Fort Bend Houston

Please provide comments at the bottom once you have reviewed the action items.

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACY 

DRAFT Goals, Projects, and ACTION STEPS

 GOAL: A Community of Leaders and Advocates (25)

Develop a diverse and inclusive Fort Bend Houston Coalition to advocate for community change 

FBH SN41 Plan #5 of TOP 6

ACTION STEPS: Develop a Fort Bend Houston Coalition to improve communication and collaboration between area organizations and civic clubs to work together for community change; Develop multi-lingual and multi-modal outreach campaigns that include canvassing, phone calls, flyers, social media (NextDoor, etc.), and TV and radio stations    

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Organize, Implement
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Area HOAs | Role: Support

Develop a Fort Bend Houston Votes program 

FBH SN41 Plan #6 of TOP 6

ACTION STEPS: Develop and implement a “Fort Bend Houston Votes” program to register voters, increase voter turnout, and provide information on voting districts, polling stations, and area representatives 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Organize, Implement
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: League of Women Voters of Houston, Fort Bend County Clerk, Houston Public                     Library, Area Churches, Area Schools, Area Civic Organizations | Role: Support, Implement 

Provide leadership training for all generations

ACTION STEPS: Provide leadership training and mentoring to area civic leaders and youth through high schools and neighborhood organizations, focus on expanding the diversity of area leaders and those running for elected office 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Organize, Implement
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: LISC Houston, Fort Bend ISD, Area HOAs | Role: Support, Implement

Create a Youth Community Service Organization 

ACTION STEPS: Organize and support area youth in developing a community service organization to host events and complete community service projects 

COORDINATION

• Community: Area High Schools | Role: Organize, Implement
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Fort Bend Houston NST, Fort Bend Boys and Girls Club, Volunteer Houston,                       Keep Houston Beautiful | Role: Organize, Support 

GOAL: Celebrated Diversity (13)

Organize and host community events and activities  

ACTION STEPS: Organize and host community events at parks and schools to connect the community, celebrate cultural diversity, and break down barriers to collaboration; Events could focus on food, dance, music, games, and could include a Multi-Cultural Night, Field Days, National Night Out, Holiday events, etc. 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Organize, Implement
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: HPD National Night Out, Department of Neighborhoods, Area Schools, Area                        Churches, Area Civic Organizations, Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs | Role: Support, Organize,                              Implement 

GOAL: Connected and Informed Community 

Inventory existing community services and programs 

ACTION STEPS: Inventory existing services and programs in the community, evaluate community needs and identify gaps in services particularly for vulnerable residents; Identify priority areas where partnerships and resources are needed to fill gaps in services, including public and private funding 

COORDINATION

• Community: Proposed Fort Bend Houston Coalition | Role: Prioritize, Advocate
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Mayor’s Office for Homeless Initiatives, Mayor’s Office for People with                               Disabilities, Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs | Role: Support

Develop a Fort Bend Houston Community Guide 

ACTION STEPS: Develop a Fort Bend Houston Community Guide that includes all services and programs available in the community, including those provided by Fort Bend County or the City of Houston, area businesses, churches, and organizations; Distribute the guide in web and print-based forms, including on Next Door; Update the guide annually  

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Organize, Implement
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Area Civic Organizations, Fort Bend County | Role: Support

Create a Fort Bend Houston Community Newspaper 

ACTION STEPS: Develop and regularly publish a Fort Bend Houston Community Newspaper or newsletter

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Organize, Implement
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Area Civic Organizations, Fort Bend Houston Super Neighborhood Council |                         Role: Support

Please provide comments at the bottom once you have reviewed the action items.

COVID - 19 PROJECTS

DRAFT Goals, Projects, and ACTION STEPS

 COVID - 19 Public Information Campaign 

ACTION STEPS: Develop a targeted campaign to help inform and prepare communities to protect themselves from the risks of COVID -19, including the benefits of masks, social distancing, and quarantining if exposed; Provide information through local television channels and other media

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate, Outreach
• City: Mayor’s Office | Role: Support, Advocate, Implement  
• Community Connectors: Area Media | Role: Support, Advocate

 Expand access and information on COVID -19 testing sites and provide walk-up testing

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for improved communication on COVID -19 testing sites, expansion of testing sites in the community, and allowing for walk-ups to testing sites 

COORDINATION 

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate, Outreach
• City: Houston Health Department | Role: Support, Advocate, Implement  
• Community Connectors: District K, Fort Bend County | Role: Support, Implement

Please provide comments at the bottom once you have reviewed the action items.

