Working Groups

The Citizens’ Environmental Coalition (CEC) Working Groups turn ideas into action. Each year, these collaborative teams unite community members, experts, and advocates to design and implement real-world solutions to Houston’s environmental challenges. From data transparency and climate resilience to strengthening nonprofits and community storytelling, our Working Groups drive progress toward a more sustainable and inclusive future for the Greater Houston region.

Join a group, share your expertise, and help shape what comes next.

Join a Working Group

Resource & Data Hub

Building a community-driven data hub that makes environmental information accessible, equitable, and useful for all. In 2026, this group will advance the 2025 team’s work to implement a centralized, collaborative platform for lasting impact. IDEAL FOR: Nonprofits, residents, researchers, data analysts, GIS experts, planners, and tech professionals.

Built for Resilience

Advancing Houston’s transformation into a global model of urban resilience. In 2026, this group will build on 2025 efforts to implement key priorities from local resilience, climate, and justice plans. IDEAL FOR: Urban planners, architects, engineers, and others driving resilient community solutions.

FAQs

Do I have to apply first?

Yes. Complete the simple online application here. 

No! Although we encourage it, CEC membership is not required.

Alex McCray
CEC Board Member
alex.houston@houstontx.gov

Past Working Groups

Here you will find the results of working groups that have achieved their goals. 

YEAR: 2025

PURPOSE: The Storytelling Working Group was created to transform storytelling into CEC’s most powerful tool for environmental advocacy. Its mandate was clear: convert data, science, and strategy into narratives that drive action, funding, and equity. The group recognized that even the strongest environmental plans fail without public will—and storytelling is the force that mobilizes that will. Their work ensures that climate data becomes human, urgency becomes measurable, and community voices become catalysts for change.

At its core, the group sought to answer one question: “What changed because of this work?” And to make sure every story could answer it with credibility, emotion, and impact.

RESULTS: With the Storytelling for Environmental Advocacy Guide now published on the CEC website, the Storytelling Working Group has delivered a unified, metrics-driven framework that strengthens advocacy, reduces message fragmentation, and elevates storytelling as a tool for funding, policy influence, and environmental justice; the CEC should now focus on execution by driving adoption across committees and members, piloting the guide to build strong case studies, and providing training to ensure consistent, coalition-wide use. 

MEMBERS:

Co-Chairs:

  • Amanda Kuhl
  • Colley Hodges
  • Ali Dhanji

Members:

  • Faye Ku
  • Beatrice Arce
  • Florence Tang
  • Catherine Calloway
  • Jessica Mendoza
  • Dr. Coral Lozada