Houston Council Member Mario Castillo has been appointed chair of the new Houston Technology and Innovation Committee. The City Council initiative will focus on technology, modernization, and responsible innovation in local government.
The announcement was made Monday, June 15, 2026. The committee will also support Houston’s growing technology and innovation ecosystem through incubation, entrepreneurship, and strategic partnerships.
Houston Technology and Innovation Committee Sets New Priorities
The newly formed committee will help guide how Houston evaluates and uses new technologies. Its work will focus on improving efficiency, reducing costs, and delivering better public services.
City leaders expect the committee to review technology investments with long-term planning in mind. The goal is to make sure new tools serve residents while staying aligned with responsible spending.
The committee will also look beyond internal government operations. It will explore ways to support entrepreneurs, emerging companies, and innovation-driven economic development across Houston.
That broader focus places technology policy alongside economic opportunity. It also reflects Houston’s continued growth as a major city for business, research, and entrepreneurship.
Responsible AI Policy Will Be an Early Focus
One of the committee’s first priorities will be working with the City’s Information Technology Department. Together, they will begin developing a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence policy.
The policy will focus on responsible governance, transparency, public safety, and innovation. Those areas have become major concerns for cities as AI tools become more common in public operations.
Artificial intelligence can help governments improve services and manage data more efficiently. However, city leaders must also consider privacy, accountability, and public trust.
The new committee is expected to help shape that balance. Its work may guide how Houston uses AI while protecting residents and maintaining transparency.
Castillo Brings National Technology Experience
Over the past year, Castillo has worked with Smart Cities Connect and the National League of Cities. His work included national committees focused on technology, communications, and emerging issues.
Those discussions included artificial intelligence and its role in local government. Castillo said he plans to bring those experiences and best practices to Houston’s modernization efforts.
“I’m honored to serve as Chair of the Technology and Innovation Committee and grateful to Mayor Whitmire for the opportunity,” Castillo said. “My goal is to ensure Houston embraces innovation responsibly, strengthens public trust, and delivers the kind of responsive government Houstonians deserve.”
Castillo also pointed to the city’s opportunity to support entrepreneurs and emerging companies.
“At the same time, we have an opportunity to foster an ecosystem, support entrepreneurs and emerging companies, and help position our city as a national leader,” he said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance practical solutions that improve the lives of residents.”
Inaugural Meeting Scheduled for June 18
The first meeting of the Technology and Innovation Committee is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, June 18, 2026.
Residents, stakeholders, and members of the public are encouraged to attend and participate. The inaugural meeting will mark the beginning of the committee’s work on technology policy and innovation planning.
Castillo, a native Houstonian, represents District H on Houston City Council. He also serves as vice chair of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee and the Arts and Culture Committee.
His committee roles connect fiscal oversight, cultural investment, and technology planning. That mix may shape how the new committee approaches modernization and public service improvements.
As Houston considers new tools and policies, the committee’s work will likely draw attention from residents, businesses, and civic leaders. Its early focus on AI, transparency, and innovation will help set the tone for future technology decisions.