What we know
The first amendment, which Ramirez announced during a June 17 City Council meeting, would require Mayor John Whitmire’s administration to give monthly reports to every council member on changes made to major infrastructure projects in their districts, such as delays, cancellations or alterations.
The second amendment would allow council members to object to changes made by the administration after three or more council members report their opposition to it. The change would then be voted on by the City Council to ultimately decide on the infrastructure change.
Amendment three would allow council members to request a public hearing on proposed changes, giving the public a chance to weigh in and provide their input.
“Some may see these amendments as an implicit criticism of our current mayor, but I want to stress it is not,” Ramirez said. "I have found Mayor Whitmire to be receptive and collaborative, and I'm grateful I have the opportunity to serve with this administration."
Ramirez said these amendments will better equip council members with the information needed to better communicate with their constituents more effectively and further advocate for their district.
“Part of why City Council exists is to enact good public policy,” Ramirez said.
Although Whitmire didn’t comment on the amendments during the meeting, the mayor’s Chief of Communications Mary Benton said Whitmire plans to review council member Ramirez's CIP amendments along with the other proposals.
The background
Throughout Whitmire’s first year as mayor, his administration pulled multiple street projects that were previously approved to review and make changes.
For example, in December 2023, medians and curbs were implemented on Houston Avenue as part of a $100,000 project spurred by then-District H City Council member Karla Cisneros to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians. However, Whitmire’s administration reversed this in February 2024 by removing the medians, with officials citing that the reduced lane capacity restricted vehicles from turning.
In March 2024, Whitmire paused all transportation projects that would modify or change the use of vehicle lanes, giving the administration time to review projects and decide which roads need to be redesigned. These projects included the 11th Street Bikeway project and the Shepherd-Durham reconstruction project, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
Also according to Community Impact reporting, across Katz’s on Westheimer Road and Crocker Street in Montrose, a raised crosswalk was installed back in 2023. However, the raised crosswalk was ordered to be removed in March 2025, to the shock and outcry from Montrose residents.
What’s next
City Council is expected to vote on the proposed CIP amendments at the June 25 meeting.
