President's Report: May 2026 /  by Michael Graves

“Time keeps on tick, ticking, ticking, into the future.” - Steve Miller

By Michal Graves

Meet the new Board, Same as the old Board

As I sit down to write this, two weeks have passed since our May Member’s Meeting. It seems so long ago. As was noted in a prior email, there were no eligible nominations for the board seats that were open. However, the four directors in those positions all agreed to stand for another term. So, the WHCA board remains unchanged for the coming year.

Given this fact, I thought that the May Member’s Meeting might be smaller and shorter. That was fine, since Zion’s ongoing renovations meant that the gathering had to be held in the smaller room they call the “Chapel.” The WHCA board had met in that space once in the recent past. As I’ve presided over a couple of larger than usual Member’s Meetings, the thought of a smaller, shorting meeting was attractive.

Alas, it proved elusive. On Tuesday, May 12th some two dozen neighbors filled the Chapel. With the sun blazing in through the west-facing windows the meeting went a full 90 minutes, starting a presentation by District H Council Member Mario Castillo.

District H Update

CM Castillo highlighted a number of issues of interest to the neighborhood. He encouraged neighbors to participate in the various City budget workshops and meetings that were just then getting underway. As this newsletter is going into production, those processes have concluded.  However, neighbors can still make their voices heard by appearing before council during the open sessions each Tuesday.

CM Castillo further noted that he’s sponsoring two “Shred Days” where neighbors can bring documents for secure disposal.

  • 5/30 9-12pm at Denver Harbor Community Center

  • 6/20 9-12pm at Local 51 Union 

Traffic remains a concern. There was some discussion of the reduced, yet ongoing, heavy truck traffic though the neighborhood. A neighbor noted that a Waymo was seen running a red light. Constable Wesley Hurt advised that Waymo can be pulled over, but there’s little consequence to that action.
 
CM Castillo noted that the city has approved changes to the street lights at the intersection at White Oak Drive and Studewood. Traffic from White Oak turning onto Studewood will soon have protected left turn signals in both directions. He suggested that these changes may well be implemented by the end May. This is something that arose out of discussion at our March Member’s Meeting. A big shout out to neighbor Jim Chambers who championed the issue.

Constable Patrol Update

Precinct One Constable Wesley Hurt made his first appearance at this meeting. Constable Hurt is our new afternoon shift constable. His previous experience includes assignments in River Oaks and Houston Heights. With respect to some of our traffic concerns, he noted that Constables can write traffic tickets.

He further warned about issues of identity theft and fraud. He described how some people where receiving phone calls from people posing as police. They claimed to be following up on a neighbor having missed a jury duty. They claimed the neighbor could pay the fine by issuing a payment using Google Play cards or Apple cards. This is plainly fraudulent! For such issues, law enforcement will only reach out to you via certified mail.

Home Tour 2026 Wrap

Louise Moss presented a summary of the results from the 2026 edition of the WHCA Home Tour. The statistics of the event are as follows:

  • 132 Volunteers (could have used 14 more!)

    • 17 florists

    • 16 committee members

    • 7 house captains

  • 560-806 go through the homes, 

  • 26 sponsors (raised $20k)

  • Ticket sales generated $30k

  • Net proceeds = $41k (!)

The next Home Tour will be in 2028.

Q&A

The meeting ended with an animated Q&A session. One issue stands out from that discussion. Karen Webster asked about the possibility of reducing the speed limit in the neighborhood from 30 MPH to 25 MPH. This had been considered some years ago, but at the time state law prohibited such action.

Karen noted a pair of 2025 state bills known as the “Safe Neighborhoods Streets Law.” Here’s an overview presented by the Chronicle. We promised to investigate further.

At the time of their introduction, some news outlets wrongly presented these bills as already being enacted into law. A quick check of the Bill Tracker revealed that both bills died in committee during the last session.

That means the effort will need to be revisited in the next session of the TX legislature.

Toward a More Social Neighborhood

WHCA by laws mandate that we have meetings. And we certainly try to make them useful and informative. But formal meetings alone can be tiresome. So, on Tuesday April 28th we held a “social” at EZ’s Liquor Lounge on White Oak Drive.

This more informal event presented an opportunity for neighbors to engage in conversation over a pint or cocktail. Around two dozen neighbors came out to the event, basically taking over EZ’s back patio for a couple of hours. It was certainly a good time. Also, a great way to ingratiate ourselves with one of the most recent new sponsors of Lights in the Heights.