ECONOMY and JOBS

DRAFT Goals, Projects, and ACTION STEPS

 GOAL: Diverse Economic Development (76)

Fort Bend Houston Super Neighborhood (FBH SN) 41 Plan #4 of TOP 6

Advocate for a diversity of new retail and commercial development

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for new commercial development, including a high-quality grocery store, restaurants, and banking services; Identify incentives to attract new development such as 380 agreements, 381 GLO Texas Back in Business resources, Opportunity Zones, and economic development funds such as state enterprise projects and new market tax credits 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Community Role: Advocate, Support
• City: Mayor’s Office of Economic Development | City Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: TIRZ #25, Office of Business Opportunity, Fort Bend Super Neighborhood | Role:               Advocate, Support

Establish a Fort Bend Houston Development Task Force 

ACTION STEPS: Establish a Fort Bend Houston development task force comprised of elected officials, government agencies, stakeholders, and developers, to create guidelines and a plan for new development, including commercial, industrial, and large-scale warehousing

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Organize, Implement
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: TIRZ #25, Area HOAs, Area Property Owners, Area Business Owners, Elected                     Officials | Role: Implement

Create a Fort Bend Houston Development Plan

ACTION STEPS: Develop a plan that identifies priorities and incentives for new development and investment, including commercial and industrial spaces, such as a technology or business center, start-up spaces, business incubators, and re-purposing of vacant retail centers 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Organize, Advocate 
• City: Planning and Development Department, Mayor’s Office of Economic Development | Role: Support 
• Community Connectors: Area Developers and Property Owners, TIRZ #25 | Role: Support, Implement 

Advocate for the Edison Arts Complex

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the completion of the Edison Arts project which will include an arts center and redevelopment of the Willowridge Shopping Center located at W. Fuqua St. and Blueridge Rd, into new retail spaces

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate 
• City: Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, Housing, and Community Development Department |                       Role: Support
• Community Connectors: George E. Johnson Development, TIRZ #25 | Role: Support, Implement 

GOAL: Strong Local Economy (7)

FBH SN41 Plan #3 of TOP 6  

Support and expand locally owned small businesses 

ACTION STEPS: The Office of Business Opportunity to develop outreach materials and host community-based workshops promoting the programs and services available through the Solutions Center, including business development resources, legal counseling, minority and women-owned business certification workshops, and information on Hire Houston First policies 

     COORDINATION 

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Organize, Outreach
• City: Office of Business Opportunity | Role: Support, Organize, Outreach, Implement 
• Community Connectors: TIRZ #25, Area small business owners and entrepreneurs | Role: Support

GOAL: Comprehensive Workforce Development (5)

Develop a Career and Life Skills Training Center 

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the development of a career and life skills training center in the community, to provide financial literacy courses, life skills, vocational training, and career development; Explore the potential of locating the center at Willowridge High School in partnership with HCC

    COORDINATION

·     Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate

·     City: Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities, Houston Public Library, Mayor’s Office of Education | Role: Support 

·     Community Connectors: FBISD, HCC, Area Employers, SER Jobs, Gulf Coast Workforce Board, Houston Financial Empowerment Center | Role: Support, Implement 

Please provide comments at the bottom once you have reviewed the action items.

EDUCATION 

DRAFT Goals, Projects, and ACTION STEPS

GOAL: Strong Schools (27) 

FBH SN41 Plan #1 of TOP 6 

Create a Fort Bend Houston Education Coalition 

ACTION STEPS: Establish a Fort Bend Houston Education Coalition to strengthen partnerships between parents, teachers, administrators, local businesses, and community leaders to support the success of area schools, including strong parent-teacher organizations, volunteer and service programs, funding, scholarships, and student support  

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Organize, Outreach, Implement
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Fort Bend ISD, Area Civic Organizations | Role: Support

Advocate for equitable school funding

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the equitable allocation of school funds across Fort Bend ISD, including for school materials, equipment, facility repair and maintenance, and extracurricular activities

