PRESS RELEASE
Mayor Whitmire's June 2025 Newsletter
City Council Passes Mayor's FY 2026 Budget
Efficiency, Prioritization and Common-sense Solutions Position City For Stronger Financial Future
June 4, 2025 -- Today, Houston City Council voted 14–3 to pass my Fiscal Year 2026 budget -- a $7 billion plan that reflects a reset in how City Hall works for the people of Houston.
My administration spent the past year preparing for this moment. Since taking office in January 2024, we’ve been transparent about the City’s significant budget challenges. In May, we proposed a balanced FY26 budget grounded in fiscal responsibility, service delivery reform, and a commitment to restoring trust in local government.
Key highlights of the approved budget include:
- $122 million in strategic cuts with no reduction in city services
- Pay raises for police, fire, and municipal employees
- Unprecedented investments in public safety
- $184 million dedicated to streets and drainage improvements
- A $12 million boost to the Budget Stabilization Fund
City Council overwhelmingly passed Mayor Whitmire's FY 2026 Budget
Guided by the EY Efficiency Study, we realigned operations, tightened spending, and made tough but necessary choices. The result is a budget that puts Houston on stronger financial footing and delivers real improvements -- especially for communities that have long been underserved.
The new fiscal year begins July 1, 2025. This budget marks a turning point for our city -- and a new chapter in building a stronger, more accountable, and more resilient Houston.
I have voted on many budgets in my career. It's always easy to find fault. Anyone can be a critic and politicize a budget. I am proud of the budget. We were told we couldn't do it, we couldn’t balance it, by our political critics. We ignored and went forward. We have a lot of work to do. This is a giant step, but we need to now talk to Houstonians going forward about what type of city they want to live in.
Learn What Else is Happening Throughout the City
Fireworks, Live Music and Freedom Over Texas
Watch a preview of headline performances and details for Freedom Over Texas, the city's signature patriotic concert and fireworks event, on Friday, July 4 in downtown Houston.
Join us on Friday July 4, to celebrate Independence Day with a Texas-sized tradition. The annual Freedom Over Texas celebration, our signature patriotic event, will take place at Eleanor Tinsley Park. We have an exciting lineup of top performers including our headliner Lee Brice with special guest Ashley McBryde. True to tradition, we will have a spectacular fireworks display set against the downtown Houston skyline. Learn more and purchase tickets at freedomovertexas.org.
Public safety is my priority. As I shared during a recent Southwest Management District sponsored event at the Chinese Community Center, I want Houston to be the safest major city in America. We must support the police and our youth and come together as a community. If we don’t feel safe, nothing else matters. I urge everyone to keep reporting concerns and supporting our youth through education. Together — as a diverse community united with our public-safety partners — we’ll keep building a safer Houston for all.
Hurricane Season is Here: Are you Prepared?
June 1 marked the first day of hurricane season, and forecasters are predicting an active season with an above average number of storms. Last summer, Houston experienced the unprecedented severe weather caused by the Derecho. Not long after, Hurricane Beryl brought further destruction to our city. Thinking back, were you prepared for those extreme weather events? Would you be prepared if another hit us tomorrow?
Visit houstonoem.org/prepare for preparedness resources. You can now sign up for emergency alerts at AlertHouston.org or by texting "AlertHouston" to 888777.
Wheelchair Accessible Van Donation Gives Gift of Mobility
It was a privilege to stand alongside First Lady of Texas Cecilia Abbott, Laura Ward (wife of retired ABC 13 Anchor Dave Ward) and Ambassador Tilman Fertitta to support Houston Children's Charity for its annual "Gift of Mobility" van giveaway. More than 65 wheelchair-accessible vans were gifted to families of children with disabilities. I am proud to be part of a community that shows up for those families who need it the most.
Making a Difference in the Community
I recently spent a weekend afternoon beautifying a neighborhood and lending a hand to seniors with yardwork. Our seniors are the heart of our communities, and they deserve our support not just through policy, but through presence. A big thank you to the dedicated Team Denver Harbor garden crew for their hard work and commitment. Together, we’re not just cleaning up yards. We’re cultivating stronger, more connected neighborhoods.
Celebrate Juneteenth Events All Month Long
During the month of June, Houstonians will commemorate Juneteenth, marking a time when enslaved people throughout Texas were notified of the Emancipation Proclamation. I joined the Juneteenth Houston organization to highlight the significance of Juneteenth and to inform the community of the various events that will take place throughout the month. From the Black Houston Bus Tour and the Black Neighborhood Quilt Project, to a cook-off competition and a spades tournament, the month of celebration is truly an inclusive citywide collaborative initiative. In the spirit of unity, everyone is invited to commemorate Juneteenth.
Don’t let the rest of the month pass before you check out a full schedule of events at www.juneteenthhouston.org.
Coming to a Port Near You: Fleet Week Houston
Admiral Daryl Caudle, Commander of the US Fleet Forces Command, formally accepts Houston Mayor John Whitmire's invitation to bring the U.S. Navy to Houston for Fleet Week this November. Both the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps celebrate 250 years of service this year. Houston will be the first city in Texas to host Fleet Week.
1,000 active duty members of the U.S. military will be in Houston in November for a large celebration of the Armed Forces -- or "Fleet Week.
Fleet Week is a partnership between the Navy and a host city that introduces communities to the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard while allowing visiting members of the U.S. Armed Forces to experience local culture and history. Fleet Week includes entertainment events, education opportunities, community service activities, and opportunities for local leaders to engage with Navy leadership. Fleet Week Houston will coincide with the City's Veteran's Day celebrations and serve as the closing event for the year-long celebrations of the Navy and Marine Corps' 250th anniversaries. Learn more and watch the conversation with Admiral Caudle. Visit www.houstontx.gov/moc for updates as Fleet Week floats our way.
Click image to watch KHOU Channel 11 store about Fleet Week Houston: US Navy leaders to meet with Houston Mayor’s office to plan first-ever Fleet Week in Texas
I recently had the honor of speaking at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, where I joined Baker Fellow and former Harris County Judge Ed Emmett for a conversation on Houston’s greatest challenges and opportunities.
As our city navigates a complex urban landscape marked by evolving public safety needs, aging infrastructure, economic shifts, and growing fiscal pressures, I reflected on the early actions of my administration and shared our key priorities moving forward.
Watch the full conversation below.
Mayor Whitmire provides Houston update at Rice’s Baker Institute
Across the country, major cities are facing real challenges. The difference is, Houston meets its challenges head-on. We are a great city, full of great people.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your mayor. I’m excited about what we can accomplish together as we fix Houston. Now, let’s go to work!
Mayor John Whitmire