The WHCA LITH Bash date has been set, so mark your calendars! /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

The WHCA LITH Bash date has been set, so mark your calendars!

We are excited to host this year's event at the Historic Heights Fire Station again and look forward to filling the venue with friends of WHCA.

The LITH Bash fundraiser helps cover the costs associated with putting on Lights in the Heights each December. Your support helps WHCA continue one of the most beloved holiday traditions in our neighborhood and beyond.

Be on the lookout for more details on this annual event, ways you can contribute, and information on event tickets.

Nikki Hanley
LITH Bash Chair

Mrs. Garrison: Nurse Cat, Retired /  by Guest User

Hi, my name is Mrs. Garrison: "Mrs. G" or "Garrison" for short. (Yes, my people love "South Park".) I began my life in early 2005 in the Woodland Terrace community as a feral kitten with my siblings and mama in the old garage rafter storage space.

My people discovered us because of their sweet chihuahua who insisted she heard us hiding in the garage rafters. I know they meant well by bringing us down one by one into a soft, covered bed. But mama wasn't so sure and quickly moved us back. She did compromise and allowed them to feed us as long as it was in the place she selected.

All of us are jet black (classic Halloween) cats and we grew up safe and secure in our garage home. Sometime after all of us had grown enough to be independent, mama said goodbye and moved away, because she knew our people would feed and care for us. But before that we (mama too) were kidnapped while sleeping and taken somewhere where masked people performed unspeakable medical experiments on us! After a time, however, we all healed and continued our lives as young cats.

My brother and sisters liked to roam and explore a bit, initially never too far from home. I, however, was very content with staying very close to the patio and back yard. I've always felt safe here, and it is rare for mean cats to bother or hurt me so close to my people's back door.

One by one my siblings disappeared and never returned. And I can only assume they found places to stay that they liked better. I, however, decided I would stay indefinitely. Hey the meals are great and well-timed, my bed is soft and clean, in the summer they run the ceiling fan, and in the winter they set up my electric heater (and sometimes light the fireplace). It isn't unusual on real cold winter nights that some of my neighbor friends spend the night with me: a cat slumber party. When a nice large electric blanket is often set down as a pallet.

Throughout the year I even get occasional evening visits from my friends, the opossums and raccoons who like to eat my dinner leftovers.

My people refer to me as a peaceful mellow soul and say I am even tempered. Don't like to hunt (why would I?) and I'm very content to just observe the comings and goings in my world. I don't let things bother me, as I truly live and let live. I am afraid of floods though, as a storm they called "Harvey" forced me to scurry up a tall plant trellis in the rain when my patio was covered with water. Lucky for me the nice lady I live with climbed a ladder and freed me from the dense vines in the trellis, after the water receded. I wasn't very gentle with her, but she understood, and she healed quickly.

As I mentioned some of my neighbors like to come and visit me on occasion. And this led to my career and vocation in life. Over the years as my neighbors (fellow cats) aged, I found that they spent more time at my home. Their people didn't abandon them; they just seemed to gravitate toward me and my place. So, I took care of them. Looking after them, walking with them when they became frail, hard of hearing, and had lost their vision. I always made sure I was inbetween them and the edge of the pool. As no cat likes to get wet; we are very poor swimmers! I had my people put extra bedding down plus food and water, so my guests/patients felt safe and comfortable as they aged.

Word must have gotten out because over the years I have cared for 4 or 5 older cats in this way. I never got upset or cross with them; I was just happy I could help.

I'm the old timer now, although my people seem to be a step slower as well if truth be told. I don't have the services of a "nurse cat" myself but my people do a decent job of caring for me. I'm fully retired from work; hey I'm 21 years old (100+ in cat years)! My hearing is extremely weak, and my vision now is very limited. But I get around just fine, as I know my territory like the back of my paw. I sleep a lot but what's wrong with that?

 Live and let live has always been my motto. Let it be yours, too.

Yard of the Month: Pat Walzel at 1117 Omar Street /  by Ryan Taylor

Pat Walzel has lived in her home off of Omar for 20 years. And even though she has no favorite plant they are all meaningful to her.
 
“Everything in my garden has a story and is meaningful to me.” Is how Pat Walzel describes her garden. “I have lots of milkweed because I have a Monarch butterfly house. I have released over 60 butterflies so far this year!”