COORDINATION

• Community: Proposed Fort Bend Houston Education Coalition | Role: Advocate
• City: Mayor’s Office of Education | Role: Advocate
• Community Connector: Fort Bend ISD | Role: Implement

GOAL: Engaged Parent Advocates (20)

Provide leadership training to area parents and students

ACTION STEPS: Partner with FBISD to provide parent and student leadership training, to ensure that children and parents are working together for success 

COORDINATION

• Community: Proposed Fort Bend Houston Education Coalition | Role: Organize
• City: Mayor’s Office of Education | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Fort Bend ISD, LISC Houston, Houston Area Urban League | Role: Support,                         Implement

School and Parent Resource Guide 

ACTION STEPS: Develop a multi-lingual school and parent resource guide to help inform area parents of the educational resources available to children of all ages, from early childhood education programs to career and college preparedness assistance, and to encourage parent engagement in area schools; Promote the guide through newsletters, emails, physical mailers, social media, texts

COORDINATION

• Community: Proposed Fort Bend Houston Education Coalition | Role: Organize
• City: Mayor’s Office of Education | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Fort Bend ISD | Role: Implement

Supported and Successful Students (18) 

Expand career, vocational, and college-level courses 

ACTION STEPS: Increase partnerships to expand vocational, career, and college prep programs in area schools; Connect students to the resources available at James Reese Career and Technical Center 

COORDINATION

• Community: Proposed Fort Bend Houston Education Coalition | Role: Advocate, Organize
• City: Mayor’s Office of Education | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: James Reese Career and Technical School, HCC, FBISD | Role: Implement

Connect students to professional opportunities

ACTION STEPS: Connect students to employment and internship opportunities; Facilitate the creation of new internship opportunities through partnerships with area businesses and industries

COORDINATION

• Community: Proposed Fort Bend Houston Education Coalition | Role: Organize, Outreach
• City: Mayor’s Office of Education | Role: Support
• Community Connector: Area Businesses and Industries, Hire Houston Youth | Role: Support, Implement

Expand out of school enrichment and education programs

ACTION STEPS: Expand out of school enrichment programs for students, including tutoring, mentoring, SAT prep, scholarship and internship application workshops, and financial literacy courses

COORDINATION

• Community: Proposed Fort Bend Houston Education Coalition | Role: Advocate
• City: Mayor’s Office of Education, Houston Public Library | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Fort Bend ISD, Out2Learn, Fort Bend Boys and Girls Club, Houston Financial                     Empowerment Center | Role: Implement

Create inclusive and supportive environments at area schools  

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for teacher and administration training and strategies to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all students at area schools, including minimizing youth violence and bullying 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate 
• City: HPD, Houston Health Department | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Fort Bend ISD | Role: Implement

Please provide comments at the bottom once you have reviewed the action items.

ENVIRONMENT and HEALTH

DRAFT Goals, Projects, and ACTION STEPS

GOAL: Clean and Healthy Environment (14)

Monitor air quality hazards and keep people informed 

ACTION STEPS: Install stationary air quality monitors in the neighborhood, focusing on areas adjacent to mining sites, landfills, concrete batch facilities, recycling centers, highways, and schools; Advocate for real-time air quality alert systems that provide “push” notifications to residents when air quality conditions are unsafe 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate, Support, Implement
• City: Houston Health Department | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: Air Alliance Houston, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Fort               Bend County | Role: Support, Implement

 Provide water quality testing 

ACTION STEPS: Create a water quality testing program for all existing buildings and enforce mandatory testing for all new developments; Monitor water quality in the Chasewood Drive area

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Houston Health Department | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: TCEQ | Role: Support, Implement

Strengthen development restrictions for properties with soil contamination 

ACTION STEPS: Inventory prior land uses in the neighborhood, including oil fields, industrial sites, and gas stations, to identify areas with potential soil contamination and regulate development on the sites 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Houston Health Department, Planning and Development Department | Role: Support 
• Community Connectors: TCEQ | Role: Implement

