Public Notice: District C Candidate Filing Deadline and METRO February Service Changes

City Council District C Special Election Filing Deadline

Today, Monday, February 2, 2026, marks the final day for interested candidates to file for the Houston City Council District C seat. This special election, scheduled for April 4, follows the resignation of Abbie Kamin, who stepped down to pursue the office of Harris County Attorney. As of this morning, several candidates have already officially launched their campaigns, including Nick Hellyar, Joe Panzarella, Patrick Oathout, and Audrey Nath. Prospective applicants must submit all required paperwork to the City Secretary’s office before the close of business today to appear on the ballot.

METRO Houston: February Service Adjustments and Detours

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) has implemented several system-wide service changes effective this month. Commuters should be aware of the following adjustments:

• Route 500: Significant route and schedule modifications are now in effect.
• Route Eliminations: Service for bus routes 64, 402, and the Z-Trip has been discontinued as part of the February 2026 service plan.
• Schedule Modifications: Frequent riders on routes 6, 9, 28, 56, 82, 99, 153, 217, 221, 222, 228, 265, and 270 should check the updated timetables for timing shifts.
• Construction Detour: The 77 Homestead route remains detoured on Cheeves at Annunciation due to ongoing construction. This detour is expected to persist through Monday, March 2, 2026.

Public Safety: Regional Odor Investigation

The Houston Fire Department (HFD), in coordination with the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), continues to monitor reports of a persistent "burning rubber" odor that was reported across several Greater Houston neighborhoods over the weekend. While HFD shift commanders confirmed there were no active commercial fires or hazards associated with the reports as of Sunday morning, officials are continuing to investigate the source of the smell to ensure regional air quality safety and to determine if there is any ongoing impact from recent industrial activities.

Health and Recovery: SNAP Benefit Replacement Deadline

Residents who experienced food loss due to the severe winter storm in January 2026 are reminded that they have until February 23, 2026, to request SNAP benefit replacements. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) requires recipients to visit a local office in person to file for these replacements for food destroyed or lost during the power outages associated with the storm. Funds for approved requests are typically restored to Lone Star Cards within two business days of the request.

Municipal Court Case Resets

The City of Houston Municipal Courts Department reminds residents that the window for in-person case resets following the January 26 weather-related closure will end tomorrow, February 3, at 5:00 p.m. This applies to all individuals who were scheduled for trials, arraignments, or parking adjudication hearings during the closure. Failure to reset scheduled court matters during this period may result in the issuance of an arrest warrant. Normal court operations at all city locations have resumed.