In Galveston, we are on a deliberate journey to elevate the quality of life for every resident, a path characterized by thoughtful planning and targeted actions that span the breadth of our community’s infrastructure and essential services. Our approach is comprehensive, encompassing a wide range of initiatives designed to improve not just the physical landscape of our city but also the social, economic, and environmental frameworks that underpin the well-being of our community. We are committed to building a city that not only meets the current needs of its residents but also anticipates and adapts to future challenges, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all who call Galveston home.

Traffic Flow – From an infrastructure perspective, a myriad of street improvement initiatives are ongoing. In the upcoming year, TxDOT is set to commence construction of a flyover aimed at easing exiting traffic at 61st Street. Concurrently, preliminary discussions are underway with TxDOT to explore the development of a flyover for incoming traffic to Harborside. This initiative, bolstered by funding from the Houston Galveston Area Council, seeks to direct cruise traffic seamlessly onto Port property at 33rd Street. The goal is to improve accessibility and alleviate congestion, marking a significant step towards optimizing traffic flow and enhancing the overall efficiency of our transportation infrastructure.

Master Storm Plan – We’re on the cusp of finalizing a groundbreaking Master Storm/Drainage Plan, a blueprint for the future that could usher in more pump stations across the island. Because of the nature of living on a barrier island we will never prevent short term flooding completely but with a well thought out program of new storm sewer routes and pump stations, drainage will be assisted so as to not extensively interfere with our Quality of Life and safeguard our homes and businesses. These stations will work with the broader Ike Dike / Ring Levee System. Excitingly, the eastern part of our island is already seeing this plan in action, with the engineering phase for a new pump station underway. And there’s more good news: we’ve secured a substantial $54 million grant from the GLO, earmarked for a second pump station, marking a significant stride towards our flood mitigation goals.

Water Infrastructure – Hardening our water infrastructure is well underway, and we’re at nearly 60% of our goal with the Smart Water Meter project, which is fully funded by Federal Rescue Funds. This project isn’t just about protecting our water systems in the event of another event like the freeze; it’s also about empowering residents with the knowledge to manage and control their water usage effectively. Council has also approved funding for a second larger and more resilient water line from the mainland to ensure that our Island maintains a adequate flow of water.

Emergency Power – Our collaboration with CenterPoint on emergency power solutions epitomizes our commitment to resilience. By strategizing for mobile generators and planned power management, we’re ensuring that our city remains protected and functional even in the face of outages. And speaking of additional power, the Port and City are working diligently with Centerpoint to eventually provide electric shore power for the Cruise Ships at their cost when they are docked, which cuts down on pollution while they are in Port.

Rubber Tire Trolleys – To improve our public transportation, we’re contemplating the adoption of rubber tire trolleys to replace existing buses. This consideration isn’t merely a nod to nostalgia but a desire to move towards flexible, efficient, and fun urban mobility.

Airport Master Plan – At the airport, we’ve completed a comprehensive Master Plan that opens the door to the exciting potential of introducing commercial airline services. This plan is designed to seamlessly integrate air travel with our existing transportation methods, enhancing convenience and expanding options for everyone.

Parks & Recreation – Our parks’ vitality is essential for our community’s well-being, with plans being developed for Jones Park and an environmental analysis underway for Shield Park before construction plans are formulated. In response to sales tax increases, the IDC is committed to additional funding for all our existing parks, including the approval of constructing a state-of-the-art Sandhill Crane Soccer Complex, which is currently under construction.

Public Art – Moreover, the surge in funding for public art through our Cultural Arts Commission, fueled by increased Hotel Occupancy Tax allocations, is set to enrich our cultural landscape.

Affordable Housing – To help address the pressing and complex issue of affordable housing, we’re in active partnership with Build Galveston. Together, we’re exploring innovative avenues to make affordable living a tangible reality for more residents by funding affordable housing with private funds.

Broadway Enhancements – Turning our gaze to Broadway, discussions are in full swing concerning Broadway Enhancements, and the Council has referred the topic to the Planning Commission for public input and recommendations.

Mental Health Officers Program – The introduction of the Mental Health Officers Program marks a significant shift in our approach to law enforcement and community care. By addressing mental health proactively, we’re enabling our police force to focus on maintaining safety and addressing criminal acts more efficiently.

Lower Crime Rates – Our Crime Rate in just about all categories is the lowest it’s been in the last five years. A change in our community policing program will soon be underway to reduce the size of areas our police force is to manage, facilitating a close and personal relationship with the community.

Homelessness – Addressing homelessness is something we’re taking seriously at the city council. We’re aware of the growing challenges of homelessness on our island. Through collaborative discussions with the Galveston Police Department, the Gulf Coast Center, Galveston CoCare, and UTMB, we’re working to craft comprehensive solutions.

In Galveston, our mission is to enhance the quality of life for every community member. Each initiative we embark upon is meticulously planned and executed to foster a more thriving, vibrant Galveston. Our dedication to our residents’ collective prosperity and well-being is unwavering, driving every decision we make. Through strategic, targeted actions, we are steadfast in our commitment to building a brighter, more resilient future for all who call Galveston home.