GOAL: Increased Environmental Awareness 

Develop an Environmental Awareness Advocacy Coalition 

ACTION STEPS: Create a community-based environmental awareness coalition to advocate for policies and programs that improve the health and safety of the environment in Fort Bend Houston 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Organize, Advocate
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Area HOA’s, Area Churches, Schools, and Civic Organizations, Air Alliance                         Houston | Role: Support

Organize Environmental Justice Tours 

ACTION STEPS: Organize and host toxic tours of Fort Bend Houston to strengthen awareness of environmental hazards and environmental injustices, and advocate for stronger environmental policies and regulations

COORDINATION

• Community: Proposed Environmental Awareness Coalition | Role: Organize, Implement 
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities, Houston Health Department | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Area Businesses, Air Alliance Houston, TCEQ | Role: Support

Increase environmental hazard preparedness

ACTION STEPS: Create an “Environmental Awareness Toolbox” for area families detailing how to shelter in place and use the 311reporting system; Provide a system to notify residents in real-time in the case of hazardous releases or other environmental emergencies

COORDINATION 

• Community: Proposed Environmental Awareness Coalition, Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Organize,                        Implement 
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities, Houston Health Department | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Area Industries, TCEQ, Air Alliance Houston | Role: Support

GOAL: Healthy People (11)

Identify and address critical health issues 

ACTION STEPS: Organize block-walking events and neighborhood surveys to identify and prioritize critical health issues facing residents, including respiratory illnesses

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Organize, Implement
• City: Houston Health Department | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Area Churches, Schools, and Civic Organizations | Role: Support

Improve access to healthcare services 

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the expansion and access to healthcare in the community, including general and urgent care, dental and mental health services 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend SNC | Role: Advocate
• City: Houston Health Department, Mayor’s Office of Economic Development | Role: Support, Advocate
• Community Connectors: Harris Health, TMC, Legacy Clinic, MD Anderson, Baylor College of Medicine |                 Role: Implement 

 Campaign for healthy living 

ACTION STEPS: Develop a community-wide campaign to identify priorities to improve healthy living, including advocating for healthier food options at stores and restaurants, installing exercise equipment at area parks, and other projects 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Outreach, Organize, Advocate
• City: Houston Health Department, Houston Parks and Recreation Department | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: Area Stores and Restaurants, Harris Health | Role: Support

Please provide comments at the bottom once you have reviewed the action items.

NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTER and HOUSING

DRAFT Goals, Projects, and ACTION STEPS

 GOAL: Fort Bend Houston Beautiful (24)

FBHSN41 #2 of Top 6

Minimize Illegal Dumping

ACTION STEPS: Develop an outreach campaign to encourage residents to report illegal dumping to 311, use multiple outreach platforms such as water bills, social media, CitizensNet, and other media; Advocate for the development of  long-term solutions to illegal dumping, including the installation of cameras at dumping hotspots; Target areas include the southern section of Blueridge Road and Fort Bend Parkway

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Organize, Outreach
• City: Department of Neighborhoods, Solid Waste Department, City of Houston Illegal Dumping Task Force               (FY 2020) | Role: Support, Outreach, Implement
• Community Connectors: City Council District K, Crime Stoppers, Houston Police Department | Role:                         Support, Implement

Develop a Fort Bend Houston Beautiful Campaign 

ACTION STEPS: Develop materials and promote a “Fort Bend Houston Beautiful” campaign to identify aesthetic improvements, such as art or landscaping and to provide information on reporting issues such as overgrown lots, existing HOA and city regulations and deed restrictions, and adopting area streets or parks for maintenance and landscaping 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Organize, Outreach, Implement
• City: Administration and Regulatory Affairs/Houston 311, COH Legal Department | Role: Support
• Community Connector: Area HOAs, Keep Houston Beautiful, Houston Parks, and Recreation Department,                 Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs Role: Support 

GOAL: Active Home Owners Associations (9)

Provide training to Home Owners Association (HOA) board members 

ACTION STEPS: Organize and provide regular leadership training to HOA board members, including grant writing, bylaws, meeting rules, 501(c)3 status, and deed restriction and city ordinance enforcement strategies 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Organize, Outreach
• City: Department of Neighborhoods, Mayor’s Office of Citizens Assistance | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: Area HOAs | Role: Organize, Implement

GOAL: New Housing (7)

