Despite Houston’s reputation as the “Energy Capital of America,” Texas state politicians have failed to ensure reliable and affordable power for Harris County residents. Persistent grid failures have severely impacted working families in the nation’s fourth-largest city. The 2021 winter storm blackouts resulted in the tragic loss of 43 lives. Millions endured days or weeks without power this summer due to severe weather and Hurricane Beryl. Even when the power is on, regulators frequently warn that generation may not meet demand as climate change drives more extreme temperatures. Meanwhile, low-income and vulnerable communities are bearing a disproportionate brunt of these failures and face ever-rising energy bills.

Yet, there is hope. In response to these challenges, a grassroots coalition of organizations has emerged, ready to reimagine how we can provide reliable, affordable, clean energy while creating well-paying union jobs. Leveraging a once-in-a-lifetime influx of funds from the Inflation Reduction Act and a $250 million Solar for All grant from the EPA, Power Up Harris County is taking action to advocate for a publicly-owned “Homegrown Grid.”

Through grassroots action and coalition work, our goal is to build real and political power for the people of Houston, championing solutions that truly benefit working families.

Harris County is in the midst of an ongoing eviction crisis that impacts tens of thousands of resi-dents every year.

The crisis we face is multifaceted – a combination of low wages and the rising cost of rent exacerbated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and recession. Working families are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet, and eviction filing rates have risen dramatically as a result.

We’re working together to address the eviction crisis and keep our neighbors in their homes

Read the Keep Harris Housed Report here.

The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup is a high profile event that all Houstonians have an interest in making successful. This event presents a major opportunity to strengthen workplace standards for live megaevents in Houston and leave a lasting legacy of improving the lives and economic opportunities of hard working Houstonians. To be produced smoothly and ensure that Houston is a memorable host city, the event needs highly trained and experienced workers from across multiple industries. Additionally, workers need safe working conditions, respect on the job and processes to ensure workers have a mechanism to engage with management on any challenges they face in the workplace.

NEW Houston opposes the takeover of Houston Independent School District (HISD) for several reasons centered on the impact this action could have on local governance and the educational landscape.

The takeover undermines local control, which is essential for community engagement and accountability. HISD, being one of the largest school districts in the nation, has unique challenges and needs that are best addressed by those who understand the community. Decisions made by state officials may lack the contextual understanding required to effectively serve the district's diverse population.

State intervention will not necessarily result in better academic performance. Historical evidence shows that takeovers do not always lead to improved educational results and can create an environment of uncertainty among parents, teachers, and students.

By opposing the HISD takeover, NEW Houston advocates for the preservation of local authority, continuity in educational reform, and a focus on community-driven solutions that prioritize the needs of students and families in Houston.

NEW Houston provided free emergency assistance to low-income residents in the immediate aftermath of the derecho and Hurricane Beryl. We work with our government and nonprofit partners to identify residents with urgent needs and prioritize help for those who can’t afford emergency expenses. We hire skilled trades apprentices from partner unions to remove trees from homes, patch roofs, and fix or replace broken electrical equipment.