STATE: EMPOWERING VETERANS WITH ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITY THROUGH DIGITAL TOOLS

As the deadline approaches for filing for ballot space in the upcoming Houston elections, the city's council races are being influenced by its diverse demographics. Houston stands out among America's and Texas' largest cities with its combination of at-large and district City Council Members. While most cities have only district-based representation, Houston allows all registered voters to cast their votes for or against at-large Council Members. Each district in Houston represents approximately 209,000 residents out of the city's total population of around 2,290,000.

District A, located north of I-10 and west of 290, is currently represented by Amy Peck, who has served alongside her predecessor, Brenda Stardig. Peck is uncontested in the upcoming fall elections. This primarily Hispanic district has a dominant elderly Caucasian voter base, which consistently supports Peck due to her dedicated constituent services.

District B consists of the Fifth Ward and Acres Homes areas northeast of downtown. Tarsha Jackson currently represents this district, which is primarily African American but experiencing an increasing Hispanic population. As of now, Kendra London, Koffey El-Bey, and Tyronne Willis have announced their challenges against Jackson.

Historically driven by Jewish politically moderate voters, District C comprises Meyerland, Garden Oaks, The Heights, and Montrose. The recent redistricting has resulted in a more liberal and pro-GLBT demographic.

Attorney Abbie Kamin, who continues the leadership of her predecessor Ellen Cohen, is running unopposed in the fall

Ward/Museum District, Rice University, Sunnyside, and Sagemont. Carol Evans Shabbazz, who previously served on the Houston Community College Board, represents this district. While historically African American, District D is witnessing an increase in highly educated professionals and entrepreneurs from diverse ethnic backgrounds. At present, businessman Lloyd Ford is the only opponent challenging Shabbazz.

District E encompasses Kingwood and Lake Houston in the north, connect ed to Clear Lake areas in the south.

It primarily consists of high-income suburban voters with higher education for Controller. Martina Lemond Dixon, former Humble ISD Board President, and Fred Flickinger, son of a neighborhood newspaper publisher, are vying to succeed him.

Primarily Hispanic with historically strong Vietnamese American voter blocks, District F is located in Alief and Westchase. Alief ISD Trustee Tiffany Thomas, the first African American and first Alief-experienced Council Member, is currently unopposed.

District G, covering west Houston Loop 610 areas up to Hwy 6, comprises high-income professionals and entrepreneurs. It is currently represented by pro-police attorney Mary Nan Huffman, who is unopposed at present.

District H includes Independence Heights and Lyndale in the

The headquarters of Combined Arms in east Houston recently buzzed with applause, cheers, and a contagious sense of optimism. This non-profit organization is dedicated to connecting transitioning service members and veterans with every available resource to help them thrive in the civilian world. Their secret weapon? Software and technology powered by the Internet. Last Saturday, supporters, veterans, and volunteers gathered to celebrate the launch of a WiFi-connected Lift Zone at Combined Arms, made possible through funding from Comcast.

The Comcast Lift Zone provides veterans with free access to highspeed and reliable WiFi, addressing the digital divide within the military community. A 2019 FCC report revealed that around 15% of veteran households lack an Internet connection, making it challenging for them to apply for benefits, search for jobs, and explore other opportunities. The report also highlighted the larger digital divide faced by veterans in rural areas. For example, many rural veterans enrolled in the VA's health care system lack Internet access at home, hindering their access to crucial medical care. The study emphasized the increasing importance of digital skills and internet access for veterans in the years to come.

The launch of the Lift Zone at Combined Arms demonstrates the organization's commitment to bridging this digital divide. Mia Garcia, Executive Director of Combined Arms, expressed her gratitude to Comcast for their partnership and explained how the Lift Zone will help veterans get online and drive traffic to their campus.

With 265 veteran-serving organizations providing over 1,000 resources to transitioning service members, veterans, and their families, Combined Arms plays a crucial role in supporting the veteran community.

In addition to the Lift Zone launch, over 50 volunteers gathered at Combined Arms to show their appreciation for veterans through heartfelt activities. Comcast teammates, along with their family members, wrote appreciation letters and assembled hygiene kits inside the non-profit's gym.

Demian Voiles, Comcast Texas' Vice President of Sales and Marketing, highlighted the company's commitment to expanding Internet access for those who need it most. The investment in Lift Zones reflects Comcast's dedication to supporting the military community, with Voiles serving as the executive sponsor for Comcast's Veterans Network employee resource group. The Lift Zone at Combined Arms is the 51st location established by Comcast Texas. This initiative was announced in Fall 2022 as part of Comcast's ongoing commitment to the military community. An interactive map showcasing all the Lift Zones across southeast Texas is available for reference, demonstrating the widespread impact of this program.