To keep our Members and neighbors informed, we’re sharing two updates on initiatives rolling out from City Hall now. Our first update is an overview of the new Interactive Kiosk Experiences (IKEs) which have made their way to the Heights. The second is a survey on the current City budgeting cycle from Council Member At-Large Sallie Alcorn.
Meet the IKEs
Meet our new Heights neighbors, the IKEs (Interactive Kiosk Experiences). These kiosks, which look and function like large iPads, are arriving in the area now as part of the IKE Smart City initiative approved by City Council last year, and they are being installed all around town. The first ones you’ll see pop up in the Heights starting last month are located at W. 19th & Ashland, W. 19th & Rutland, W. 11th & Heights, Yale & W 7th, and Heights Blvd & W. 7th.
Each IKE is situated in the public right-of-way, meaning not on private property, and they are promoted as “citizen engagement” platforms for residents and visitors alike to find their way to nearby businesses, get helpful info like transit schedules, and even feel an additional safety presence with an emergency call button and security cameras. The IKEs also offer free public wifi with a range of about 100 feet.
A common questions about the IKEs is how much they cost to the City of Houston and, in turn, to taxpayers. The installation and operation of these kiosks are funded by revenue from local and national advertisers on the platform, with net proceeds designed to go to the City coffers. The IKEs are operated by the “Smart City” venture of Orange Barrel Media. Neighborhood groups and associations are given the opportunity to contribute content and promote local events in the form of “posters,” and the HHA Board of Directors will discuss this opportunity at its May Board of Directors meeting taking place on Monday, May 16.
With lots of questions swirling around the IKEs, residents are encouraged to contact City Council Members with any questions or concerns. In the Heights, that means emailing districtc@houstontx.gov to reach Council Member Abby Kamin’s office or any Council Member At-Large.
YOUR 2 CENTS
City Budget time is approaching, and Council Member Sallie Alcorn At-Large is seeking input via the YOUR 2 CENTS survey. Next month the Mayor will submit the city’s roughly $5 billion operating budget to City Council for consideration. By completing this survey, you have the chance to let Council Member Sallie Alcorn’s office know how you want your tax dollars prioritized for spending. The survey can be found here in four languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Mandarin. Please take a minute to share your two cents.
English: bit.ly/YTCFY23
Encuesta española: bit.ly/YTCESP
Bản Khảo Sát Tiếng Việt: bit.ly/YTCVIE
越南语调查问卷 [中文调查问卷]: bit.ly/YTCCN
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Council Member Alcorn’s office at atlarge5@houstontx.gov.
