Mayor Whitmire Highlights ‘No New Taxes’ and Infrastructure Push in State of the City Address
HOUSTON, TX – Mayor John Whitmire delivered his annual State of the City address last week to a sold-out crowd of business and civic leaders, outlining a vision centered on no new taxes, honest government, and a stronger Houston.
“Houston has challenges just like every major city. But we face them head on. Houston is strong, and we’re getting stronger every day. Stronger because we work together, in collaboration,” Whitmire said.
The program opened with a celebration of Houston’s cultural diversity. Mariachi Imperial performed, joined by Houston Police Officer Alvaro Olivera. Rev. Michael Gott and vocalist Kenneth Gayle of Unity of Houston performed “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
Whitmire also recognized Unite Here Local 23 as his invited guests. The labor group went on strike against the Hilton Hotel last year over higher wages. In support of the workers, Whitmire postponed his original State of the City address last September.
“Thank you for what you do to help make this a great city, and to your co-workers providing the service today,” Whitmire said. “These workers knew they would never walk alone. I was down at City Hall working, but I had their backs covered, and they knew it.”
Key Priorities
The mayor said he is keeping his campaign promise to “fix Houston” by:
- Removing conflicts of interest and eliminating waste, duplication, and corruption
- Balancing the budget without raising taxes
- Expanding recruitment for the Houston Police and Fire Departments
- Purchasing 54 new garbage trucks and improving sanitation resources
- Investing in neighborhood and pocket parks, including a planned transformation of Tranquillity Park in partnership with Downtown Houston+
- Exploring a potential METRO light rail connection to Bush Intercontinental Airport and future water taxi service along Buffalo Bayou
Infrastructure Focus
Whitmire also laid out ambitious infrastructure goals, including:
- Replacing at least 200 miles of water pipes annually
- Paving 1,000 lane miles in 2026
- Investing $500 million in drainage and road improvements
- Coordinating with regional agencies to strengthen overall infrastructure
With Houston preparing to host matches during the upcoming World Cup, Whitmire emphasized that improvements should benefit residents as much as visitors.
“We are increasing public safety and transportation and offering shuttles between downtown and the airports. We’re doing many things right in preparation for the World Cup,” he said. “But, ladies and gentlemen, we have to treat Houstonians like they’re our World Cup visitors as well.”
He closed by reaffirming his personal commitment to the city.
“We’re making progress. That’s what I want to leave you with. I’m prepared to give six years, the remaining best years of my life to Houston, working 18-hour days with a team that is the best in America.”
The event was sponsored by the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston First Corporation.
