New rules at City Hall, a new terminal at IAH, and Halloween in Houston

The administration also has to brief affected council members before a project starts, then every month about any disruptions.

The push came from At-Large Council Member Julian Ramirez. He first proposed it in June 2025, after colleagues complained about capital-plan projects kept getting pushed back. Ramirez's office says Public Works Director Randy Macchi plans to put the data on a public dashboard. We do not have a current launch date for it just yet.

Why it matters: the five-year capital plan council approved in June carries a nearly $18 billion price tag, and plenty of its projects run late regularly. One street-and-drainage project in Cottage Grove sat for nearly 10 years.

Still unresolved: exactly which projects count as "major," and when the first report and dashboard go public. We'll link the dashboard when it's live.

Pending sales across Greater Houston dropped 26.7% from the same week last year with 1,515 homes under contract compared to 2,068 last year.

Pending sales are a leading indicator. Closings (down just 3.8%) show what buyers decided a month ago.

Sellers didn’t follow the same path. New homes coming to the market dipped only 3.2%. Home being pulled from the market fell 20.3%, so there are fewer sellers taking their home off the market. When roughly the same number of homes are on the market and fewer buyers bite, we are left with more option. Folks seeking a home are still out there considering open houses are up 19.1% over last year.

What it means for you:
Buyers: you may have more negotiating room than you’ve had in a while.

Sellers: price is everything. With fewer buyers in the pool, the right-priced home will get the attention.

What’s next: Expect home sales to potentially continue to drop as the year comes into the holidays.

These stats reflect the entire Houston market, if you’re interested in discussing your specific situation or area then book a call and we can get you a strategy.

This email is general market information only. It is not tax, legal, or financial advice, and it isn't a recommendation about your specific property or purchase. The market data comes from Houston Association of Realtors Monthly Report; it's believed reliable but not guaranteed and can change quickly. For tax or legal questions, please talk with a qualified professional. For advice on your own situation, book a call. If you're already working with another agent, this isn't meant as a solicitation and you should review with your agent they will better understand your specific circumstances than I will.

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City Hall puts strings on corporate tax breaks. Companies wanting a Houston property tax break now have to earn it. New rules Council approved Wednesday require at least the city’s $18 minimum wage (or prevailing wage on construction), health insurance and workers’ comp. Contractors with recent wage theft or OSHA violations are barred. It only applies to future deals, and Houston has granted roughly 20 since 2004. Fred Flickinger cast the only no vote. Council agenda item

New IAH concourse is open. Check in at Terminal C. United opened its Terminal B North concourse at Bush Intercontinental on Oct. 22. It has 22 gates, all with jet bridges, plus the airline’s biggest United Club, near Gate B11. The catch is that the new Terminal B lobby isn’t open yet. Check in and clear security at Terminal C, then take the Skyway over. Flying United from a B gate for Thanksgiving? Get dropped off at Terminal C. Airport details

Early voting ends Friday. Early voting wraps Friday, Oct. 30, with polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at any Harris County polling place. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. On the local ballot, Democrat Letitia Plummer and Republican Orlando Sanchez are in an open county judge race. Houston voters also get Proposition A, which would make misdemeanor marijuana possession HPD’s lowest enforcement priority and ban no-knock warrants in one vote. Locations and wait times are at HarrisVotes.com.

Flood vault under Memorial school draws pushback The city wants to bury a stormwater basin under Memorial Middle School’s property near Gessner and Barryknoll. It would hold about 29 million gallons and cut flood risk for 1,600+ homes and buildings around Memorial City. Parents and neighbors raised traffic and school-disruption concerns Tuesday. It’s still a proposal. Spring Branch ISD would have to give up land, and estimates run $75–86 million. Questions go to [email protected] or 311. Project page

