On Wednesday, the Houston City Council approved Mayor John Whitmire's $7 billion budget despite calls from the community to do the opposite.

The City Council passed Mayor John Whitmire's $7 billion budget Wednesday after completing major consolidations of city departments and implementing sweeping financial cuts. WINNERS AND LOSERS: Which Houston department got the biggest cut in Mayor John Whitmire's 2026 budget?

The Houston City Council passed a $7 billion budget on Wednesday following tense moments in the chamber. Protesters interrupted the meeting, demanding more action on flood drainage improvements. Law enforcement eventually closed the chamber to the public for the rest of the day.