Her local nursery is Buchanan’s Native Plants and her garden is filled with natives and flowering plants that attract birds butterflies and bees. When asked to list some of the blooms that fill her garden she responds,

“Many varieties of wildflowers, Texas Crag Lily, and Texas Star Hibiscus, Zinnias, petunias, pansies, gerbera daisies, gazanias, coleus, day lilies, amaryllis, bird of paradise, and Brachyscome” to name a few. She continues, ”My amaryllis were given to me by neighbors. Those amaryllis came from their mothers or grandmothers’ gardeners. I have 3 different varieties from these different neighbors.”

Though Pat claims to not have a favorite she does have a fondness for one particular species of plant, “I love day lilies. Actually, I have several types of lilies, day lilies, spider lilies, Easter lilies, tiger lilies, Lily of the Nile and rose lilies.”

But if you’re a weed watch out, “I Despise weeding but Love to plant. “I am in my garden first thing in the morning & last thing in the evening. I see God’s love for us in the garden.”
 
Pat says she’s honored to have her garden featured as Yard of the Month though her plan has always been the same.

“My main goal was to create a flowering garden. Something has to be flowering every season of the year. Camellias in the winter, Gardenias, orchid trees and red buds in the Spring. Crape Myrtle in the summer. Bottle brush & roses in the fall.”

Paws Up - For Milo! /  by Guest User

My name is Milo. The day everything changed I was about three months old. A  kind human found me wandering around Stude Park.

The first person who found me had dogs who weren’t happy to see me, so I ended up at a house with kids instead. In my opinion, those are the best kind of humans. I decided right then I liked this place.

At first, I heard them say things like, “We’ll keep him until his owner comes.” They took me on walks to see if anything was familiar, made signs and called places called “vets.”  After a few weeks, it was settled. I was home.

I learned quickly that the front yard is the best room in the house. That’s where the world passes by. Cars, bikes, and most importantly kids. Every afternoon, like clockwork, the elementary school nearby releases a flood of tiny humans full of energy. I sit proudly at my post, watching them go by. Sometimes they even stop to say hi or play chase along the fence with me.

Then the chickens came. At first, I thought they were very strange dogs. They don’t bark. They don’t fetch. They do dig in the dirt.  We came to an understanding. I quickly learned they are friends and not food.  We shared the yard and I helped protect them from hawks.  Sometimes I got to eat their eggs - that’s what I miss most now that they moved to a farm.

My favorite walk destination is down Houston Ave.  The first stop is where humans say “coffee,” but the best stuff is something called a “pup cup.” Cold. Sweet. Perfect. The other is Woodland Park. The best trails and smells are over there.

If you’re near my corner, stop to say hi.  My favorite mornings are when human and four legged friends stop by!

If you or your favorite pet—whether furry, gilled, feathered, or scaly—want to be featured in our monthly Paws Up, please send us your story. If your pet has a story to share, we’d love to receive that too.

Please email your story to communications@woodland-heights.org and use 'Paws Up Submission' as the subject line.

Houston Avenue Parkette - Centered /  by Estella Espinosa

An update ... while we were so very happy to see the entrance sign off of White Oark Drive and Houston Avenue repaired. We tried really hard to not count the tiles on the Heights portion of the sign, it had taken so long to repair we didn't want to complain to loudly.

Then on a trip back home I happened to come into the neighborhood via Houston Avenue from downtown and what did I spot ...but repair crews taking the lettering off the sign to make repairs! The architect had noticed what we had that the words Heights were not centered. So a crew was sent out to remove the off-center tiles and rework them to make sure they were centered. 

It's sometimes the little things that make a difference ... and we are so grateful someone noticed and came back to make the sign right!

Extra! Extra! WHCA Newsletters: Half in the Bag /  by Michael Graves

Greg Roche’s survey of the neighborhood is not yet complete, but very close. To date he was able to provide us a new total count of homes in Woodland Heights. He reports counting 1967 homes, that’s down from 2167. That old number likely goes back to a decade or more. Over the years, the trend is that older and smaller homes get knocked down to make way for much larger homes. There are blocks were we thought we’d deliver 8 newsletters in the past, but in 2026 we actually only need 4 or 5! We use this count to determine how many newsletters each newsletter volunteer is signing up to deliver and how many streets we need to cover.

On a related note, some of you might have noticed that the last two times we’ve distributed printed WHCA newsletters they arrived in a thin plastic bag. I say some, since this was an initiative that Stella Espinosa came up with. Given the rain in late November 2025, she decided to bag those newsletters that the two of us had signed up to distribute.

It turns out that the thin plastic bags that realtors sometimes use are quite cheap and readily available. While it takes a little extra effort to stuff the newsletters into bags, they provide a considerable number of advantages. They certainly keep the item from getting wet. Being clear plastic, it’s still obvious that the neighborhood newsletter is what’s inside.

