‘antiquated’ records management system Houston officials Feb. 18 approved the extension of the use of its current records management system, or RMS, for the Houston Police Department, a system that led to miscoding over 260,000 suspended cases in 2024. 2 New campaign finance tracker to launch this spring In early February, Houston invested just over $1 million in a new campaign finance management tool, aiming to improve accuracy and fiscal accountability in local elections. It is expected to go live on the city’s website 60 days from Feb. 4. 3 Houston to apply for $80M grant to enhance security at 2026 FIFA World Cup Houston City Council approved the city’s public safety department Feb. 18 to apply for two federal grants to enhance security and preparedness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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data formally, as it is set to change. The timeline Petersen said any changes to insurance rates based on the maps won’t be considered until they become official, which could not be until 2028.
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Education
BY WESLEY GARDNER
Houston ISD sees 18% decrease in enrollment Houston ISD has seen a growing decline in student enrollment since the state took over the district in June 2023. A closer look While HISD’s enrollment has seen a steady decline since the 2016-17 school year, the decline accelerated in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years, according to a Jan. 15 report released by the University of Houston’s Institute for Education Policy Research and Evaluation. From the 2016-17 school year to the 2022-23 school year, the district lost 26,197 students , or about 12.1% of its total student population, per the report. From the 2022-23 to the 2024-25 school year, the district lost about 7% of its total population. The report states the steepest drop occurred at the high school level, particularly in ninth grade, where enrollment fell 15.1% in two years.
2026 27 academic calendar released Houston ISD board managers approved the district’s academic calendar for the 2026-27 school year, which will begin Aug. 10, 2026, and end May 28, 2027. The details Board managers approved the 2026-27 academic calendar at their Feb. 12 meeting. The new calendar will remain consistent with the district’s 2025-26 calendar with 181 total days. HISD students will have two week-long breaks and one two-week break through- out the year, as well as 10 holidays and sta development days o , according to the calendar. Summer classes will be held from June 8-July 15, except holidays on June 18, July 2 and July 5.
Houston ISD student enrollment Since the 2016-17 school year, Houston ISD has seen nearly 40,000 students leave the school district.
-18% decrease
300K 200K 100K 0
School year
SOURCES: HOUSTON ISD, UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON COMMUNITY IMPACT
Enrollment declines were driven by HISD students moving to neighboring school districts and charter schools, as well as students choosing to leave Texas public education entirely, per the report. HISD o cials said the enrollment decline mirrors trends seen throughout the state and nation, and that there is “no single cause” for the decline.
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Transportation
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
Ongoing project
Upcoming project
Upcoming project
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1 Buffalo Bayou Greenway connector Project: The project consists of the design and construction of a shared-use path for bicycles and pedestrians, connecting the Jose Campos Torres Plaza at the intersection of Austin Street and Commerce Street to the Heights Hike and Bike Trail. Update: Houston officials approved an interlocal agreement with the Houston Parks Board in late January to kickstart the process. • Timeline: January-May • Cost: $579,000 • Funding source: Houston Parks Board
2 Intersection Safety Improvements Project: The project will include creating a protective barrier between pedestrians and vehicles at the Houston Avenue and White Oak Drive intersection to reduce vehicular accidents. Update: Houston officials Feb. 18 approved an infrastructure reimbursement agreement with the Memorial Heights TIRZ for the cost of the project. • Timeline: April-June • Cost: $10,500 • Funding sources: Memorial Heights TIRZ
3 Mandell Street Improvements Project: The project along Mandell Street aims to enhance safety and walkability for pedestrians by replacing existing sidewalks with new 5-foot sidewalks and ADA-compliant wheelchair ramps, as well as improve the roadway and enhance lighting. Update: A presentation on the project will occur March 16 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal. • Timeline: Spring 2026-TBD
• Cost: $1.5 million to $2 million • Funding source: Montrose TIRZ
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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION
Community
BY ROO MOODY & ARIEL WORTHY
Camp Guide
Cost: $550 per two-week session (Montrose camps) • St. Thomas University, 3800 Montrose Blvd., Houston • www.mainstreettheater.com/summer-camps Sur La Table Sur La Table offers a series of cooking classes from baking to global cuisines for beginner and advanced bakers.
