Houston Councilman James Rodriguez
(BBA '98)

As a student at the University of Houston, James Rodriguez ('98) worked to make sure Latino students had a voice in decision-making on campus. Now, as the youngest member of the Houston City Council, as well as the only Hispanic member, Rodriguez does the same for Latinos in the city.

It was that experience on campus, as vice president of the Hispanic Student Association, that gave Rodriguez his first taste of politics, convincing him that he wanted to give back to the community. His time at UH has helped shape who he has become, Rodriguez said.

“I really enjoyed my time on campus,” he said. “I had wonderful professors that challenged us on a daily basis to work hard and never lose the thirst for knowledge.”

After graduating in 1998 with a degree in marketing, Rodriguez became more involved in politics, working as a consultant on campaigns for Houston Councilwoman Carol Alvarado and Justice of the Peace Jo Ann Delgado, along with other state and national campaigns.

From January 2002 to June 2006, Rodriguez served as chief of staff to then Houston Mayor Pro Tem Alvarado, overseeing her agenda, committees, operating budget, public relations, constituent services and community outreach. When term limits forced her to leave office, Alvarado supported Rodriguez’s election to her former seat.

In January 2008, Rodriguez took office, continuing Alvarado’s efforts in District 1, working to improve air quality in the East End, shutting down nuisance bars and cantinas, installing cameras at problem rail crossings and helping to revitalize Houston’s downtown.

He also remains connected to UH, working with President Khator and her staff on policy and transportation issues, as well as participating for the past 10 years in college career days. In 2008, Rodriguez served as co-chair of the UH Center for Mexican American Studies annual endowment banquet, helping to raise over $100,000 for the center. He also worked with the university to establish a point of distribution on campus during the Hurricane Ike relief effort.

As a councilman, Rodriguez said his focus is on public safety, as well as the library and parks systems.

“I am committed to keeping the city of Houston safe for all Houstonians, by ensuring we have well-trained and well-equipped first responders and that we continue to put more police, firefighters and EMS personnel on the ground,” he said.