Develop a single-family housing infill program  

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the development of new single-family housing on infill lots across the neighborhood 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate, Promote
• City: Housing and Community Development Department | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: Area Developers, Houston Land Bank | Role: Support, Implement

GOAL: Expanded Resources for Single-Family Home Repair and Maintenance (6)

Assess single-family housing conditions and target resources for repair assistance 

ACTION STEPS: Inventory and asses single-family housing conditions across the neighborhood; Advocate for expanding the capacity and funding for citywide home repair programs that assist the elderly, disabled, or other vulnerable residents to maintain, and/or make accessibility and efficiency improvements to their homes, including roofs and foundations; Develop an outreach campaign to assist eligible homeowners in applying for the home repair program    

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Organize, Prioritize
• City: Housing and Community Development Department, Rebuilding Together Houston, Fort Bend County       |       Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Harris County Housing and Community Development | Role: Implement

Please provide comments at the bottom once you have reviewed the action items.

MOBILITY and INFRASTRUCTURE

DRAFT Goals, Projects, and ACTION STEPS

GOAL: Great Streets (2) 

Repair and maintain area streets 

ACTION STEPS: Prioritize streets in need of repair and maintenance and encourage residents to report potholes to 311; Priority streets include W Ridgecreek Dr, Briargate Dr, Chasewood Dr, Fondren Rd, Court Rd, Blueridge Rd, S Post Oak, Hillcroft Ave, Hiram Clark Rd, Chimney Rock Rd, Anderson Rd, and streets in the Mayfair Park and Briargate subdivisions

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate, Prioritize
• City: Houston Public Works | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: Texas Department of Transportation, Fort Bend County | Role: Support, Implement

Implement traffic calming

ACTION STEPS: Identify and prioritize subdivision streets where traffic calming is needed to reduce speeds and ensure pedestrian safety; Advocate for the provision of traffic calming at these locations (a priority identified is Briargate Drive)

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Houston Public Works, District K | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: Area HOAs | Role: Advocate 

Enhance streetscaping

ACTION STEPS: Identify and prioritize streets where investment in streetscaping is needed, including signage, street trees, art, landscaping, benches, and other pedestrian amenities, prioritize W. Fuqua Street

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Houston Public Works | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: City Council District K, Trees for Houston, TIRZ #25, Mayor’s Office of Cultural                 Affairs | Role: Support, Implement  
   

GOAL: Complete and Accessible Sidewalk Network (16)

Improve and expand area sidewalks 

ACTION STEPS: Identify and advocate for new sidewalks, sidewalk repair, and accessibility improvements for people with disabilities, particularly in areas adjacent to schools, parks, bus stops, and underpasses; Priority streets for inventory include Court Rd; Porter Ridge Dr; E. Ridge Creek Dr., W. Ridgecreek Dr., McCullen Rd; South Post Oak from Beltway 8 to Court Rd; Canaridge Dr; Willowridge HS area; Hiram Clarke; FM 2234  

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Houston Public Works, Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: Fort Bend County Precinct 2, METRO Universal Accessibility Program, TIRZ #25

GOAL: Resilient Community (12)

Maintain and repair neighborhood drainage and ditches

ACTION STEPS: Maintain area ditches and drains to reduce flood risks; Identify areas for improvements such as along Fort Bend Parkway, W Fuqua St, Fondren, Griffin, Willow St, and Hillcroft at Beltway 8; Install additional storm drains on Blueridge Road

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Organize, Advocate
• City: Houston Public Works | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: Keep Houston Beautiful, Adopt-a-Ditch Program | Role: Support

Improve flood mitigation strategies 

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the design and implementation of additional flood mitigation strategies in the Clear Creek watershed, including near the Quail Bridge subdivision and the proposed Hiram Clarke Project Plan which includes the design and construction of new stormwater utility systems, detention basins, and other improvements 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities | Role: Support
• Community Connector: Fort Bend County Drainage District, Harris County Flood Control District | Role:                   Support, Implement

GOAL: Mobile and Connected Community (9)

Expand regional transit 

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for expanded commuter transit connections connecting Fort Bend Houston to major destinations, including the development of a Fort Bend Houston Park and Ride facility  

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate
• City: METRO | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: Fort Bend County, LINK Houston | Role: Support, Implement

Improve local transit 

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for expansion and improvements to the existing bus network, including increasing bus frequency and exploring options to utilize smaller buses on neighborhood routes 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate
• City: METRO | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: LINK Houston | Role: Support

Maintain area bus stops and provide amenities 

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for increased maintenance of area bus stops, focus maintenance at Post Oak and Westridge Creek Route 49; Install bus shelters on Hiram Clarke and Court Road where the right-of-way is adequate

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate
• City: METRO | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connector: LINK Houston | Role: Support

Please provide comments at the bottom once you have reviewed the action items.