(Camp Lodge 88) Cost: $360 per week
2026
• (Camp Theresa) 6500 Durford St., Houston • (Camp Lodge 88) 1435 Beall St., Houston • www.kidventure.com
Language Kids World The immersion camp helps children learn international languages, such as Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese and ASL, through activities and games. Type: academic / day Ages: 3-10 Dates: June 8-Aug. 7 (Heights camps); June 8-July 24 (Montrose camps) Cost: $310-$365 per week • 1245 Heights Blvd., Houston (Heights) • 2025 W. 11th St., Houston (Heights) • 2120 Westheimer Road, Houston (Montrose) • 1440 Harold St., Houston (Montrose) • www.languagekids.com/camps Main Street Theater Main Street Theater camp offers children a collaborative theater experience with a variety of activities such as creating plays, performing on stage and playing theater games. Type: art / day Ages: 6-10 (Montrose camp) Dates: June 16-27, July 14-25 (Montrose camps)
Creator Camp A summer camp where children can tap into technology for creativity and self-expression, with classes revolving around cartoon animation, creating YouTube videos and making films. Type: art / day / tech Ages: 5-13 Dates: June 1-Aug. 7 Cost: $174-$278 per two- and three-day options, $390 (full week) • The Heights Goswami Academy, 1610 W. 34th 1/2 St., Houston • www.creatorcamp.org Elite University Summer Camps Elite University Summer Camps specializes in providing nature, sports, culinary and STEM activities. Type: academic / art / day / sports Ages: 5-13 Dates: July 6-Aug. 7 Cost: $350-$400 per week • Elite University Camp River Oaks, 2450 River Oaks
Blvd., Houston • www.elitesummercamps.com
The ARTZ Summer Aerial Camp The Artz and The Cre8tive Center are offering Mega Camps, an all-summer adventure with a new themed camp every week. Type: art / day Ages: 4-15 Dates: May 26-Aug. 14 Cost: starting at $425 per week; starting $100 per full- day drop-in; starting $75.00 per half-day drop-in • 5317 Inker St., Houston • www.theartz8.com Bright Minds Academy Campers will engage in hands-on learning through courses that teach the basics of design and problem-solving. Type: overnight / day / academic Ages: 6-14 Dates: June-July Cost: $299-$325 per week • University of Houston-Downtown, 1 Main St., Houston • www.uhd.edu
Type: baking / cooking / day Ages: children 7-11, teens 12-17 Dates: May 26-Aug. 28 Cost: $250-389 per week • 1996 W. Gray St., Houston • www.surlatable.com
HITS Theatre The theater is offering 1–2 week musical theater summer classes featuring performances of “Beetlejuice” and “Wicked Zombies” (audition only).
St. Luke’s Summer Camp Children engage in indoor and outdoor activities such as arts and crafts, cooking and taekwondo, while older campers go on field trips to places like Dave and Busters. Camp-wide field trips also take place weekly. Type: art / sports / day Grades: 1-6 (Luner Camp) 7-8 (Interstellar Camp) Dates: June 8-July 24 Cost: $330 (Luner Camp) $365 (Interstellar Camp) • 3471 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.stlukesallday.org This list is not comprehensive.
Type: art / day Grades: K-12th Dates: June 8-Aug. 16 Cost: $325-$875 per week • 311 W. 18th St., Houston • www.hitstheatre.org
Institute of Contemporary Dance The camp features a variety of workshops where campers learn choreography, technique and different styles of dance. Type: art / day Ages: 6-13 Dates: June 8-July 24 Cost: $400-$450 per week • 1302 Houston Ave., Ste. 300, Houston • www.icdhouston.com/summer-2026
Kidventure This camp is designed to help children grow more independent, foster social skills and create real-life positive relationships. Type: day / art / outdoor activities / sports Ages: 3-5, entering 1st-9th grade (Camp Theresa); 3-5, entering 1st-5th grade (Camp Lodge 88) Dates: June 1-July 17 (Camp Theresa); June 8-Aug. 7
HOUSTON SUPERSTORE 2410 Smith Street (713) 526-8787
SHEPHERD 1900 S Shepherd (713) 529-4849
WESTCOTT AND MEMORIAL 5818 Memorial Dr (713) 861-4161
Election
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
The special election will be held April 4, with the winner of the race lling the role on City Council until January 2028.
