As Houstonians, we take pride in our city. When bad actors illegally dispose of waste in our neighborhoods, they create unsafe conditions that impact public health, property values, and quality of life. Council Member Salinas supports requiring developers to have solid waste management plans for development projects and proof of lawful disposal with escalating penalties for repeat offenders, including fines and stop-work orders. She also supports expanding heavy trash services, increasing legal disposal access, and creating a workforce initiative to clean up impacted areas quickly and responsibly.

Houstonians deserve safe, connected neighborhoods. Investing in sidewalks, crossings, and corridor improvements reduces injuries and improves access to schools, transit, and local businesses. Council Member Salinas supports funding improvements that protect neighborhood public spaces, enhance connectivity, and ensure residents can move safely across all of Houston.

Today, nearly 80% of individuals in the Harris County Jail report symptoms of a mental health disorder, and roughly one-third are prescribed psychotropic medications. It is unconscionable that our county jail has become the largest provider of mental health services Texas. Council Member Salinas supports expanding evidence-based diversion programs that connect people to care instead of incarceration, including the City of Houston’s Sobering Center and Crisis Call Diversion Program. Strengthening these programs helps ensure individuals experiencing mental health crises receive treatment while allowing law enforcement to focus on serious crime.

Public safety depends on trust. No family should fear sending their child to school, reporting a crime, or calling 911. Across Houston's congregations, classrooms, and worksites, families are living in fear of federal immigration enforcement.

Nearly 4,000 HISD students are missing school because they are afraid of detention or family separation. Survivors of violence hesitate to seek help, and parents are afraid to participate in daily civic life.

That fear makes all of us less safe and harms our local economy. When residents are afraid to engage with city services, entire communities suffer. Council Member Salinas is committed to doing everything within her authority to ensure Houston remains a city where all families can live, work, and achieve the American Dream.