The little hole at the top makes it fast and easy to hang the newsletter on a doorknob or fence. This is important since it’s actually illegal for volunteers to put them into your mailbox. That privilege is reserved for official USPS letter carriers alone.

The bags reduce the chance that a newsletter will fall to the ground, becoming litter. We think that’s worth the extra effort.

And while we're on the topic of newsletters, homes, and volunteers - please consider signing up to be a newsletter or door hanger volunteer when the next call goes out. We always appreciate the extra hands and feet from all our volunteer newsies!

May Member's Meeting WHCA - Election Update /  by Michael Graves

In recent years, the WHCA May Member's Meeting has been the time when the WHCA membership elects about half the board. Directors serve two-year terms, with half of the board changing each year. This provides some continuity. There are always a few people who have some experience to help those who are new.

At the May 2025 meeting, a handful of positions turned over. While a couple of Directors were returning, there were nominees running for other positions. Thus, we actually held an election to choose the new board members.

This year, four directors (including me) are coming to the end of their terms. Mindful of this, we have been calling for nominations since the start of the year. The call for nominees has been in the newsletter (since January), on our social media, and on the website.

We have received no nominations from eligible neighbors! This would be a cause for concern. However, on this occasion, all four board members whose terms are ending have agreed to stand for another term. Lacking any competition, they will be acclaimed. There's no need for an election.

To paraphrase an old song: Meet the new board, Same as the old board.

Given this reality, the 2026 May Member's Meeting will be a little different. We'll take the opportunity to discuss the state of the Civic Association and the neighborhood, and to have some Q&A. With luck, we'll introduce Constable Hurt, who is our new afternoon Constable.

Finally, we will be meeting at Zion Lutheran church. They have been undergoing some renovation that is not yet complete. The consequence of this is that we will be meeting in the smaller space they call the Chapel. 

Historic Concrete Street Markers And Sorry My Bad! /  by Michael Graves

For at least 80 years parts of Houston have been dotted with cast concrete street markers. You can see these historic markers all around Woodland Heights. Some are in good shape. Others quite degraded. Those that have had altercations with vehicles are in the worst shape.

Earlier this year, Ryan Taylor, WHCA Director of Beautification, began to explore how these markers are made. Initially, he intends to replace the one at corner of Michaux and Highland, near his home.

The process is quite slow. It will take some time to get it right. Elsewhere in the city people have been having them made. Rumor has it that they cost of over $2200 each in 2024.

OOPS! Sorry About That!

While this has been a point of discussion for some months, a recent incident may present an opportunity to try crafting new markers.

CenterPoint has a project that involves one of their contractors erecting new utility poles in the neighborhood. On the morning of Monday, April 13th this contractor was working to move one of these massive new poles into place. While navigating around the intersection of Woodland and Florence streets they accidentally knocked over one of the historic concrete street markers.

This accident was noted by a neighbor who took pictures, reported it to WHCA and collected the contractor’s details from the crew on-site. WHCA was later contacted by the company’s management, who are seeking to ascertain the cost of repair or replacement of the marker.

The situation is not yet resolved, but it appears that this incident may provide the funding that will allow Ryan to acquire the tools and supplies necessary to try making the markers.

Natural Gas System Improvements Continuing for CenterPoint Energy Customers in Woodland Heights /  by Guest User

The following was submitted by CenterPoint Energy in response to neighbors posting questions online about their activities in the neighborhood.

Photo Courtesy CenterPoint Energy

You may have noticed CenterPoint Energy crews working to upgrade the natural gas system that serves Woodland Heights and surrounding communities. This construction work is focused on replacing aging natural gas mainlines and service lines, a vital step in helping keep our energy delivery infrastructure safe, reliable and ready to serve the neighborhood for years to come.

These upgrades strengthen the integrity of the natural gas system, reduce the likelihood of unplanned outages and support growth in the area. The new infrastructure we’re installing helps enhance the safety and resiliency of our system as we continue providing the natural gas service we know our customers depend on.

Photo Courtesy CenterPoint Energy

Construction will continue to take place Monday through Saturday during daylight hours, and residents may see crews, equipment, traffic control signs, or partial lane closures while work is being performed in the area. In some cases, a temporary gas service interruption may be needed to safely connect the service lines connecting customers’ homes into the new pipeline system. When that happens, CenterPoint’s technicians will coordinate directly with affected customers and restore service as quickly as possible.