Candidates are listed in ballot order.
Why are you running for o ce?
What are your priorities for pedestrian safety, bike lanes and public transportation improvements in the district? Everyone deserves to feel safe walking, biking or taking transit. I support safer intersections, protected bike lanes and better sidewalks, especially near schools and transit stops. Improving intersections with more lights and stop signs are essential. Better lighting and visibility will reduce accidents, improve tra c, and strengthen mobility. Houstonians should not fear walking, cycling, and driving across our city. We must coordinate priority street safety infrastructure projects within the High Injury Network with local TIRZ boards, the county, TxDOT, and city departments. Public transportation in our city must also be reliable, responding to data derived from ridership trends. District C has some of the most tra cked areas in Houston, so ensuring safer intersections, protected bike lanes, and reliable public transit corridors are top priorities for having a safer district. That means increasing pedestrian safety with lighting, crosswalk visibility, and calming tra c. Transportation planning should reduce accidents ... I use all modes of transportation, and I want them to be as normalized across the district as they are where I live near 11th and Nicholson Trail. I support and advocate alongside Link Houston for frequent and reliable transit. Sidewalks throughout District C need repair. Someone was just killed in a hit-and-run two blocks from my home. Pedestrian safety is a public safety priority. I’ll push for better crosswalks in high-incident areas. Support dedicated bike infrastructure where it connects neighborhoods safely. Advocate for reliable METRO service and transit-oriented development near existing lines. I ran to make our streets safe for everyone. My priorities are ensuring safe crossings at schools and parks; targeting Houston’s High Injury Network with proven safety upgrades; collaborating with TIRZs to accelerate Safe Routes to School programs; and reducing bus wait times to 15 minutes.
Houston City Council, District C Angelica Luna Kaufman Occupation & relevant experience: Harris County, chief of sta ; managed county budgets; disaster response; procurement
I’m running because District C deserves experienced, accountable leadership focused on results. After years of serving more than ve million residents in the third-largest county in the United States, I’m ready to bring that experience to City Hall to strengthen services, improve safety and deliver measurable progress for every neighborhood. I want to tackle city problems by studying issues Houstonians face and prioritizing data-driven policy solutions to make our city easier to live in. I have children growing up in District C, and want to make sure it is safe, a ordable, healthy, and a place in which they can thrive. represented when decisions are made, and I understand both policy and the narratives that shape whether legislation actually passes. Our politics are producing the same results: a fortress around city hall without input … District C deserves leadership that can meet the city’s challenges without feeding existing dysfunction. I want underrepresented communities
reform; public safety initiatives www.angelicaforhouston.com
Audrey Nath Occupation & relevant experience: Harvard-trained triple-board certi ed MD/PhD epileptologist, clinical assistant, professor, community organizer, and advocate www.audreyforhouston.com Sophia Campos Occupation & relevant experience: elementary school teacher with 10 years of legislative experience, lobbying and organizing throughout Texas www.sophiafordistrictc.org Laura Gallier Occupation & relevant experience: retired CPA, former small business owner, community organizer, third of Patrick Oathout Occupation & relevant experience: arti cial intelligence safety lead; platoon leader, U.S. Army; Poe, Lanier, and Lamar graduate www.patrickforhouston.com Joe Panzarella Occupation & relevant experience: renewable energy developer managing multimillion-dollar projects, Freedmen’s Town Super Neighborhood president, experienced community organizer www.joeforhouston.com Nick Hellyar Occupation & relevant experience: real estate broker, small business owner sta er at Houston City Hall and Texas Legislature www.nickforhouston.com ve generations in District C www.lauraforhouston.com
I am at City Council often and have generational ties to the district. To give nancial oversight to the city, TIRZ, Houston First, Houston Housing Authority. Use my training in seeing structural inequity and dialoguing constructively on polarizing topics. To advocate for community-driven solutions.
