Energy Corridor District Staff Learn from Cities Around the World at IDA Conference
What happens when more than 1,300 professionals who shape downtowns and urban districts come together to share ideas? New perspectives, fresh strategies and plenty of inspiration to bring home.
The Energy Corridor District staff recently attended the International Downtown Association’s 72nd Annual Conference & Marketplace in Toronto, where this year’s theme, “Intersections: Where Districts, Disciplines & Ideas Converge,” reflected the increasingly complex work of managing and improving urban districts.
Sessions explored a wide range of topics relevant to the Energy Corridor, including public-space management, economic development, communications, community safety, artificial intelligence, mobility and organizational leadership. Attendees also had opportunities to see how other districts are tackling challenges, engaging their communities and creating places where people want to work, live and spend time.
For Energy Corridor District staff, the value of the conference extends well beyond the three days in Toronto. Ideas shared by colleagues from across North America and around the world can help inform the District’s programs, communications and initiatives here at home.
“The conference was a great way of learning how other districts across the United States and world are handling problems, that are, in many ways, similar to the challenges faced by the Energy Corridor District,” said President Bryan Brown. Vice President Zak Miller and Community Relations Manager Rachael Weaver both enjoyed a session on placemaking through public art.
Communications Manager Sherry Fox took examples from Downtown Bentonville, Arkansas on how staff uses storytelling principles, rather than marketing, to promote the area. Public Realm and Special Projects Manager Mike Jackson enjoyed seeing how Downtown Toronto handles multi-modal transportation. “There was a very wide side path that was used as a bike lane and running/walking path,” he observed. “It was very active and it really felt like a safe space for pedestrians, runners and bicyclists.”
Holiday Grants Available for Area Nonprofits
The holiday season is a time for giving, and the Energy Corridor District is once again looking for local nonprofits that are making a difference in the community.
Through its annual 12 Days of Christmas initiative, the District awards $30,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations whose programs and services benefit people in the Energy Corridor and surrounding areas.
Applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations whose missions and services impact the Energy Corridor community and surrounding areas, specifically ZIP codes 77079, 77084 and 77077.
Past recipients have included Bayou Preservation, ECHO Orchestra, Keep Houston Beautiful, The Jolly Trolley Foundation, Outreach Center of West Houston and Ray Daily Elementary School.
The 12 Days of Christmas program is made possible through the support of our presenting partner ConocoPhillips, whose contribution supports both the tree lighting celebration and the grant program.
For local nonprofits, it’s an opportunity to turn a season of giving into meaningful support for the work they do all year long.
Business and community leaders, as well as neighborhood residents are forming a new Rotary Club in the Energy Corridor. Members of the newly formed club will build community, support local initiatives, and participate in projects that address important needs throughout the area while forming meaningful relationships in the process.
Club Founder Natalie Lerner said the club has already met its membership requirements to be fully chartered by Rotary International as an official club. It will be the 55th club in Houston
“Rotary has changed my life,” said Lerner. “For the past six years, Rotary has given me an outlet to connect with like-minded individuals that don’t just want to be the change they wish to see in the world, rather, they are the change they wish to see in the world. It is an absolute joy to bring such an opportunity to the very area where I live and work.”
The club meets on the second and fourth Thursday at Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen, 1140 Eldridge Parkway. The next meeting will be held on September 24th at 12 p.m. To connect with the club, visit energycorridorrotary.club or email energycorridorrotaryclub@gmail.com.
Monthly Market Debuts September 17
A new monthly vendor market will make its debut in the Energy Corridor District on September 17. Hosted at West Memorial Place, 15735 Memorial Drive, the market will feature more than 25 local vendors. Plenty of free parking is available.
The market will occur on the 3rd Thursday of every month, so mark your calendars and plan to support these local vendors.
Charlie Brown Christmas Run Returns to Energy Corridor District
Houston’s biggest holiday 5k/10k race returns to the Energy Corridor District for its 5th straight year. The Charlie Brown Christmas 5k/10k will be held on Saturday, December 5. But if you want to participate, run — don’t walk — to sign up, as the event is almost sold out.
The Kids Dash Run/Walk will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the 10k run/walk at 8:15 a.m. and the 5k run/walk at 8:20 a.m. All races start and finish at the Addicks Park & Ride, 14230 Old Katy Road.
All participants will receive an officially-licensed Peanuts(R) retro TV spinner finisher medal, participant bib, and performance blend t-shirt. There will be an appearance by Santa and lots of post-race refreshments. On race day, participants are encouraged to wear festive holiday attire and bring a new toy, which will be donated to the Memorial Assistance Minstries’ Christmas Share program for Houston families in need.
This is one of four fun runs held in the Energy Corridor District each year. The Whataburger Whatarun 5k/10k to be held on November 7 and 8 is already sold out.
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