Tesla’s Robotaxi map got a lot bigger. Tesla widened its driverless Robotaxi zone in Houston on Oct. 26. Since April it had covered only a small area around Jersey Village. The new map runs through parts of the Heights, Montrose, Midtown, downtown and EaDo, down to Bellaire. Tesla hasn’t said how many cars run here, so it’s a bigger map, not necessarily more rides. And yes, it’s shaped like a rocket. Tesla’s announcement

🌦️ Planning around the weather? We've marked each event as indoor, outdoor, or a mix of the two. Outdoor events may change due to weather, and tickets or schedules can change. Check the event links before heading out. (🌳 = OUTDOORS, 🏠 INDOORS)

🌳 CAF Wings Over Houston Airshow The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headline Houston's major aviation weekend, alongside historic warbirds, aircraft displays, and family activities. One of Houston's biggest annual events. 📍 Ellington Airport, 11602 Aerospace Ave. · Sat–Sun, Oct. 31–Nov. 1 (8 a.m.–5 p.m.) · Ticketed · Details

🌳 Intro to Mosaic Making at Smither Park. Learn to create art using pieces of tile, glass, stone, and shell with guidance from local mosaic artists. Participants ages 12 and older can make their own mosaic artwork to take home.📍 Smither Park, 2401 Munger St. · Sat, Oct. 31 (9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) · $45 · Details

🏠 Titanic: An Immersive Voyage Step aboard recreated Titanic interiors, explore historical displays, and experience a virtual-reality expedition to the shipwreck on the ocean floor.
📍 Exhibition Hub Art Center, 2501 Commerce St. · Fri–Sun, Oct. 30–Nov. 1 (timed admission) · From $23 · Details

🏠 Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder The Rockets host Oklahoma City for a Halloween-night Western Conference showdown at Toyota Center. A solid option for basketball fans looking for something outside the usual Halloween festivities.
📍 Toyota Center, 1510 Polk St. · Sat, Oct. 31 (7:30 p.m.) · Ticketed · Details

🌳 Scream on the Green Discovery Green hosts a free Halloween celebration with costume contests, living sculptures, spooky music, games, and family activities. Costumes are encouraged, so bring your best. 📍 Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St. · Fri, Oct. 30 (6–9 p.m.) · Free · Details

🌳 Houston Witch Paddle on Buffalo Bayou Witches and wizards trade broomsticks for kayaks and paddleboards for a costumed paddle along Buffalo Bayou. One of Houston's more unusual Halloween traditions and a great opportunity for photos.📍 The Water Works, 105-B Sabine St. · Sat, Oct. 31 (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) · Free to watch; RSVP and equipment arrangements required to paddle · Details

🏠/🌳 15th Annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat at CITYCENTRE Families can collect candy from participating shops and restaurants before gathering in the plaza for Halloween music and entertainment. Plenty of nearby restaurants make this an easy evening outing. 📍 CITYCENTRE, 800 Town and Country Blvd. · Fri, Oct. 30 (5–8 p.m.; candy 5–6:45 p.m.) · Free · Details

🌳 Monster Mash Run at Karbach Brewing Run Halloween-style with a costumed 5K, 10K, or family-friendly 1K. Dress as your favorite monster, superhero, or character and stick around for the post-race activities. 📍 Karbach Brewing Co., 2032 Karbach St. · Sat, Oct. 31 (7:30 a.m.) · From $30 · Details

🌳 Movies at Miller: Haunted Mansion Celebrate Halloween with a free screening of Disney's Haunted Mansion under the stars. Bring a blanket, grab a seat, and enjoy a spooky movie in Hermann Park. Covered seating is available. 📍 Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Dr. · Sat, Oct. 31 (7:30 p.m.) · Free · Details

🏠/🌳 Boos & Brews at Saint Arnold Brewing Company Houston's oldest craft brewery hosts a Halloween celebration featuring live bands, costume contests, trunk-or-treating, and food and drinks for purchase. Families and leashed dogs are welcome. 📍 Saint Arnold Brewing Company, 2000 Lyons Ave. · Sat, Oct. 31 (starting at 5 p.m.) · Free admission · Details