After Jan. 6, I joined the Army to defend democracy abroad. Now I’m home to defend it here. Greg Abbott and Donald Trump want to override Houston’s local control. I’ll protect Houston’s values while delivering on infrastructure, public safety, and a ordability for the district that raised me.
I am running for o ce because District C deserves safe streets, a ordable housing, transparent leadership, and outstanding constituent services for all. My experience as a community leader and renewable energy developer equips me to shepherd transformative infrastructure projects through [the] council, and push safe and just policies for every Houstonian. The passion for problem-solving, with two decades of helping people at City Hall and the [Texas] Legislature. As a full-time council member, I will focus on solving problems and listening to neighbors in every part of District C. I want to help people x the everyday issues that a ect their lives.
We need all modes of transportation—walking, biking and riding—and all must work together for our city to function. Safety must be a priority. As the former interim director of BikeHouston, I am uniquely aware of the dangers bikers face. Building our streets for all to share is key.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
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News
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
Houston sporting events to generate $2B in economic activity
65,000 visitors and $150 million in economic impact, according to the Houston First Corporation. Michael Heckman, President and CEO of Houston First Corporation, said these major events “will shine a signi cant spotlight on Houston.” “These events collectively will generate signi cant economic activity for Houston as a whole, but very speci cally will support our hospitality industry, from hotels to restaurants and beyond,” he said.
County-Houston Sports Authority. The city also hosted several events in the wintertime, including the Chevron Houston Marathon, the Simone Biles International Invitational and the NCA All-Star National Championship. The NCA Championship, which moved to Houston for the rst time in 2026, was conducted at the George R. Brown Convention Center from Feb. 27-March 1. The three-year contract is expected to bring over
Houston is gearing up to host several big-time sporting events in 2026, including the World Baseball Classic, the NCAA Men’s Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, and the FIFA World Cup. The local impact The three major sporting events are projected to bring in around $1.6 billion in overall economic activity this year, according to a report by the Harris
World Baseball Classic
NCAA Men’s Sweet 16 & Elite Eight
FIFA World Cup
March 6-11 & 13-14
March 26-28
June 14-July 4
An international baseball tournament featuring top professional players from around the world competing for their home countries. It is held every four years and showcases 20 national teams. • Daikin Park: 501 Crawford St., Houston • Teams participating: Great Britain, Italy, Mexico, United States and Brazil • Tickets: $10+
The regional semi nal and nal rounds of the Division I basketball tournament feature the nal 16 teams out of 68 competing in the Elite Eight, with the Elite Eight producing the top four teams that will compete in the Final Four. • Toyota Center: 1510 Polk St., Houston • Tournament host: Rice University • Tickets: $163+
The premier international soccer tournament is hosted every four years. It is one of the world’s most-watched single-sport events and is often considered the most prestigious title in soccer. • Houston Stadium: 1 NRG Parkway, Houston • Teams participating: Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde, Uzbekistan and Curacao • Tickets: $140-$700+
1 st
1 st
7 th
First-time host city
Seventh-time host city
First-time host city
Estimated economic impact: $112M+
Visitor expectation: 400,000
Estimated economic impact: $10.5M+
Visitor expectation: 54,000
Estimated economic impact: $1.5B+
Visitor expectation: 500,000
SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY HOUSTON SPORTS AUTHORITY, HOUSTON FIRST CORPORATION, HOUSTON ASTROS COMMUNITY IMPACT
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15
BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION
All paws on deck From the cover
Growing challenges
Current situation
With euthanasia rates and overcrowding continuing to spike, shelter o cials went before Houston City Council a year ago to discuss poten- tial options to raise funding to meet the shelter’s two goals—respond to more calls for service and conduct more adoptions and outreach. BARC Director Jarrad Mears shared a presen- tation with the council in March 2025 to discuss conducting a feasibility study to explore two di erent funding models. The two options included forming a public-non- pro t partnership or creating a local government corporation, or LGC. An LGC is a corporation created to act on behalf of one or more local governments to accomplish any governmental purpose of those local governments, according to the state’s transportation code. Organizations such as the Houston Zoo and Houston First are LGCs.
