Louie Welch (December 9, 1918 – January 27, 2008) was an American politician who served from 1964 to 1974 as the mayor of Houston, Texas .
30-779: Welch was born on December 9, 1918, in Lockney in Floyd County in West Texas . His father, Gilford Edgar Welch, was an automobile mechanic. His mother, the former Nora Shackleford, taught a Bible study at the Church of Christ which the family attended. He was a member of his high school debate team and was the president of his senior class. Devoted to literature and poetry, he learned the passages that he quoted throughout his life. Memorizing these classic lines may also have contributed to his quick wit and brash one-liners. During his political career, Welch
60-470: A female householder with no husband present, and 21.7% were non-families. 20.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.92 and the average family size was 3.40. In the town, the population was spread out, with 33.5% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 18.5% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
90-497: A member of Phi Delta Psi social club. In 1940, he received his Bachelor of Arts in history. He was married on December 17, 1940, to his first wife, Iola Faye Cure, in a ceremony performed by Homer Hailey . At the coaxing of fellow Lions International members, Welch was elected to the Houston City Council and served four two-year terms from 1950 to 1952 and then 1956 to 1962. After losing three times in bids for mayor, he
120-482: A range of publications including the blog CitiesSpeak , the newsletter The Weekly (formerly Nation's Cities Weekly ), and several social media channels. NLC also produces original research on topics such as technology, education, municipal finance, public safety, and mayoral priorities, and more. The National League of Cities is overseen by a board of directors, which elects a president, vice president, and second vice president in annual elections. Each president serves
150-483: A total area of 1.5 square miles (4.0 km ), all of it land. As of the 2020 United States census , there were 1,498 people, 554 households, and 379 families residing in the town. As of the census of 2000, there were 2,056 people, 690 households, and 540 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,326.3 inhabitants per square mile (512.1/km ). There were 791 housing units at an average density of 510.3 per square mile (197.0/km ). The racial makeup of
180-714: Is a national program designed to connect cities and towns with the resources and expert advice they need to access federal infrastructure funding to drive local progress, improve communities, and deliver results for residents. NLC’s Center for Member and Partner Engagement oversees relationships with more than 2,700 member municipalities of NLC, the 49 state municipal leagues nationwide, and over 50 trusted strategic partners. The Center consists of four distinct services: Member Services and Engagement, Strategic Partnerships, State League Services and Risk Information Sharing Consortium (RISC). Member Services and Engagement actively strives to recruit new members while collectively strengthening
210-484: Is an American advocacy organization that represents the country's 19,495 cities, towns, and villages along with 49 state municipal leagues. Created in 1924, it has evolved into a membership organization providing education, research, support, and advocacy to city leaders across America. Based in Washington, D.C. , it is considered part of the ' Big Seven ', a group of organizations that represent state and local governments in
240-445: Is the go-to place for city leaders seeking to improve outcomes for children and families. With expertise in early childhood success, education and expanded learning, promoting a culture of health and wellbeing, youth and young adult connections, LEAD reaches cities of all ages and brings together local leaders to develop strategies via technical assistance projects, peer learning networks, leadership academies, and more. LEAD encompasses
270-513: The 2010 census . Lockney is located in northwestern Floyd County at 34°7′23″N 101°26′36″W / 34.12306°N 101.44333°W / 34.12306; -101.44333 (34.122961, –101.443414). U.S. Route 70 passes through the town, leading southeast 12 miles (19 km) to Floydada , the county seat , and northwest 16 miles (26 km) to Plainview . According to the United States Census Bureau , Lockney has
300-625: The U.S. Conference of Mayors in 1972–73 and as Vice President of the National League of Cities from 1970 until 1973. In 1973, Louie Welch decided not to run again. In 1974, he became President of the Houston Chamber of Commerce (now known as the Greater Houston Partnership ). His company was Louie Welch & Associates. Welch died at the age of 89 from lung cancer on January 27, 2008, in his north Harris County residence. He
330-636: The poverty line , including 19.8% of those under age 18 and 17.0% of those age 65 or over. The town is served by the Lockney Independent School District and is home to the Lockney High School Longhorns. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Lockney has a semi-arid climate , abbreviated "BSk" on climate maps. National League of Cities The National League of Cities ( NLC )
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#1733085824520360-791: The Administration, share promising practices, discuss policy and participate in leadership training opportunities. NLC's Center for Municipal Practice is dedicated to addressing key challenges faced by our member municipalities and cities across the country. These challenges include various critical areas, including housing, public safety and justice, transportation, infrastructure, racial equity, sustainability, economic development, emerging technologies, and more. The center offers technical assistance, educational resources, peer learning and grant opportunities, and innovative ideas that empower local leaders to build and sustain vibrant communities. The Center for Leadership, Education, Advancement and Development
390-504: The Houston Mayoral Elections. Some of his comments (namely his candid quote caught by a microphone on live television, suggesting that one way to curb the spread of HIV would be to "shoot the queers") upset the city's gay community. The Houston GLBT Political Caucus supported Whitmire, his opponent in the race. She went on to defeat him in that race, remaining the city's mayor until the early 1990s. Welch served as President of
420-466: The Houston police at predominantly black Texas Southern University . A police officer was accidentally killed by another police officer. Many Texas Southern students were taken into custody. The events created a rift between the administration and many of Houston's African Americans. In 1968, Welch's last term was marred by controversy, being that his second mayoral bid was financed by questionable sources. It
450-846: The Institute for Youth, Education, and Families (IYEF), the National League of Cities University (NLCU), and the Local Infrastructure Hub. IYEF was founded in 2000 and focuses on transforming how municipal leaders envision their roles in improving outcomes for all children, youth, and families in their communities. The National League of Cities University is a professional development center for elected officials (mayors and city council members) and municipal staff, with trainings and courses designed to enhance local leaders and staff’s ability to govern, work across sectors, manage systems change, and achieve equitable outcomes. The Local Infrastructure Hub
