The Change Engine
John Whitmire
Mayor, City of Houston
DemocraticCity
About
John Whitmire is the Mayor of Houston. He leads the city government and works to make Houston a better place for everyone.
How to reach them
Counties served
1Harris
Focus areas
5Policies and laws
5Active
Houston's Plan to Fight Climate Change and Keep Our City Safe
The city's roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and building resilience to extreme heat and flooding events.
City
Active
Complete Communities: Building Better Neighborhoods
A city initiative investing in historically underserved neighborhoods through infrastructure improvements, health access, workforce development, and community engagement.
City
HB 1927Enacted
Texas Law Lets Adults Carry Guns Without Special Permission
Allows eligible Texans aged 21+ to carry handguns without obtaining a license or completing training, effective September 2021.
State
Repealed
Houston Equal Rights Law
A comprehensive anti-discrimination ordinance covering 15 protected characteristics in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Repealed by voter referendum in November 2015.
City
Active
Houston's Plan to Build Safe Bike Paths
A comprehensive plan to build a 1,800-mile network of on-street bikeways, off-street trails, and bike-friendly infrastructure across Houston.
City
Related reading
NeighborhoodLearning
East New York Voters Want Better Housing, Clean Streets, and Transit
East New York, Brooklyn has changed a lot over the years. This neighborhood used to have many murders - 126 in 1993 - but last year only had 12. Rev. David Brawley from St. Paul Community Baptist Church says the area got better because leaders and people worked hard together. His church has worked w...
Read more →
VoiceLearning
Research & Tools to Reduce Gun Violence in Communities
Live Free USA is an organization led by Pastor Mike McBride that works to reduce gun violence through community-based solutions. Their resource page offers several important studies and reports that show how communities can successfully fight gun violence without relying only on police. One key stud...
Read more →
NeighborhoodLearning
Houston Survey Shows What Residents Love and Worry About in 2025
The 2025 Kinder Houston Area Survey asked nearly 10,000 people in Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties about life in Houston. The results show Houston's strengths and challenges. People love Houston's diverse culture, job opportunities, and welcoming community. Four out of five residents think...
Read more →
Most people want to be part of something. They just don't know where to start. That's not a motivation problem. It's a navigation problem.
The Change Lab