PARKS and COMMUNITY AMENITIES

DRAFT Goals, Projects, and ACTION STEPS

Beautiful Parks (23)

Ensure the proper maintenance of all area parks

ACTION STEPS: Develop strategies to ensure the proper maintenance of area public and private parks and open spaces, for example by organizing “Adopt-a-Park” groups, prioritize HOA owned Mayfair and Briargate Parks 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Organize, Advocate, Implement
• City: Houston Parks and Recreation Department | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: Fort Bend County Parks Department, Area HOAs, Area Businesses, TIRZ #25 |                   Role: Support, Implement 
  
  

Improve and program Blueridge Park 

ACTION STEPS: Identify and prioritize improvements at Blueridge Park, including expanding the park area used for active recreation, providing restrooms, community gardens, grills, bike racks, tennis courts, basketball court, exercise equipment, pavilion or performance space, skate park, dog park, drinking fountains, upgrading and expanding playground equipment, adding benches, trees, landscaping, and lighting; Organize and host programs, events, and festivals at the park including arts and music, exercise classes, kayaking, fishing 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Organize, Advocate, Implement
• City: Parks and Recreation Department | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: Area Businesses, TIRZ #25, District K, Fort Bend County Precinct 2 | Role:                         Support, Implement

Develop a plan for improvements and connections between South Post Oak Park, McAuliffe MS, and Willowridge HS 

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for improvements in South Post Oak Park, including amenities for seniors and families, safe walking trails to connect the park with area schools and neighborhoods, and sidewalks along Hobby Road  

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Houston Parks and Recreation Department | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Fort Bend County Parks Department, Fort Bend Boys and Girls Club, Pinnacle                     Senior Center, Willowridge High School, McAuliffe Middle School | Role: Support, Implement

Great Meeting Places (16)

Develop a community center or multi-service center that is centrally located

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the development of a new community center, including identifying a suitable site, conducting a feasibility study, and seeking political and financial backing; Potential sites include Court Road, West Fuqua, and Blueridge Road

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Fort Bend County, TIRZ #25, Houston Health Department, Houston Parks and                     Recreation Department |  Role: Support, Implement 

Expand programming for youth and seniors

ACTION STEPS: Identify potential sites, including HOA owned clubhouses or vacant retail spaces, to provide programming for youth and seniors  

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Organize, Advocate 
• City: Houston Public Library | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Fort Bend Boys and Girls Club, Pinnacle Senior Center, Area Schools | Support

Expand programming at Stimley-Blue Ridge Neighborhood Library 

ACTION STEPS: Expand programming at the library to include High School Equivalency (HSE) classes and language classes 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Houston Public Library | Role: Support, Implement 

 Expand Neighborhood Parks (10)

Improve and expand area SPARK Parks 

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for the development and improvement of SPARK Parks in the community, including the SPARK Park at Ridgemont Elementary School 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: SPARK Parks, FBISD | Role: Support, Implement 

Develop a new public park in Ridgegate   

ACTION STEPS: Transform the property adjacent to Ridgegate Elementary into a new public park with amenities such as a jogging trail, garden, swing set, and benches; Create an agreement with the City to maintain the park

COORDINATION

• Community: Ridgegate CIA | Role: Advocate 
• City: Houston Parks and Recreation Department | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: Fort Bend Houston NST, TIRZ #25 | Role: Advocate, Implement 

Green and Connected Community (6)

Create a greenbelt trail and connectivity plan

ACTION STEPS: Create a trail and connectivity plan, including a feasibility study that identifies sources of funding, and that utilizes drainage and utility easements to connect key destinations in the neighborhood such as parks, schools, and Stimley-Blue Ridge Neighborhood Library; Priorities include connecting Blue Ridge and South Post Oak Parks, creating a connection between the library and Briargate Elementary School SPARK Park, and developing hike and bike trails along drainage and utility easements to connect every community 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate
• City: Houston Parks and Recreation Department | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Fort Bend ISD, Fort Bend County Parks Department, District K, Houston Parks                   Board, TIRZ #25 | Role: Support, Implement

Please provide comments at the bottom once you have reviewed the action items.

