East Aldine Management District Invests in Safety, Mobility, Community Programs, and Public Art

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At its May 26 meeting, the EAMD Board advanced projects and partnerships tied to infrastructure, public safety, outreach, beautification, and quality-of-life improvements, including a new public art initiative connected to Houston’s FIFA World Cup spotlight this summer.

The East Aldine Management District Board of Directors used its May 26, 2026, meeting to advance projects that improve daily life in East Aldine, including roadway and sewer planning, public safety, senior and family wellness programs, community events, and public art.

The agenda reflected EAMD’s broader role in reinvesting public dollars back into the community. Board members reviewed financial reports showing sales tax revenue ahead of budget projections, while also considering items tied to infrastructure, safety, beautification, economic development, and community engagement.

“We are in good shape,” said EAMD Executive Director Richard Cantú. He noted that May sales tax revenue was 19.4% over budget and year-to-date revenue was 8.5% over budget. EAMD’s spending has stayed nearly $1 million under budget so far this year.

The meeting also included news of national recognition for the EAMD. Cantú announced that the International City/County Management Association has selected the East Aldine Management District to be featured at its annual conference in California as an example of one of the nation’s most progressive local government organizations, including special districts. Cantú said more details would be shared later, but called the recognition “exciting” and said he was proud of the district’s work.

Below are highlights from the meeting.

Community voices open the meeting

The meeting opened with public comments that reflected both gratitude and EAMD’s long-term connections to residents.

Resident Judy Rodríguez thanked EAMD staff and board members for May community activities, including Cinco de Mayo and the International Arts Festival.

Also present was Melissa Angulo, a former East Aldine scholarship recipient who recently earned a master’s in psychology and industrial organization from Grand Canyon University. Veronica Sanches, EAMD deputy executive director, said Angulo received a district scholarship in 2018.

“It goes to show that community members, when they graduate and from the things that the board and the district do here, she was one of those who went out and got her master’s and is coming back,” Sanches said.

These comments set a tone of investment: cleaner neighborhoods, safer streets, improved spaces, youth and senior programs, planning, public art, and residents returning with new skills and pride.

Public safety and nuisance abatement

Cantú reported that EAMD completed its second neighborhood nuisance operation, led by Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies under contract with EAMD. The operation focused on Westfield Estates, Hardy Acres, and Hardy Estates, the area from Halls Bayou to Hardy Toll Road and Hopper Road to Little York Road. Cantú estimated the area includes about 700 to 800 homes.

Deputies opened 75 nuisance property cases, including junk, overgrown yards, illegal dumping, and junk vehicles. Cantú said EAMD plans these operations quarterly and may increase frequency to every two months this year.

Cantú described the effort as “street by street” work to help clean up neighborhoods and respond to concerns residents see every day. “We are taking care of business in this category,” Cantú said. “You (residents) will start noticing the difference because it’s already getting cleaned up.”

The board also received an update from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office East Aldine unit. In April, the unit seized nine firearms, recovered 23 stolen vehicles, conducted 159 Flock camera activities, took 141 nuisance abatement actions, and stickered 66 vehicles. Many actions were self-initiated, showing proactive patrolling and response to criminal activity.

The board declared two 2012 Honda ATVs as surplus after purchasing newer vehicles for the East Aldine unit. The ATVs help deputies reach areas that patrol cars cannot.

Mobility, drainage, and infrastructure

The board approved a $309,910 task order with Goodman Corporation, a consulting firm, for design services related to the Aldine Westfield Road implementation project, which is an upgrade of a major traffic corridor.

Cantú said the project is too important for East Aldine to wait on others to lead. He said the work will help divide the large project into reasonable phases and identify funding from multiple partners. The project was described as a major effort, potentially in the range of $150 million to $200 million.

The work approved by the EAMD Board will help move the project from conceptual design toward an implementation strategy. It includes analysis of phasing, drainage needs, right-of-way impacts, traffic operations, utility coordination, construction costs, public engagement, and potential funding sources.

The project would improve the 4.8-mile Aldine Westfield corridor from Pine Tree Drive to Beltway 8 by expanding capacity, drainage, sidewalks, and landscaping. With costs of over $150 million, this design and funding strategy is key to securing future federal, state, and regional funding opportunities.

The board also approved a $78,734 invoice from ESD Sign Service for Phase 3 of the Collector Street Project, which aims to improve neighborhood traffic flow, and a $66,977.31 request for the Hartwick Sanitary Sewer Extension Project, covering the final construction payment and engineering services for expanding the sewage system.

Town Center improvements

Board members approved moving forward with improvements to make East Aldine Town Center more welcoming for events and seasonal décor.

The board approved adding electrical outlets along the Town Center roadway, with a cost not to exceed $150,000, and approved a $143,550 proposal from Brightlights to install lighting in trees around Town Center once the electrical work is complete.