🏠 POST Apocalypse Party 2026 POST Houston transforms into a futuristic Halloween dance party with DJs, laser effects, immersive visuals, elaborate costumes, and a costume competition featuring an advertised $2,000 top prize. 📍 POST Houston, 401 Franklin St. · Sat, Oct. 31 (9 p.m.–2 a.m.) · Ticketed · Details

🌳 Una Noche en Downtown Downtown Houston celebrates Día de los Muertos with live mariachi, ballet folklórico, an artisan market, face painting, and a community ofrenda honoring departed loved ones and pets. Illuminated art installations and street performers add to the evening. 📍 Market Square Park, 301 Milam St. · Fri, Oct. 30 (5–10 p.m.) · Free · Details

🌳 Día de los Muertos Family Movie Night: Coco Enjoy a free outdoor screening of Disney Pixar's Coco, alongside face painting, candy, and family activities. Bring a blanket and settle in for a movie about family, memory, and Mexican traditions.
📍 Trebly Park, 1515 Fannin St. · Fri, Oct. 30 (6–9 p.m.; movie at 7 p.m.) · Free · Details

🌳 Día de los Muertos at Discovery Green Celebrate Mexican culture with a community ofrenda, Catrín y Catrinas parade, traditional performances, live music, artisan vendors, and food. The afternoon concludes with La Musical Ofrenda, honoring Texas and Houston musicians. 📍 Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St. · Sun, Nov. 1 (3–7 p.m.) · Free · Details

🌳 Día de los Muertos at Forest Park Lawndale Celebrate the lives of departed loved ones with folklórico dancing, local food vendors, live entertainment, and traditional games like lotería at this community gathering in Houston's East End.📍 Forest Park Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale St. · Sun, Nov. 1 (noon–4 p.m.) · Free · Details

🌳 Day of the Dead with SpaceCityCircus SpaceCityCircus performers bring movement, storytelling, and circus arts to Smither Park for a colorful Día de los Muertos celebration among the park's handmade mosaic structures. 📍 Smither Park, 2401 Munger St. · Sun, Nov. 1 (5 p.m.) · Free · Details

🏠 Día de los Muertos Lucha Libre at POST Houston
Masked wrestlers from Houston and Mexico face off in five matches featuring theatrical entrances, colorful costumes, and plenty of high-flying action. Guests are encouraged to wear masks and face paint. Ages 18 and older. 📍 POST Houston, 401 Franklin St. · Sun, Nov. 1 (4:30–8:30 p.m.; wrestling at 6 p.m.) · Ticketed · Details

🏠/🌳 Día de los Muertos at Houston Zoo Explore colorful ofrendas honoring animals, papel picado, floral displays, and decorations throughout the zoo. Visitors can learn how Día de los Muertos celebrates and remembers those who have died.
📍 Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Dr. · Sun, Nov. 1 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.) · Included with zoo admission · Details

🏠 Día de los Muertos at Children's Museum Houston
Families can explore Día de los Muertos traditions through bilingual storytelling, traditional dancing, sugar skull crafts, and hands-on activities about remembering loved ones.
📍 Children's Museum Houston, 1500 Binz St. · Sun, Nov. 1 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.) · Included with museum admission · Details

🏠 Calavera con Calavera at Hobby Center This theatrical celebration features live mariachi, folklórico dancing, colorful costumes, and a family story exploring the meaning of Día de los Muertos. Performed in Spanish with English subtitles.
📍 Hobby Center, 800 Bagby St. · Sun, Nov. 1 (7 p.m.) · $19–$39 · Details

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Need an oil change? HISD students will do it. Barbara Jordan Career Center in Greater Fifth Ward just opened a student-run auto shop to the public. Automotive tech students handle oil and filter changes, tire rotations and multipoint inspections, supervised by their instructors. It runs Fridays by appointment through the career center's website, and you bring your own oil and filter. The students get real customers, and you get a cheap oil change.

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