The details
Fair for Houston is a grassroots campaign that supported the passing of Proposition B in 2023, which required the city to negotiate its representation on H-GAC’s board of directors or withdraw from the organization if negotiations were unsuccessful.
H-GAC is a regional organization involving 13 counties—such as Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston and Montgomery counties—as well as 107 cities, according to the council’s website. H-GAC is responsible for distributing federal funding for major infrastructure and flood mitigation projects, according to the organization’s website.
Michael Moritz, an organizer with Fair for Houston and one of the plaintiffs, said the city of Houston has only two out of the 37 seats on the council’s board of directors, despite the city having the largest population in the region.
“It’s important that Houston has a voice on these boards, in accordance with how many people live in Houston, so that we can ensure we’re getting our share of federal funds that are siphoned through this organization into projects and services,” Moritz said.
Despite Proposition B passing with more than 65% of support, the city has yet to increase its representation on the council, Moritz said. In October, City Council renewed its membership at H-GAC for $92,000.
Fair for Houston sent a letter to the city in April, giving the city 30 days after the letter to comply with Proposition B, or the group will take legal action. Mortiz said the group got “radio silence,” prompting the group to file the injunction.
What they’re saying
City Attorney Arturo Michel said in a statement that the city cannot comply with the group’s demands as the city would need the approval from other H-GAC members and Gov. Greg Abbott, and that “such cooperation has not been forthcoming.”
“While the city of Houston remains committed to advocating for fair and equitable representation within regional governance structures, the course(s) of action outlined by Fair for Houston is not one the city is able to pursue at this time,” Michel said. “The city will continue to engage through established channels to advance meaningful reforms, but it will not adopt the resolution as demanded because the city does not have the ability or authority to follow through on its terms.”
Moritz said he disagrees with the city attorney and he believes the city’s participation in H-GAC is voluntary. He said the lawsuit is still ongoing, but he hopes Houston residents receive the representation they deserve.
“Our efforts to reform the Houston-Galveston Area Council have always been in Houston’s best interest,” Moritz said. “Everyone deserves fair representation.”
Stay tuned
Community Impact reached out to H-GAC for a comment, but they did not respond by press time. This story is anticipated to be updated once a comment is available.