Zion Summer Camps /  by Estella Espinosa

For over a year now, Zion Lutheran Church has graciously hosted our WHCA member meetings. They're support and meeting space has helped the WHCA continue to provide a venue for our meetings.

We thank our partner Zion Lutheran Church for hosting our WHCA meetings. They would like to remind the neighborhood that their summer camps are currently open for registration.

For registration information, please visit zionhouston.org.

“Crossing the Threshold” the 2026 Woodland Heights Home Tour was a huge success /  by Guest User

With help from Mother Nature – and some 20-plus committee members, more than 150 docents, almost 50 sponsors and welcoming homeowners – the tour raised more than $41,000 for neighborhood coffers. Funds support beautification, communications (website, newsletters, etc.), historic preservation, infrastructure, deed restrictions and other activities overseen by the WHCA all-volunteer board.

The tour kicked off Friday, March 27, with the popular happy hour preview. Close to 200 got sneak peaks at the tour homes, enjoying wine and cheese at each stop. Saturday and Sunday crowds strolled the neighborhood. While many participants were Heights-area residents, others came from all corners of Houston and beyond.

The former Masonic Lodge, now a law office, was a magnet for curious residents who had tracked its status over the years. The original William Wilson home was a magnet for history buffs, including the great-great-great grandson of Wilson himself.

The 1923 Woodland Heights Baptist Church turned condos delighted tour goers with its historic features while the other original homes spanned architectural and interior décor styles.

”We couldn’t have pulled this off with the many wonderful volunteers,” said Louise Moss, home tour co-chair. “It’s a privilege to show off our ‘hometown near downtown’ to so many interested visitors.”

The home tour was the brainchild of realtors and neighbors Dawn and Bob Shumway back in 1980s. Over the years it has introduced new people to the charm of our community, brought neighbors together, raised much-need funds and helped preserve our history.

Recent Infrastructure Wins in Woodland Heights /  by Brian Edmondson

We often talk about the importance of speaking up when you see an issue in the neighborhood, and recently, we’ve seen firsthand just how effective that can be. Thanks to neighbors raising their voices, the WHCA has been able to amplify your concerns to the City of Houston, leading to some fantastic progress on our local streets.

Studewood and White Oak Intersection

We have heard from many of you about the dangers of trying to turn left onto Studewood from White Oak. Due to the intersection's layout, making that left turn has become increasingly risky, resulting in frequent close calls and backed-up traffic from drivers unable to safely make the turn.

We reached out to the city regarding this hazard, and our City Council member’s office quickly pulled together a meeting with Houston Public Works and Engineering. The city staff organized a site visit to see the intersection dynamics for themselves and immediately got to work on figuring out a viable solution. We are incredibly appreciative of the level of support, responsiveness, and urgency we have received from the city on this and other issues.

A Smooth Ride Northbound on Studewood

While city staff were out inspecting the intersection, another long-standing neighborhood nuisance caught their eye: the large metal plate covering past waterline leaks on Studewood. In a great display of proactive service, the city returned just one week later to implement a permanent fix. Anyone who has recently driven north on Studewood can certainly appreciate the smooth ride! 

Traction on Traffic Calming

In addition to these immediate fixes, our recent outreach regarding broader traffic calming measures within Woodland Heights has caught the city's attention. While implementing these measures is a lengthy process, we are officially gaining traction and moving the conversation forward.

We Are Here to Amplify Your Concerns

These recent successes highlight exactly why it is so important to reach out when you spot an issue in our neighborhood. When we work together, things get done. If you have concerns about infrastructure, safety, or anything else impacting Woodland Heights, please let us know. The WHCA is here to advocate for you and ensure our neighborhood remains a safe, beautiful place to live.

President's Report: Greater Heights Super Neighborhood Council /  by Michael Graves

President's Report: Greater Heights Super Neighborhood Council

By Michal Graves

Super Neighorhood 15 - SWM Update on Trash Collection

The Greater Heights Super Neighborhood (SN15) is an umbrella organization that includes Houston Heights Association, Woodland Heights Civic Association, Norhill Neighborhood Association, Sunset Heights Association, East Sunset Heights Association, Montie Beach Civic Club and Clark Pines Civic Association.

The SN15 Council meets every two months at the Old Heights Fire Station on 12th Street. Meetings are open to the public. The most recent meeting was Tuesday, April 21st. The headline presentation was by John Richardson, Deputy Assistant Director, City of Houston Solid Waste Management. Dep. Director Richardson had a number of interesting things to say.