Board Director Abel Garza said the goal is to keep improving Town Center’s look and feel so residents and visitors enjoy spending time there. Lighting will change color with the seasons and for events.

The board also approved a monthly management fee increase for Keen Realty, which provides property management services (including oversight of buildings and facilities) for several EAMD building and property projects. The new monthly fee is $4,770.

Community events and outreach

Several approvals focused on programs and events that serve families, older adults, and community partners.

The board approved up to $5,500 for partner events, including BakerRipley’s Summer Bash water activities on July 18, including sponsorship of water slides and blasters for children.

Board members approved $16,000 for Everyone Counts’ Senior Summer Camp (June 1–July 13), serving 60 older adults at Pilgrim Place with wellness, social, and learning activities.

During public comments, Everyone Counts founder Sori Mingo said this was the sixth EAMD-supported senior camp. Pilgrim Place representatives said it brings joy and connection to seniors.

The board approved a total of $12,500 for Kauri’s Lucky Star Foundation: $5,000 for Parent Café programming and $7,500 for a Día de los Muertos art therapy event. Parent Cafés help parents and caregivers connect and build family wellness, while the art therapy event uses creative expression and cultural remembrance to support mental health and connection.

During public comments, Kauri’s Lucky Star founder Melissa C. Allala said the group supports people with autism, families, those facing mental health challenges, and victims of violence. Parent Cafés include sensory kits with tools like fidgets, whiteboards, and stress balls.

EAMD continues to support free community CPR trainings through Harris County Emergency Corps and is helping plan the “Beyond High School: Career Pathways in East Aldine” forum, tentatively set for Sept. 3.

Public art, identity, and community pride

Public art was another major focus of the meeting.

The board approved final invoices of $162,550 for UP Art Studio’s Gateway Project and graffiti protection clear coat. The Gateway Project at Little York Road and the Eastex Freeway has quickly become a new visual landmark for East Aldine.

“The Little York at Eastex Freeway Gateway is complete, and we’ve got so much attention, media attention, on social media especially,” Cantú said. “The community has lots of pride tied to this big project.”

During public comments, resident Judy Rodríguez noted the “spectacular landmark that now sits at Little York and 59/69” — the Gateway Project — saying it has “really put East Aldine on the map.”

The board approved $66,000 in final invoices for The Color Condition, whose temporary art is dressing up the Town Center. Cantú reported the festival drew over 1,600 attendees.

Board members approved a soccer-themed mural by artist Premo and TCG for up to $65,000. The mural will be placed along the Eastex Freeway near Little York Road to celebrate the FIFA World Cup tournament coming to Houston in June.

EAMD Board Chairman Carlos Silva said the mural aims to energize the community around soccer events, youth activities, and watch parties. The board discussed design changes before approval, including a more prominent EAMD logo.

Marketing, visibility, and local partnerships

The board approved several initiatives to increase EAMD’s visibility and promote community events, services, and local pride.

Board members approved renewing an agreement with Clear Channel Billboards for up to $83,000. The six billboards are used to advertise EAMD events and public messaging. Monica Campos noted that upcoming billboard messages include EAMD’s 25th anniversary and recognition of valedictorians and salutatorians from Avalos P-TECH School and MacArthur High School.

The board also approved a $23,000 proposal from Encompass Media Group for digital mobile billboard advertising. EAMD tested the mobile billboard truck during the International Arts Festival promotion, and board members discussed using it for future events and public health messages.

The board approved increasing support for the ET#357 Foundation’s Palms & Pearls Gala with an additional $2,300 sponsorship, bringing EAMD’s total sponsorship to $3,500. The event includes a scholarship component, with this year’s focus expected to support special education students.

Board members also discussed a possible sponsorship of Aldine ISD’s W.W. Thorne Stadium naming rights. The board approved offering $75,000 per year for 10 years, which Aldine ISD may consider in place of the original $100,000-per-year proposal.

Financial stewardship

EAMD’s financial update showed year-to-date revenue of about $5.39 million through April, which was $422,000 over budget. Year-to-date expenditures totaled about $3.36 million, or about $905,000 under budget. The report showed a final net position of about $17.47 million after reserves, transfers, and other uses of funds.

“In addition to bringing in more revenue through our sales tax, we (EAMD) continue to spend less than we budgeted for,” Cantú said. “We are very proud of how we’re managing our funds.”

The financial report also reflected spending across the areas residents regularly see in the community, including Town Center maintenance, recycling, mobility, public safety, economic development, community development, public art, health, education, and community engagement.

The May meeting showed the breadth of EAMD’s work: planning major corridor improvements, supporting public safety operations, investing in sewer infrastructure, funding events and programs for residents, promoting local businesses and schools, and using public art to build a stronger sense of place.

For residents, workers, and visitors, the results are meant to be visible in both large and small ways — cleaner neighborhoods, safer public spaces, better roads and drainage, stronger community programs, more public art, and events that bring people together.