residents facing di cult decisions,” he said. “That trust is re ected in a signi cant rise in intake throughout the past several years.” BARC’s overall intake has increased by more than 28% since 2022, data shows. In calendar year 2025, the shelter’s total intake was 22,445—up from 20,875 in 2024. Stottlemyer said the most notable driver of increased intake has been expanded public access to the shelter, including Sunday open-intake days, which were implemented in early 2025 and led to a 51% rise in over-the-counter surrenders. The rapid increase in animal intake led shelter o cials to reduce the rescue notice period from 48 hours to 24 hours. Stottlemyer said the move was intended to help animals move through the shelter more quickly and encourage rescue partners to closely monitor BARC’s plea emails.
Houston o cials have started to lay the foundation to address the city’s longstanding stray animal crisis and the constant overcrowding at the BARC Animal Shelter that has led to nearly 4,000 animals being euthanized per year. Monthly and annual reports conducted by the animal shelter show that over 3,500 animals were euthanized in 2024 and 2025, reaching new heights after numbers were previously hovering around the 2,000-2,500 mark. Deputy Shelter Director Cory Stottlemyer said BARC’s 2025 data re ects a combination of factors that animal shelters across the country are experiencing, including continued economic pressures, the city’s rapid population growth and an increase in pet owners seeking support when the time and cost of care have become more challenging. “As the city of Houston’s open-intake animal shelter, BARC remains a trusted resource for
Animal control budget, per capita Despite BARC’s budget of nearly $16 million, Houston still receives the lowest per capita funding for its shelter compared to other Texas cities due to its higher population.
Euthanasia rates BARC saw fewer animals euthanized during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. However, numbers began to rise to pre-pandemic levels in 2022.
From 2020 to 2025, rates increased 319%
Austin
$17.92
$14.44
San Antonio
$14.07 $13.83
Dallas El Paso
3,813
3,714 3,398
3,541
2,952
2,890
2,284
$11.84
Fort Worth
909 966
Houston
$6.75
NOTE: PER CAPITA MEANS ALLOCATING FUNDS PER PERSON, CALCULATED BY DIVIDING A TOTAL BUDGET BY THE POPULATION SIZE. SOURCES: CITY OF HOUSTON, CITY OF SAN ANTONIO, CITY OF DALLAS, CITY OF AUSTIN, CITY OF FORTH WORTH, CITY OF EL PASO COMMUNITY IMPACT
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024 2025
SOURCE: BARC ANIMAL SHELTER COMMUNITY IMPACT
What’s being done
Renovations for the existing animal shelter will begin in 2027. The new shelter remains under development.
Shelter facilities
and to hire two additional animal enforcement o cers. A month later, a $16 million contract was awarded to provide renovations to the existing facility. According to project details, renovations include: • Renovating the rst oor of the BARC dome • Updating equipment, furniture, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems • Replacing the 9,380-square-foot warehouse Stottlemyer said these e orts re ect the city’s ongoing commitment to addressing overcrowding, supporting residents and improving outcomes.
Voters approved a $47 million bond in 2022 to construct a new, nearly 61,000-square-foot shelter capable of holding an additional 150 kennels with new sta to help address the growing challenges. Yet, there is still no con rmed timeline or additional details available regarding the construction of the new facility, Stottlemeyr said. However, city o cials and animal shelter representatives have taken additional steps in the past year to continue progress toward addressing the shelter’s core issues. In September, City Council approved nearly $500,000 to provide cleaning services for the shelter
C O L L I N
Animal Shelter & Adoption Center
New shelter space
Wellness Center & Intake
Foster pickup
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16
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
The bright side
How to help
Houston Pets Alive! is a nonpro t that focuses on saving at-risk animals in the Greater Houston area. Executive Director Shannon Parker said 837 animals were adopted through the program last year. “This collaboration is a true team e ort,” she said, “and it shows what’s possible when organizations work side by side with a shared commitment to increasing adoptions and saving lives.”
Despite the shelter’s increase in euthanasia rates and underfunded budget, adoptions are still increasing, Stottlemyer said. In 2025, 5,765 animals were adopted—an 8% increase from 2024. Stottlemyer said the progress is due in large part to BARC’s memorandum of understanding with Houston Pets Alive! and their volunteer-led adop- tion counseling program that started in May.
