Since its founding, A Tale of Two Bridges has emerged as a leading community-driven force advancing safer streets, stronger neighborhoods, and lasting public space improvements in Houston. Through sustained advocacy, strategic partnerships, and direct investment in placemaking, the organization has secured infrastructure funding, mobilized hundreds of residents and volunteers, and earned recognition from local, state, and federal leaders. The following highlights reflect the breadth and growing impact of ATOTB’s work to shape a more connected, vibrant, and resilient city.
Speaking engagements & honors
Leaders of A Tale of Two Bridges are regularly invited to speak, participate in panels, and contribute to public conversations about walkability, trail infrastructure, and neighborhood-led urban improvement. These engagements reflect the organization’s growing role as a trusted voice in shaping Houston’s future.
- Texas Pedestrian Safety Forum — Speaker — (July 2025)
- KPFT Open Journal — Guest Speaker (September 2025)
- Vision Zero Summit — Speaker (May 2024)
- Transit in the City — Panelist (October 2024)
- City Dweller Podcast — Interviewee (April 2024)
- Featured in “The Man Making Houston Bikeable” (November 2023)
A Tale of Two Bridges and its initiatives have received formal recognition from local, state, and federal leaders for their contributions to community development, public space improvement, and neighborhood vitality. These honors reflect the meaningful and lasting impact of the organization’s work.
- BikeHouston Summit — Honoree (November 2024)
- City of Houston Certificate of Recognition for I Love 11th Neighborhood Festival (December 2024)
- Certificate of Congressional Recognition — United States House of Representatives (August 2022)
Grants & funding
A Tale of Two Bridges has secured competitive grants and philanthropic support to advance neighborhood beautification, public programming, and trail improvements. These awards reflect confidence in the organization’s ability to deliver meaningful, community-driven impact and steward resources responsibly.
- Neighborhood Partner Funding for Nicholson North — January 2026
(Includes donor gift and 3× matching funds from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) - Grant Awardee — Houston Arts Alliance, Let Creativity Happen — December 2025
- Department of Neighborhoods Neighborhood Beautification Grant — 2025, 2026
- Seed Funding — Richard and Janet Cotter Fund — March 2025
- Grant Finalist — Project for Public Spaces — January 2025
- Grant Awardee — H-E-B, Trees for Texans — December 2024
Media Coverage
The work of A Tale of Two Bridges has been consistently featured in local and regional media, helping elevate neighborhood priorities like safe streets, trail connectivity, and community-led public space improvement. This coverage reflects both the organization’s hands-on projects and its role in shaping public conversation during pivotal moments for Houston’s mobility and public realm.
Stories have highlighted advocacy for safer, more people-centered street design in the Houston Heights, particularly around the 11th Street redesign and the community response to proposed rollbacks. Reporting has also tracked major trail access and bridge challenges, including closures, repair funding, and the need for safe detours that protect everyday trail users. In addition, earned media has covered ATOTB’s community-building and beautification work, including initiatives that bring neighbors together and improve comfort and shade along the trail.
for a Full List, please visit https://go.atotb.org/media
Collective Impact
This work is only possible through a strong network of people and organizations who support one another and amplify a shared voice. Together, this growing coalition reflects a broader shift: Houston is ready for a greener, more connected future shaped by safe streets, strong neighborhoods, and accessible public spaces.
Non-profit partners and collaborators
- BikeHouston
- Friends of Columbia Tap
- Friends of Lawrence and Milroy Parks
- Friends of Moody Park
- Friends of Woodland Park
- Hollywood Bayou Coalition
- Houston ToolBank
- LINK Houston
- Rotary Club of Houston Skyline
- Stop TxDOT I-45
- Texas Rainbow Fund
- Trees for Houston
- Walk & Roll Houston
Our Platinum Sponsors
- A New Leaf
- Bespoke by GJCD
- Livelihood
- H-E-B
- Houston Performance Musicians Association (HPMA)
- Sylvestri Investments
Civic Clubs and Organizations
- Greater Heights Superneighborhood Council
- Houston Heights Association
- Timbergrove Manor Civc Club
- West End Civic Association
- Woodland Heights Civic Association
Government partnerships & support
A Tale of Two Bridges works collaboratively with leaders across city, county, state, and federal levels to advance projects that benefit the community. These partnerships help ensure that neighborhood priorities are heard and translated into meaningful infrastructure and policy outcomes.
Community Impact
Through advocacy, programming, and grassroots initiatives, A Tale of Two Bridges has helped deliver tangible improvements to public spaces and neighborhood infrastructure. These efforts demonstrate the power of community leadership in shaping a more connected, vibrant, and resilient Houston.
- Official adoption of Pat Walsh Bikeway
- Placemaking installations including community gardens, picnic tables, bird houses, sidewalk murals, and Heritage Blue Tile marker installations
- Key Stakeholder for the Greater Heights Strategic Connections Plan
- Tactical urbanism improvements throughout the Heights to enhance safety and usability of public spaces
- Nicholson Street & MKT Trail improvements secured through sustained advocacy
- Organizer of the 11th Street Neighborhood Festival, held annually to support local businesses and community programming
- Resume of Phase 2 Shepherd-Durham by uplifting community voices
- Mobilize coalition of businesses and residents to push back against rollback of safety improvements on 11th Street
- Funding secured and advancing for the Rutland Street Bridge pedestrian and bicycle connection
- Achieved 1M Impressions on social media per year, building highly engaged and motivated audience
- Leverage technology to make it easier for community members to raise their voice and connect them with elected officials and public entities
- Over $40,000 directly invested in music and arts
- 270 trees planted along the Heights Hike and Bike Trail to expand urban canopy and shade
- 450 donations from more than 230 individual donors
- Over $300,000 raised in under three years to support community initiatives
- 100+ volunteers engaged in community-based programming and activities
