“It is a pleasure to serve such a diverse district,” said Wanda Adams, whose district is 144 square miles and stretches from Montrose to Missouri City. District D is as large as the city of Atlanta. Adams tells people that District D is Demanding, Diverse and Dynamic!

Since Adams’ victory on December 8, 2007, she has had the privilege to serve the community she calls home. District D includes affluent neighborhoods such as Montrose and MacGregor, and also encompasses working class communities from South Park to Hiram Clarke. Several of the City’s universities are in the district, including the University of Houston, and Adams’ alma mater, Texas Southern University, as well as the Medical Center. “I represent all the residents of District D,” said Adams. “Everyone has access to our office.”

District D suffers from many of the same ailments of inner city neighborhoods all over the country: “Unemployment and crime plague many of the district’s residents, but I work with community leaders on various levels to make sure that quality of life issues are the same in River Oaks as they are in Riverside Terrace. Public safety, prompt police and fire response times and adequate parks and libraries are important issues that cross all economic boundaries,” said Adams.

Adams works with her colleagues on numerous committees, including Budget and Fiscal Affairs, Housing and Community Development, MWBE/ Small Contractor Development and Contract Compliance, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Quality of Life, Regulation, Development and Neighborhood Protection, Sustainable Growth, Transportation, Infrastructure and Aviation. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Human Services and Technology Access Committee and is the Co-Chair of the 2010 Census Complete Count Outreach Sub-Committee.

Adams’ first term has challenged her in a variety of ways, but she always rises to the occasion. Adams believes that actions speak louder than words.
•    To better understand the plight of the City’s homeless population, Adams spent the night on the street near St. John UMC. She slept on the sidewalk and begged for change to see life through the eyes on thousands of Houstonians.
•    A rash of burglaries in her district prompted Adams to host several Town Hall meetings with Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt. “I want the people to voice their concerns to the people who can help solve their problems,” said Adams.
•    In September 2008, Ike devastated the Houston area. Many of Adams’ constituents were without power for two weeks. “I rolled up my sleeves and personally handed out water and food before returning to my own dark home,” said Adams. She organized assistance pods and managed to distribute generators to some of her low-income residents with the help of members from the Houston Rockets. She chaired the Mayor’s Task Force for Debris Removal.

She has also had many highlights during her tenure including having the State Champion Basketball Team the Jack Yates Lions in her district. “I, too, am a proud Yates Lions,” said Adams who played basketball at Kashmere High School before joining TSU’s Lady Tigers’ national championship team. Adams earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs from Texas Southern University.

A little history

A true Houstonians, born and raised, Wanda Adams’ life began in the very city that she now serves and enthusiastically represents as a member of City Council.  Having grown up on the North Side, the home of great political standouts George “ Mickey “ Leland and Barbara Jordan, she has witnessed and admired the positive difference that a hometown hero can make in the community.

As a student at Kashmere High School, Adams worked hard academically and developed her leadership abilities as a member of the Ladies Basketball team.  Her dedication and skill afforded her the opportunity to receive an athletic Scholarship to Texas Southern University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs.

Wanda’s commitment to improving the quality of life and creating opportunity in her community began early in her life.  Following graduation from TSU, Wanda Adams pursued per passion for public service by beginning her career with a government-based transitional program for women-re-entering society. She later transitioned into a role within a non-profit organization whose mission was to assist homeless at-risk youth.  Both eye-opening experiences served as catalyst for Adams’ desire to personally do more to solve the devastating situation she encountered each day.

Working with the City of Houston Housing Authority and the Harris County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Association provided Adams with the Knowledge and resources needed to touch the lives of citizens on a greater scale. In 2000, she started working in the Citizens’ Assistance Division of the Mayors Office.

Wanda believes that the best way to show her appreciation for the community she calls home is to actively give back. In 2003 Adams started an organization called Cornerstone. I. F.C. (investing in families and communities.

Being an active volunteer for non-profit agencies, YMCA, YWCA, Keep Houston Beautiful, Meals on Wheels in the Sunnyside Community. Wanda is an active member of the Suburban Houston Fort Bend Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. She serves as Sergeant-at-Arms and Co-Chair of the Social Action Committee. Wanda is an appointed National Officer for the Social Action Commission.   In 2008 Wanda received several awards, Award of Distinction from the National Forum of Black Public Accountants, Pillar of the Community Award, Sally S. Shipman “Friends of the Homeless” Advocacy Award and many other honors.

Adams is an active member of the Fountain of Praise where she teaches Sunday School.