Mayor Mike Foreman of Friendswood delivered his State of the City Address at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Tuesday at the First Baptist Church.
This year’s focus was on the significant residential and commercial developments and a number of safety infrastructure bond projects that are nearing completion throughout the city.
The address spotlighted the conclusion of multiple bond projects, with a special focus on the Friendswood Regional Storm Water Detention project. This ambitious $38 million initiative is designed to hold over 1,000 acre-feet of floodwater, an effort Mayor Mike described with vivid imagery: “Imagine 1,000 acres covered in water a foot deep, all contained in this basin instead of in our homes.”
The project, and several others like it, are a response to the catastrophe caused by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which flooded over 3,000 Friendswood homes, including the mayor’s. Voters overwhelmingly supported the bond initiative when it was placed on the ballot in 2019.
Further highlighting the city’s safety infrastructure, Mayor Mike introduced the new Fire Station #2, equipped with advanced training facilities. The renovation of the Public Works building on Blackhawk Blvd was another highlight, now featuring an emergency shelter as part of Friendswood’s strategic plan to bolster its ability to respond to disasters.
The city also added a familiar face to the Office of Emergency Management: Lisa Camp. Camp has long served as a volunteer with the Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department.
Mayor Mike also took the opportunity to share the city’s recent recognitions, including being named one of Houston’s “Best Places to Work” by the Houston Chronicle.
And, he lauded the Keep Friendswood Beautiful Committee for their successful efforts in raising over $250,000 in grants aimed at beautifying the city’s parks and green spaces.
The mayor’s address then ventured into the developments in residential growth, mentioning the ongoing projects like Friendswood Trails and Avalon, and the anticipation surrounding new developments such as the Estates at Wilderness Trails and Georgetown.
These initiatives, according to Mayor Mike, represent the city’s desirability as a safe place to live.
On the commercial front, significant developments are underway, including the Albritton project adjacent to the City Library and the nearly completed UTMB Medical Center.
The highlight was the groundbreaking of the Friendswood City Center, a staggering $750 million development that promises to be a cornerstone for economic growth and community engagement in Harris County.
Closing his address, Mayor Mike paid tribute to recently retired Police Chief Bob Wieners, acknowledging his 20-plus years of dedicated service to the Friendswood Police Department. Wieners received a standing ovation as he was declared this year’s “Friendswood Legend.”