Stottlemyer said that while the animal shelter continues to build on partnerships with the city and other nonpro ts, he wants to emphasize prevention strategies for residents, such as spay and neuter services, responsible pet ownership and access to community resources.
Resources & events
Vaccine & Microchip Clinic Houston Pet’s Alive! o ers free vaccines and $5 microchips. • Every Thursday, 9 a.m.-noon • 2800 Antoine Drive, Ste. 2854, Houston • www.houstonpetsalive.org Adopt-A Palooza Meet adoptable cats and dogs from shelters across Houston, with a $50 fee. • April 11, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. • 2800 Antoine Drive, Ste. 2854, Houston • www.houstonpetsalive.org
BARC adoption rates Despite rising euthanasia rates, animal adoption rates have started to increase in the last ve years.
In 2025, the animal shelter had a live release rate of 80.9%
9,037
7,722
5,765
4,493
3,387
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
SOURCE: BARC ANIMAL SHELTER COMMUNITY IMPACT
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HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Events
BY ROO MOODY
Amazing Race Families can trek through trails, find clues and complete challenges at the Houston Arboretum’s version of the Amazing Race. • March 22, 1-3 p.m.
March Eureka Heights Hootenanny
Kick off rodeo season with the 10th annual hootenanny at Eureka Heights and enjoy a chili cook-off, cowboy market, live music, barbecue and beer. • March 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission)
• $35 (member), $45 (non-member) • 4501 Woodway Drive, Houston • www.houstonarboretum.org
• 941 W. 18th St., Houston • www.eurekaheights.com
Bayou City Art Festival The art festival showcases an outdoor gallery of original works, one-of-a-kind art and world-class pieces by 300 artists across 19 categories every fall and spring.
Pickle Me Irish Market The St. Patrick’s Day pop-up market at the Heights Bier Garten features local vendors, festive drinks, a DJ and a photo booth.
• March 28-29, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • $22 (adults), free (children) • 1000 Bagby St., Houston • www.bayoucityartfestival.com
• March 15, 2-7 p.m. • Free (admission)
Girls on the Green Celebrate Women’s History Month with live music from Houston’s own Garbage Girlfriend, followed by a panel of inspiring women’s leaders. The event will also include a curated flea market, themed photo ops and an outdoor screening of the “Wonder Woman” film. • March 21, 4-9 p.m. • Free (admission)
• 1433 N. Shepherd Drive, Houston • Facebook: Pickle Me Irish Market
April
Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta The 54th annual regatta is the largest canoe and kayak race in Texas. Participants are required to bring or reserve their own boats. • March 21, 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. • Free (admission), $55-$65 (registration fee) • Starts at 7700 San Felipe St., Houston • www.buffalobayou.org
Jazz & Juleps at Bayou Bend Enjoy an evening outdoors with mint julep cocktails, live music by the Paul Chester Quartet and a twilight stroll through the estate’s springtime gardens.
• 1500 McKinney St., Houston • www.discoverygreen.com
• April 7, 6-8 p.m. • $35 (per person) • 6003 Memorial Drive, Houston • www.mfah.org
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19
HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION
Business
BY ROO MOODY
The dining experience at Haii Keii transports guests to a surreal reimagining of a Japanese ryokan.
ChòpnBlok, a fast-casual West African restaurant by Ope Amosu, features a vibrant community space perfect for the eclectic Montrose neighborhood.
