Houston Mayor John Whitmire said the Houston Police Department will announce policy changes on Friday. He did not give details of the announcement but said it would be significant. The midterm election shifted much of Texas' state leadership to Democrats, according to the report.
Whitmire said he expects incoming state leaders to give Houston more local control and to reduce the risk of losing state funding over disagreements. He said Gov. Abbott had taken strong positions and often threatened to withhold funding. Whitmire said he does not expect that to continue.
Councilmember Alejandra Salinas said she hopes city officials can focus on Houston's needs instead of pleasing Republican leaders in Austin. She pointed to immigration enforcement as a source of friction and criticized state Republican leaders for diverting attention from infrastructure. Councilmember Twila Carter said partnerships between city and state leaders are essential regardless of party. Former Mayor Annise Parker said she expects Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa and incoming Lt. Gov. Vikki Goodwin to prioritize urban needs such as education, jobs and redevelopment.