From the desk of Dedrick Johnson MAYOR of Texas City

2 Years ago on this date... we made history!!
What a Journey it has been so far! I have learned so much about our city... and even more about myself! In just TWO YEARS, under the current administration
WE HAVE WORKED TOGETHER to....
* undergo a Comprehensive Compensation and Classification study of all our civilian positions that Significantly raised the average salary of City employees, making us more competitive for qualified staff throughout our region.

* Successfully bargain with both Police and Fire department unions while increasing both salaries and (police, significantly) while improving benefits for both!

* Enhance our Dike Visitation with new stickers and protocols (after 10 years)

*Enhance City Hall Security with an on-site deputy Marshall. Also installed "Employee Only" access doors making it safer for our staff and visitors to municipal buildings.

* Create the HIRE UP Internship program that allows upper level college students to work 8 weeks in their career fields and earn $4,000 scholarship upon completion.

* Community Matters 2030 ... establish a slate of goals and priorities by meeting with staff, community leaders and business partners.
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* Acquire over $50 Million in Federal Grant Funds to use on various projects throughout the City.

* Outfit our Emergency Operations Center with the latest in technology, cameras, screens, communication devices to assist us in responding and preparing for ANY emergency.

* Work with Red Cross, United Way, Mainland Children's Partnership and other charitable orgs to assist and relocate residents displaced by tornadoes, fires or other emergencies that caused hazardous living conditions.

* Initiate a collaboration between TCFD, TCISD and COM that will result in the creation of a Firefighter Academy (Magnet School), offering a curriculum to interested teenagers who can graduate from HS with Firefighter Certification and EMT basics!! (2023)

* Establish a Mass Gathering Ordinance to ensure safety measures for large scale outdoor special events.

* Continue to invest in and promote special events on 6th Street like Touch-A-TRUCK and SlingFest.

* Establish a Commission Grant Fund to allow members of the City Commission to assist struggling local nonprofits who's mission entails helping our citizenry.

* Diversify and Refresh all our Boards, Corporations, and Commissons with a few new appointments who offer fresh perspectives while maintaining historical knowledge from veteran board members.

* Welcome new special events and organizations that honor our Veterans ... like the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall or the Wounded Warrior Bike Ride and Luncheon.

* Allocated grant funds to our Community Development Department that FORTIFIED our Emergency Rental Assistance Program, our Housing Rehabilitation Program... helping many struggling tenants and homeowners during the financial difficulties created by the pandemic.

* Received a Patriot Award from the Department of Justice , nominated by one of our City employees who serves in our armed forces.

* Successfully manage and respond to the challenges of Winter Freeze Uri (February of 2021)

* Collaborated with Local Industry to promote a cleaner, safer environment while minimizing environmental upsets. The exchange of information makes for better mutual understanding of our responsibilities in the time of emergencies.

* Purchased crime fighting technology (26 FLOCK CAMERAS) that help minimize or eradicate crime in certain "hot spots" around the city!

* Increased allowable size of our police department from 85 officers to 101 officers (COPS Grant) Yes... we are now hiring!!

* Establish a CADET program that pays potential police officers (cadets) a minimal salary while they go through the police academy.

* Carefully ReStart our Recreational, Athletic and Senior Programs under "Post-Covid protocols"
* Continue to Grow the City with new subdivisions, home building, Commercial developments throughout the City

* Break Ground on the NEW Fire Station #4 and Police SubStation (Nov. 18 Mark your Calendars!)

*Created a new GRANT MANAGER position, to help us apply for and receive funding from federal and State resources... as well as manage funds and the completion of existing grant funded projects.

* Serve on several Governmental boards and committees like Houston Galveston Area Council, and Galveston County Mayors and Councilmembers Association (Vice Pres.)

* Worked with Community Development Staff to begin our KEEP TEXAS CITY BEAUTIFUL Campaign. ! Join us at Sanders Center Nov. 19

* Meet with YOU the citizens in a monthly.... (now quarterly) OPEN Q & A forum called COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS with Mayor Johnson!

COMING SOON!
​ Carver Center Expansion, Sanders-Vincent Center Expansion, 2023 Fatherhood Initiative, New Pump Station for Flood Control, Highway Rebranding and City Beautification Project, Industrial Development, Residential and Commercial developments... and more.
I'm soooo excited!! Please join me and the amazing Texas City Staff by getting INFORMED and getting INVOLVED. Together we will continue to create and ride the MOMENTUM of our community efforts to years of success!!