SAFETY 

DRAFT Goals, Projects, and ACTION STEPS

 GOAL: Secure Community (24)

Increase police presence, visibility, and response times in the neighborhood

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for increased police patrol, visibility, and response times, focus patrols on area crime hot spots, such as W. Fuqua, Chimney Rock, Ridgegate, and Briargate; Develop targeted strategies to address drug activity along South Post Oak, Court Road, Ridgecreek, Quail Park, Blueridge Rd.,and convenience stores along FM2234 (Sunny Store)

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate
• City: HPD | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connector: Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office (FBCSO) Precinct 2 | Role: Implement 

Organize joint safety meetings with the Houston Police Department and Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, and advocate for a shared Police Storefront  

ACTION STEPS: Organize regularly scheduled joint safety meetings with community stakeholders, Houston Police Department, and the Fort Bend County Sherriff’s Office; Advocate for a city-county agreement and identify a location and funding sources for a shared police storefront in the Fort Bend Houston neighborhood, potentially at the planned Edison Arts Complex 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate
• City: HPD | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connectors: Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office (FBCSO), Fort Bend County Constable                             Precinct 2, Edison Arts Complex | Role: Support, Implement

Encourage residents to report crime 

ACTION STEPS: Develop an outreach campaign to educate residents on jurisdictional issues and when and how to use non-emergency numbers for the Houston Police Department and Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office to report suspicious activity and when to use 911  

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Organize, Outreach
• City: HPD | Role: Outreach
• Community Connector: Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office (FBCSO), Fort Bend County Constable Precinct       2       Role: Outreach

Neighborhood Crime Watch and Block Captains 

ACTION STEPS: Organize and advocate for area civic associations to develop Neighborhood Watch Programs and Block Captains in partnership with City and County law enforcement agencies  

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST, Area HOAs | Role: Organize, Outreach, Implement
• City: HPD | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office (FBCSO), Fort Bend County Constable                             Precinct 2, Area Churches, Area Schools | Role: Support

GOAL: Safe Environment (5)

Improve street lighting and other security measures 

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for improved lighting along area streets and in public spaces, such as parks; Street lighting priority areas include the southern section of Blueridge Rd (south of Independence Blvd.) and W. Fuqua St; install security cameras in areas of concern or where crime is concentrated, and provide emergency call boxes in public parks

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST, Area HOAs | Role: Organize, Implement
• City: Houston Public Works, Houston Parks and Recreation Department | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connector: CenterPoint, Fort Bend County Parks Department | Role: Support, Implement

Reduce crimes associated with game rooms, pawnshops, and payday lenders 

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for regulatory and legal compliance of area game rooms, pawnshops, and payday lenders 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate, Support
• City: Administration and Regulatory Affairs, HPD Differential Response Team | Role: Support, Implement
• Community Connector: Area Apartment Complex Owners/Property Management Companies, Area                             Property Owners, Area Business Owners | Role: Support

GOAL: Healthy Pets and Safe Streets (4)

Promote resources and regulations for pet owners

ACTION STEPS: Develop outreach materials to ensure residents are aware of the resources and regulations regarding their pets, including leash laws and affordable animal wellness and spay and neuter services 

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Outreach, Implement 
• City: BARC | Role: Support
• Community Connectors: Emancipet, SNAP, Houston Humane Society | Role: Support

Advocate for a cross-country partnership to address animal welfare

ACTION STEPS: Advocate for a cross-country partnership to address aggressive dogs, animal welfare, and cruelty prevention

COORDINATION

• Community: Fort Bend Houston NST | Role: Advocate
• City: BARC | Role: Support 
• Community Connector: Fort Bend County Animal Services, Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce |                        Role: Support, Implement 

Please include the name and contact information of other organizations that would like to support any projects identified by the Fort Bend Houston Community.