Organization History

Central Houston Civic Improvement is the 501(c)(3) charitable affiliate of Central Houston, Inc. and enjoys the same executive committee and board of directors.  The continued vitality of downtown and the central city is critical to the continued health and growth of Houston.  CHCI was formed in 1986 to operate exclusively for charitable, scientific or educational purposes to assist and/or take a leadership role in the planning, implementation and communication of the economic, physical and cultural development of the central area of the City of Houston, whether by its community-funded capital projects which are gifted to the citizens of Houston or through initiatives and events that result in civic improvements enjoyed by all Houstonians.  As an example, the organization was responsible for development of Sesquicentennial Park on Buffalo Bayou and other projects along the bayou and Main Street Square. It was also the fiduciary for the Urban Land Institute Houston District Council’s New Economic Corridor Project, associated with light rail development, along Main Street and was responsible for creation of the Mounted Police Patrol and the Theater District.

Mission Statement

Central Houston Civic Improvement Inc.'s mission is to ensure the continued vitality and to support development of downtown and the central city that is critical to the continued health and growth of Houston.

Ongoing Programs

• Urban Collaborative Program.  This is a multi-year planning process in conjunction with the City of Houston to facilitate development in urban transit corridors to ensure a sustainable and highly desirable urban center that effectively embraces central city neighborhoods. 
• Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness and Rapid Re-housing Program.  CHCI is supporting the Coalition for the Homeless which is providing rent assistance and supportive services for homeless individuals through the Rapid Re-housing Program.
• Business Development Program, which focuses on working directly and indirectly to sell downtown to existing and potential office tenants.  The program also works with current and potential investors and to facilitate residential and retail development. 
• Freedom Over Texas Fourth of July celebration.  CHCI serves as the financial agent for this event, serving as custodian for the event's funds. (2005 to present)
• GreenWorksDowntown, which works with downtown stakeholders and focuses on creating a more sustainable downtown.

Completed Initiatives

• Assistance with the planning and design of Discovery Green (2005-2006)
• Main Street Square (2004)
• Assistance with Downtown Arena site delivery (2001)
• Creation of Downtown Scenic District (2001)
• Downtown Arena consulting and referendum (2000)
• Enron Field opens successfully (2000)
• Main Street Light Rail planning (2000)
• Assistance in formation of the Main Street Market Square Redevelopment Authority (1999)
• Transportation Management Organization, Downtown in Motion, is formed (1999)
• Phase II Sesquicentennial Park opens (1998)
• 1414 Congress SRO housing for homeless opens (1998)
• Sports and community venue legislation, passes (1997)
• Downtown Arena market research (1996)
• Enron Field project inception, planning and referendum (1996)
• Assistance to city in Enhanced Enterprise Community designation (1995)
• Main Street Task Force and Plan (1995)
• Creation of Market Square TIRZ for financing The Rice (1995)
• Formation of Downtown Business Development Program (1994)
• Downtown Development Framework Plan (1994)
• Bank United Thanksgiving Day Parade (saves holiday tradition) (1994-1995)
• Gaming Research (1994)
• Rockets Victory Parade (1994)
• Convention Center Hotel Rebate legislation passes (1993)
• Houston Coliseum redevelopment RFP results in casino proposal (1993)
• Convention Hotel RFP (1993)
• Begin administration of HDMC - Downtown District (1992)
• Planning for Downtown/Midtown Transit Streets project (1992-1994)
• Aggressive panhandling ordinance passes (1992)
• Houston Area Community Development Corporation SRO housing (1992)
• Friends of Hermann Square (1992)
• Downtown Police Center lease and buildout in the old Texaco Building (1992)
• City of Houston creates Houston Downtown Public Improvement District (1991)
• Planning and urban design for monorail downtown (1991)
• Downtown coordination for Economic Summit (1990)
• City of Houston creates Houston Downtown Management Corporation (1990)
• Creation of Houston Downtown Management District (1989)
• Creation of Theater District (1988)
• Albert Thomas Convention Center (Bayou Place) Redevelopment (1988)
• Urban Land Institute Houston District Council’s New Economic Corridor Project, fiduciary
• Party on the Plaza (1987)
• Main Street landscape improvements (1987)
• Sesquicentennial Park, development of this park on Buffalo Bayou, including national design competition (1985-1989)
• Buffalo Bayou master plan and creation of Buffalo Bayou Partnership (1986); design and construction of Buffalo Bayou linear parks (1986-88)
• Mounted Police Patrol (1985)
• Trees for Downtown program (1985)
• Banner Ordinance and Program (1985)
• Downtown Security Coordination Group (1984)
• Downtown Streetscape Improvement Plan (1984)
• Metro Texas Special circulator routes (1983)