Just shy of his first 100 days in office, Houston Mayor John Whitmire has adopted several approaches intended to improve the city's finances, public safety, infrastructure, mobility options, and delivery of services. On April 3, the Baker Institute hosted a wide-ranging conversation with Whitmire on the challenges and opportunities facing the Bayou City, as well as the mayor’s plans to shape a vibrant and sustainable future for Houstonians.
This Director's Lecture Series event featured an armchair discussion between Whitmire and Baker Institute fellow Edward M. Emmett, followed by a Q&A session. This event was free and open to the public; pre-registration was required.
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Director’s Lecture Series
Created and endowed by Ambassador Edward P. Djerejian and Mrs. Françoise Djerejian, the Director’s Lecture Series provides a forum for productive discourse to advance the public’s understanding of the most critical challenges facing Texas, the U.S., and the world.
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Agenda
5:00 pm CDT — Introduction
5:05 pm CDT — Armchair Discussion
5:45 pm CDT — Q&A Session
Participants
Welcome Remarks
The Honorable David M. Satterfield
Director, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy; Janice and Robert McNair Chair in Public Policy; Former Ambassador to Lebanon and Turkey
Featured Speaker
The Honorable John Whitmire, former dean of the Texas Senate, was sworn into office as Houston's 63rd mayor on Jan. 2, 2024. He has served his community his entire adult life. When called on by the people of Houston to run for mayor, Whitmire accepted the challenge. With a wealth of experience working alongside nine mayors and seven governors, he possesses invaluable knowledge in public safety, infrastructure, and effective problem-solving. Whitmire's life experiences, unwavering dedication, and a proven track record in getting things done make him a true public servant committed to the well-being of Houstonians.
Moderator
Edward M. Emmett
Fellow in Energy and Transportation Policy, Baker Institute; Chair, Texas Department of Transportation Freight Advisory Committee