In the past year, I’ve submitted a series of public information requests to Houston Public Works and the Mayor’s Office, seeking basic transparency around major street redesigns and removals — particularly the controversial changes to 11th Street and Austin Street. What I found is deeply concerning: delays, denials, and roadblocks at every step.
Here’s what’s happening:
1. Request for the 11th Street Safety Study — Withheld Per Attorney General
More than a year ago, I requested the full report studying traffic speeds, sales tax trends, and other metrics before and after the 11th Street safety improvements. This study could have helped the public understand the real impacts of a street redesign that added protected bike lanes and pedestrian enhancements.
Result:
The City refused to release the study, citing authorization from the Attorney General to withhold it.
Transparency Denied.
2. Request for Communications About Heights Boulevard Barrier Removal — Sent to Attorney General
In March 2025, the City abruptly removed the armadillo-style bike lane barriers along Heights Boulevard. I filed a request for any emails, studies, complaints, work orders, and cost documentation tied to the removal.
Result:
The City punted the request to the Attorney General for a ruling, delaying public access.
Transparency Delayed.
3. Request for Austin Street Redesign and Removal Documents — Sent to Attorney General
I also filed multiple requests about the sudden scrapping of Austin Street’s protected bike lanes in Midtown and Downtown. I asked for all internal studies, consulting advice, and communications about the redesign, particularly why a functioning, safety-enhancing project was torn out.
Result:
Again, the City forwarded the request to the Attorney General — slowing down any chance of disclosure.
Transparency Delayed.
4. Request for Mayor Whitmire’s Communications — Sent to Attorney General
Recognizing that these decisions likely came from the top, I expanded my request to include direct communications between Mayor Whitmire and Marlene Gaffrick, the City’s Public Works Director. These requests covered both Austin Street and 11th Street reconfigurations.
Result:
Both were sent to the Attorney General.
Transparency Delayed — Again.
5. Request for Fire Department Feedback Used to Justify Removals — 10-Day Letter Sent to Attorney General
Houston’s Mayor and Public Works Department claimed that bike lanes interfered with Houston Fire Department operations. I asked for proof:
Internal communications, statements, emails — any evidence HFD raised concerns or was used to justify the removals.
Result:
Instead of providing documentation, the City again asked the Attorney General to rule on whether they could withhold the information.
Transparency Blocked.
6. Request for Community Feedback and Repaving Costs for Austin Street — Sent to Attorney General
Finally, I requested all public comments, community feedback tallies, costs of repaving, and internal decision-making documents regarding Austin Street’s redesign. If the Mayor’s Office and Public Works Department removed lanes based on public feedback, they should be willing to share that data.
Result:
The request was again shipped to the Attorney General.
Transparency Delayed.
Why Public Transparency in Houston Matters
When elected officials and city departments block access to public records, it raises serious questions:
What are they hiding? Who is influencing these decisions behind the scenes? Were taxpayer dollars wasted or misused?
Every one of these requests relates to the public right to know how our streets are being managed, redesigned, or dismantled. Streets are public spaces — funded by all of us — and their design has massive implications for safety, climate resilience, mobility, and equity.
When transparency is denied, democracy is weakened.
What’s Next: Demanding Transparency and Accountability
I’ll continue fighting for these records and pushing for public accountability.
You deserve to know why street safety projects were removed, who made those decisions, and how your money was spent.
Stay tuned — and if you care about transparency, public safety, and a livable Houston, make your voice heard.
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