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Day 3&4: 1/9-1/10

    Thursday and Friday were more office days where I focused on my project on bus shelters. First, on Thursday morning I drafted the funding proposal with identified bus stops where bus shelters are needed. It was a more relaxed morning, but I learned a lot about Houston’s historic problem with METRO and recent investments made to increase ridership. In the afternoon, I had my last staff meeting, where I met with the Community Outreach Officer. She walked me through her role, which included scheduling for Council Member Kamin and managing constituent services. The remainder of my afternoon was spent finishing my bus shelter project which I would present Friday morning. Friday morning I presented my bus shelter proposal to the office’s Chief of Staff. She gave me some feedback and contacts at METRO to reach out to for additional information about shelter construction costs. I also attended a press conference Council Member Kamin would be at about the City’s Veteran Services department. It gave me insight into all the sub-offices and collaboration working together to help Houston’s veteran community. After lunch, I sent some emails and incorporated the feedback I had received into my proposal. 

My first week was very successful. I learned a lot about many of the issues local governments work to solve, which civilians often overlook because of the lack of media attention. Although none of the staff I work with are voted officials, they are all engaged with local policy, legislation, and implementation. A big takeaway for me was that you do not have to hold office to be impactful in local government. 


Pictures from the week:


                                                                  Working on my project.

                                                      Committee of Art and Culture Meeting
    
                                                    Surveying Gooogle Earth for my project.
    
                                        Press Conference for the Department of Veteran Services. 

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