480-503: The United States. NLC provides training and other resources to municipal officials, holds conferences, and conducts federal advocacy efforts on behalf of cities, towns and villages. Today, NLC represents nearly 2,800 member cities as a convening organization, support network, and representative in federal affairs. Leading priorities for the group include the economy, infrastructure, public safety, technology, education, and families. NLC
510-564: The country and promote the exchange of ideas between corporate and local leaders. State League Services supports NLC's founding members, the state municipal leagues, who are essential partners in strengthening local leadership, influencing federal policy, and driving innovative solutions. NLC RISC provides resources and education around property, liability, workers’ compensation, unemployment, and/or employee benefit programs to their 16,000+ member cities, towns, counties and other local government entities. The National League of Cities oversees
540-830: The housing market; providing services to support the health and stability of families; and supporting community safety. NLC's core lobbying principles include avoiding unfunded mandates, preserving local authority and protecting the intergovernmental partnership. Congressional Caucus of Former Local Elected Officials NLC and the National Association of Counties (NACo) formed the Congressional Caucus of Former Local Elected Officials in 2021. The bipartisan caucus brings together members of Congress with prior service in local government to improve intergovernmental partnerships, provide up-to-date information about mutual policy interests to members of Congress and their staffs, and ensure
570-727: The local government voice is heard in federal decision-making. NLC hosts the annual City Summit conference in a different city held annually in November at which municipal officials participate in workshops, general sessions, networking opportunities and leadership training seminars. NLC's other yearly conference is the Congressional City Conference , held annually in March in Washington, D.C. Thousands of municipal officials discuss NLC’s legislative priorities with Members of Congress and
600-494: The newly created Environmental Protection Agency , announced an order requiring Cleveland , Detroit , and Atlanta to clean up their inadequately treated sewage discharges into rivers, thereby helping send a message that the young agency meant business. NLC lobbies Congress on multiple issues that directly impact municipalities, including municipal infrastructure, particularly transportation; supporting local energy efficiency and conservation efforts; strengthening and stabilizing
630-636: The opening of the Astrodome in 1965 and the Houston Intercontinental Airport in 1969. NASA at nearby Mission Control sent a man to the moon. Lake Conroe and Lake Livingston opened to provide water for Houston. Welch also closed forty inefficient sewage treatment plants, began cleaning up the Houston Ship Channel , focused on bayou beautification; and began development of the downtown Civic Center, among other accomplishments. Welch
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#1733085824520660-548: The representation of cities, towns, and villages throughout the country. They also engage current member municipalities through NLC's six constituency groups, seven member councils, and seven committees. Strategic Partnerships facilitates connections between NLC's strategic partners and local leaders, fostering collaborations to make America’s cities smarter, more responsive, and economically vibrant. They bring private sector perspectives and solutions to issues facing cities, support NLC’s mission to strengthen local communities across
690-401: The town was 72.62% White , 2.53% African American , 0.24% Native American , 0.15% Asian , 0.10% Pacific Islander , 22.81% from other races , and 1.56% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 51.90% of the population. There were 690 households, out of which 44.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.2% were married couples living together, 8.4% had
720-408: Was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.2 males. The median income for a household in the town was $ 29,074, and the median income for a family was $ 35,469. Males had a median income of $ 25,673 versus $ 18,063 for females. The per capita income for the town was $ 13,528. About 14.5% of families and 17.1% of the population were below
750-400: Was elected in 1963. He served for five consecutive two-year terms ( Kathy Whitmire was the only other mayor to do so). Houston grew immensely when Welch was mayor. In 1963, Houston's population reached over one million people, yet was then still considered a "small" city in the eyes of the national media. Under Welch, several events put Houston prominently on the U.S. and world maps, including
780-619: Was first founded as the American Municipal Association in Lawrence, Kansas by a group of ten state municipal leagues seeking greater coordination and representation in national affairs. Over time, the organization's membership expanded to include individual cities of all sizes. NLC has played a key role in shaping federal urban policy and defining city issues in America. At a 1970 convention that William Ruckelshaus , Administrator of
810-449: Was known for his quick quips he used with the media. Sometimes this 'saltiness' got the diminutive man in trouble; more often than not it served its purpose: defusing the situation while making his point clear: he would stand up for what he believed was right. He studied in Abilene , Texas, at Abilene Christian College , now Abilene Christian University, where he was a varsity cheerleader and
840-499: Was rumored that his campaign was associated with organized crime with a handful of his cabinet coming under suspicion and indicted as a result of this link. Welch's reputation came under fire because of his friendships with well known crime leaders. In early 1985, Welch was a leader in the opposition to the extension of job protection rights to homosexuals employed by the city government. Welch came back that year to run against incumbent Mayor Kathy Whitmire , who had served since 1982, in
870-480: Was survived by his wife, Helen, five children, and seventeen grandchildren, four stepchildren and four step-grandchildren. His first wife, Iola Faye Cure, died in 1991. Louie Welch Middle School in Fondren Southwest , Southwest Houston is named after him. Lockney, Texas Lockney is a town in Floyd County , Texas , United States. The population was 1,498 at the 2020 census , down from 1,842 at
900-418: Was the first Houston mayor to win all precincts during one of his reelections, including predominantly African American areas with which some claim he had trouble. By the time that Welch left office in 1974, Houston was within two years of supplanting Detroit to become the fifth largest city in the United States in 1975, and in the fall of 1980, the fourth. Welch was mayor in 1967 when two days of siege by
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