The Hobby School of Public Affairs will host its annual luncheon at the Wortham Center on Thursday, February 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature a one-on-one conversation between Houston Mayor John Whitmire and University of Houston Professor Emeritus and Hobby School Senior Research Fellow Richard Murray.

Mayor Whitmire will reflect on his first year at Houston City Hall and share insights on the city's challenges, his administration's priorities, and his vision and strategies for shaping Houston's future. He will discuss what drove him to run for public office, tracing the start of his political career to Richard Murray's classroom at the University of Houston campus. Mayor Whitmire will highlight his decades-long tenure as a state lawmaker and his perspective on the key legislative issues facing the 89th Texas Legislature impacting the region.

The luncheon is chaired by Kathryn McNiel, a member of the Hobby School Advisory Board, and benefits Hobby Fellows working as full-time legislative interns at the Texas State Capitol during biennial lawmaking sessions. The proceeds will empower students to gain hands-on experience in public policy and state government while building the skills and connections needed for impactful careers in public service and beyond. 

Event: A Conversation with Houston Mayor John Whitmire

When: Thursday, Feb. 6, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Where: The Wortham Center, 501 Texas Ave., Houston, TX 77002

Parking: Theater Parking District, Entrances 6 or 8

Host: University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs

Benefits: 2025 Hobby Fellows in Austin

Tickets and Tables

Event Contact: 

Jessica Ruland O'Connor, MPP (she/her)
Program Director | Internship Programs
Hobby School of Public Affairs
Office (713) 743-0196 | Cell (832) 472-2455
jlruland@cougarnet.uh.edu

If you can't attend the luncheon but still want to support tomorrow's public service leaders immersed in the legislative process in Austin, you can make a contribution of any amount.