Meet Robert

Robert Gallegos is a native Houstonian. He was elected in 2013 to the Houston City Council, representing District I – an area that encompasses downtown, EaDo, Clinton Park, parts of northeast Houston, the greater East End and the Houston Ship Channel, as well as communities along I-45 south from downtown to Hobby Airport.

Robert was born at Parkview Hospital on 75th and Harrisburg and was raised in Magnolia Park. He is the son of immigrants, working class parents, and proud labor union family.

Before being elected, Robert spent over 30 years volunteering and working in the community he now represents on city council. He was the founder and first president of the Eastwood/Lawndale Super Neighborhood Council and served as president of his neighborhood’s civic club (Houston Country Club Place) for over 15 years.

As a Council Member, Robert worked with families, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and advocated for non-discrimination protections and issues of importance for immigrant communities.

He’s a strong advocate for green spaces and has committed funds to support and enhance neighborhood parks. In 2015, he helped secure long-term partnerships and funding to restore historic Gus Wortham Park Golf Course and create Houston’s first Botanic Garden in District I.

Robert’s passion for enhancing the quality of life in our community is demonstrated not just by his work to improve green spaces but by his tireless efforts to develop solutions to address nuisances and public safety issues.

He spearheaded a multi pronged strategy to reduce the animal overpopulation in our city. By forming a critical partnership with a well known animal welfare nonprofit, Emancipet. This partnership has facilitated the opening of three new low cost spay/neutering clinics in our city to support the long-term strategy to reduce the number of stray dogs & ferrel cats.

Noting his work and advocacy for resolving neighborhood issues, Mayor Turner appointed Robert to lead the following City Council committees. Chair of Quality of Life, Vice Chair of Economic & Development and former Chair on Regulation and Neighborhood Affairs. These committees focus on a strong Houston, vibrant neighborhoods, and encourage the positive development of communities.