In an exclusive interview with Que Onda Magazine, District H Council Member Mario Castillo reflected on his first 14 months in office, highlighting his initiatives, accomplishments, and vision for the future of the district. Sworn in January 2024, Castillo has been committed to fostering community engagement, leadership development, and improving the quality of life for District H residents.
Proud Achievements: Building Leadership and Enhancing Safety
Two of Castillo’s standout achievements in his first year are the launch of the District H Horizons Internship Program and the District H Community Patrol.
The District H Horizons Internship Program provides a six-month paid opportunity for individuals who live, study, or work in District H to gain firsthand experience in public service. Castillo, who was a staffer before becoming a council member, understands the value of early exposure to government work.
“This is an opportunity for folks…to see if public service is a career they want to pursue, build a network, and get to know folks, and learn and ask questions.”
He emphasized the importance of creating a pipeline for young leaders in local government:
“While I’m here, I want to give that opportunity to others because we need more people from District H in City Hall and local government.”
The program will open applications again in May 2025.
Meanwhile, the District H Community Patrol has already made a significant impact, addressing over 100 cases in seven months related to illegal dumping, homeless encampments, and noise violations.
“These are the things that are lower priority but they do matter and they impact people’s quality of life every day. We are addressing them and making sure that they’re not turning into bigger problems by going unaddressed.”
Castillo envisions long-term success for both programs:
“I plan to continue to grow them and hopefully, at the end of my time, have two programs that stand up to a lot of success for building leadership and improving quality of life throughout the neighborhoods of District H.”
Diversity and Representation in City Government
A strong advocate for fresh perspectives in city governance, Castillo has worked to diversify appointments to boards and committees.
“We need fresh perspectives… diverse voices and opinions from people who serve on these boards. I have been a proponent of…bringing in new energy, ideas, folks from different backgrounds, younger folks. People from diverse communities and experiences because that’s going to make those boards, those commissions, better-served and more reflective of the city.”
Encouraging community participation, Castillo urges residents to explore opportunities to serve:
“Don’t sell yourself short… You can find a way to fit in and serve, just step up and put yourself out there. Reach out to your district council member for help.”
He outlined steps for getting involved, such as applying through the city website and participating in civic clubs, which serve as a vital link between residents and local government.
“If there’s only 10 people going to civic clubs, those 10 people speak for the neighborhood. Having an active civic club is crucial.”
Key Issues in District H: Safety, Parks, and Infrastructure
Castillo has identified several priorities for District H, including pedestrian safety, infrastructure improvements, and park enhancements.
Through the District H Safe Pathways Initiative, his office is collaborating with METRO and the Greater Northside Management District to improve crosswalks, sidewalks, ramps, and curbs to make commuting safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and people using wheelchairs or scooters.
“We are doing the District H Safe Pathways Initiative working with other groups… on safety improvements. Meant to be a comprehensive scan of the district where we can make sure… people can get to and from those areas safely.”
Parks are another major concern for residents.
“People want their parks to be safe and clean… A lot of the parks in my district don’t have enough shade, and it’s very hot in Houston.”
Given budget constraints, Castillo is exploring creative partnerships to enhance park spaces with shade structures and other amenities.
“These are coming together in a way that we are going to help District H be more resilient overall.”
Staying Engaged: The Importance of Community Input
Understanding the power of direct engagement, Castillo has prioritized town halls and public forums, hosting 10 town halls in his first year and five more in early 2025.
“Your voice is very important in city government. It’s one that we often don’t hear enough from. I want to encourage you to, if you live in District H, let me know… what’s going on in your neighborhoods.”
Castillo specifically directed this message to Que Onda Magazine readers, recognizing the importance of ensuring Hispanic voices are heard in local government. With District H’s strong Latino presence, he encourages more participation in civic discussions and policy-making.
He reassures residents that his office remains open and accessible:
“We are always going to help folks, District H or not, when they’re seeking something from their local representatives.”
With a focus on inclusive leadership, proactive solutions, and community-driven governance, Council Member Mario Castillo continues to champion initiatives that ensure District H remains a thriving and resilient community for all its residents.
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