PHOTOS BY GIN DESIGN GROUP
Meet the designer behind several hotspots in Houston Gin Braverman, the interior designer behind
the industry was di erent from what it is now. For one, she said it wasn’t very common for indepen- dent restaurants to use interior designers the way they do now. Braverman described her creative process as the opposite of formulaic and more of a feeling, saying it often starts out as a "scribbly jumble" before all of a sudden becoming clear. As she works with hospitality clients, she said she interviews them about the space’s cultural attachments and the elements they want to see displayed. Then, she’ll reinterpret those into an interior design component. For example, instead of just putting a bonsai tree in Haii Keii, Braverman chose to put an inverted, illuminated design of the tree to re ect the space’s wild and edgy energy. To add more cultural signi cance to ChòpnBlok, Braverman used a plaster material on the walls to resemble the mud huts in West Africa. “It’s a feeling. It’s an essence,” Braverman said. “And I think people have said that when they walk into a space we’ve designed, they get a feeling. It’s not just visual, it’s visceral.” Looking ahead As for the future of hospitality in the area, Braverman said she is currently working on a few exciting projects, including a pizzeria coming to the Heights. She said she is also working with the sushi bar Handies Douzo and on the wine club set to open later this year called 55 Seventy, as well as several other projects.
hospitality hotspots such as Haii Keii, Eunice, Jūn, Goode Company, ChòpnBlok and Raven Tower, said part of her success comes from navigating the chaos in creativity. Braverman started her own interior design rm nearly 15 years ago and, since then, has racked up a list of accolades, including being shortlisted for the 2025 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards. But for Braverman, recognition and awards don’t measure success. “If I love a project, I love a project,” she said. “If it wins an award, cool, but for me personally, I don’t need to enter it into an award competition to know it’s a good project.” How it started Braverman rst became inspired by design around the age of eight, while spending time in her grandmother’s house. She later worked on the design team for HGTV sets in New York before moving to work for a design rm in Taiwan. She said her travels still in uence her work. “Houston is such a wonderfully culturally diverse place that we’ve had the opportunity to do so many di erent concepts for di erent cuisines,” Braverman said. “It really informs my perspective to have actually traveled to some of these places in real life ... it’s just a little di erent than looking at pictures on Pinterest.” Read all about it When Braverman started her interior design rm in Houston a decade and a half ago, she said
Braverman’s work is de ned by multicultural fascination and global immersion.
De Fortune is an escape into a world of opulence, with rich colors, bold materiality and meticulous layering.
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20
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
State
BY HANNAH NORTON
Texas families can apply to receive state funds for private education or homeschooling from Feb. 4-March 17 under the state’s new education savings account program, known as Texas Education Freedom Accounts. Ahead of the 2026-27 school year, most families accepted into the $1 billion program will receive $10,474 per student to spend on private education and related expenses. Students with disabilities will be eligible for up to $30,000 annually, while homeschooled students will receive up to $2,000 per year. Over 1,000 private schools and pre-K providers, many of which are located in and around Texas’ largest cities, will participate in the program, according to the state comptroller’s office. ESA applications open in February.
Approved Texas private schools As of Jan. 14, 1,014 private schools had been approved to accept education savings accounts. Texas has over 1,300 accredited private schools.
What to expect
If demand for the education savings account program exceeds the $1 billion available, the comptroller’s office will use a lottery system to determine acceptance, with priority for students with disabilities and low-income families. To be eligible for the program, a student must: • Reside in Texas • Be a U.S. citizen or lawful resident • Be eligible to attend a Texas public school, open-enrollment charter school or pre-K program Students must be enrolled in a pre-K program or private school to receive the $10,474 in private education funding, according to the program website. This means that some families may need to apply to private schools before they are accepted into the ESA program.
1 Houston area: 297 2 Dallas-Fort Worth area: 262 3 San Antonio area: 134
7 Rio Grande Valley: 46 8 Central Texas: 30
9 West Texas: 27 10 El Paso area: 12 11 North Texas: 11 12 Panhandle: 9
4 Austin area: 89 5 East Texas: 49 6 South Texas: 48
Community Impact coverage areas
THE COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE PERIODICALLY UPDATES ITS DATABASE AS ADDITIONAL SCHOOLS ARE ACCEPTED INTO THE PROGRAM.
12
11
2
9
5
10
8
4
1
3
6
SOURCES: TEXAS COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE AND TEXAS PRIVATE SCHOOL ACCREDITATION COMMISSION/COMMUNITY IMPACT
7
Summer Adventure
From day camps to overnight adventures at YMCA Camp Cullen, kids can explore, build friendships, and grow their confidence all summer long.
SUMMER REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Learn more at ymcahouston.org
Scan to explore camps & register.
21
HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION
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