First, a reminder: it’s good to use the HTX Collects mobile app to stay abreast of the SWM collection schedule.

Heavy Trash Collection

A couple of months ago there were media reports that the city was planning to switch to an on-demand process for heavy trash collection. This effort has been scrapped.

As in the past, heavy trash is collected only during even numbered months (Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec.) Heavy trash collection now includes tree waste.

Heavy trash is collected by crews using a claw and a large truck. The material is entirely handled by machine. On that basis, smaller items will not be collected by a heavy trash crew.

Yard Waste Collection

Yard waste includes grass clippings, bagged leaves and bundles of sticks no longer than 4 feet. Bagged yard waste must be in city of Houston approved composable bags. Brown paper bags are not acceptable. It can also be in a homeowners own trash cans. That is, not the city issued trash bins.

A homeowner requiring yard waste collection should call 311 to get on a list. Each week the collection routes are created based upon that list. Each homeowner can order one pickup a week.

Yard waste will be picked up by crews using old style garbage trucks. The material is handled by-hand. Anything to big or heavy to be handled by hand will not be collected.

Curbside Recycling

Curbside Recycling Collection is largely back to a normal schedule. The city issued recycling bins are collected using an automated, side-loading truck.

The major problem with recycling is contamination of the goods being collected. Goods to be recycled should be clean and must not be in plastic bags! Plastic bags are not recyclable, and they jam up the sorting equipment. Recyclables that are in plastic bags end up in landfill.

Solid Waste Hotline

Solid Waste Management has a new telephone hotline specifically tailored to issues to trash collection. To use this hotline you must first have a 311 incident number.

The SWM hotline at (832) 394-1453 is available Monday-Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm. It’s staffed by Solid Waste specialists.

They can address issues common to trash and recycling collection better than the generic 311 help desk, but you must already have a 311 case number to call them.

Residential Drop-Off Centers

If you just want some recycling, yard waste or heavy trash gone pronto, you can take it  to a Residential Drop-Off Center up to four times per month. Residents are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time to allow adequate time to unload.

Drop Off Hours

  • Tuesday- Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm

  • Closed on Sunday and Monday

When taking a load to the depot you should bring a copy of a recent water bill as proof if residency. They do not accept hazardous materials or electronic waste.

Call For WHCA Board Nominations /  by Michael Graves

What does the WHCA do?

The Woodland Heights Civic Association (WHCA) works to improve and preserve the historic Houston neighborhood by serving as a voice for residents, addressing safety, beautification, and quality-of-life issues, and celebrating the area's unique heritage.

When was the WHCA founded?

In 1986, a group of neighbors filed incorporation papers with the State of Texas to create the WHCA. The organization was created to work for the ‘civic betterment and social improvements in the Heights area of Houston, Texas.’

Since then, the WHCA, through it’s elected board of volunteer directors, have worked to support the neighborhood with programs like the WHCA Constable Patrol in partnership with Harris County Precinct 1, organizing major volunteer driven events like "Lights in the Heights," the bi-annual Woodland Heights Home Tour, managing neighborhood deed restrictions, advocating with city government for infrastructure improvements that benefit the Woodland Heights neighborhood, and fostering a neighborhood community through newsletters and social activities.

WHCA Board Composition

The WHCA Board is composed of 9 volunteer board members elected by WHCA members. The board members are elected to 2-year terms, with staggered election terms. This means every year, an election is held for half of the board. This year’s elections will be held during the May WHCA member's meeting Tuesday, May 12, 2026. The following positions are up for election:

  • President – Coordinates and presides over General and Board Meetings; acts as a liaison with the neighborhood and other civic associations; acts as a government liaison to maintain contact with city and state officials.

  • Director of Beautification – Oversees the maintenance of the green spaces overseen by the WHCA, including the Norhill Esplanade, Ley Plaza Pollinator Garden, the Watson Street Esplanade, and the Houston Avenue Esplanade.

  • Director of Communications – Oversees the WHCA website, monthly newsletters, and additional WHCA publications, graphic needs, and literature.

  • Director of Security - liaisons with Precinct 1 on the WHCA Constable Patrol, coordinates the 4th of July neighborhood kids parade, and arranges the National Night Out events.  

All nominations for board positions must be received by Monday, May 4, 2026. To submit a nomination for a board position for yourself or someone else, use the nomination form to add yourself to the mix. Nominations should be submitted to Sara Smithey at secretary@woodland-heights.org.

WHCA Board Nomination FOrm