Katy - Fulshear Edition | July 2025

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Katy Fulshear Edition VOLUME 13, ISSUE 11 JULY 17AUG. 16, 2025

2025 Home Edition

Katy, Fulshear developers invest in single-family rental options amid record-high home prices Building to rent

communities that draw people into its schools and job opportunities, ocials said. “It’s a great baby step to homeownership, somewhere between apartment living and owning a home,” Sojka said. “As a Realtor, I’d rather have people buy a house, but I see this as a training program for homeownership.”

BY VALERIA ESCOBAR

Millers at Elyson

Eight years ago build-to-rent communities didn’t exist in the Katy and Fulshear area, local real estate agent Tim Sojka said. However, as home prices and interest rates are growing, aordability indexes for homebuying in Katy and Fulshear are shrinking, making the build-to-rent market ideal for the existing suburban

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Millers at Elyson, which is slated to complete 170 units by 2026, oers all of the amenities of a master- planned community without the mortgage costs, said Stephanie Windon, senior director of marketing and communications. (Jamaal Ellis/Community Impact)

Also in this issue Impacts: Learn more about the new fire station coming to Jordan Ranch (Page 6)

Business: Find out what brands are opening their first Texas location in Katy (Page 15)

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Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

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Note to our readers: Beginning this month, you’ll no longer see Texas Monthly content featured in Community Impact. We’re grateful for the partnership and proud to continue focusing on original, impactful reporting from our own CI journalists across Texas. As always, thank you for trusting us to keep you informed about what matters most in your community.

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Impacts

Now open

CLAY RD.

KATY FWY.

1 Shipley Do-Nuts The Houston-based bakery oers over 60 doughnut avors ranging from iced, glazed, lled, holes and cake. • Opened April 26 • 29906 Jordan Crossing Blvd., Brookshire • www.shipleydonuts.com 2 Bangkok Times Thai Cuisine The eatery specializes in authentic Halal Thai cuisine such as Pad Thai, stir fry dishes and curry. • Opened May 1 3 Luchi & Joey’s The family-owned taqueria started by husband and wife team Joey Figueroa and Luchi Macias specializes in authentic tacos. • Opened May 19 • 21040 Highland Knolls Drive, Ste. 800, Katy • www.luchiandjoeys.com 4 Sapphire Family Dentistry The Richmond-based oce oers general dentistry, cosmetics dentistry, orthodontics and oral surgery. • Opened June 16 • 3522 S. Mason Road, Ste 100, Katy • www.bangkoktimesthaicuisine.com 5 Chocho Hot Pot The all-you-can-eat restaurant oers over 50 menu items with premium items served tableside. • Opened June 21 • 22811 Mercantile Parkway, Katy • www.chochohotpot.com 6 STRONG Pilates The franchise combines cardio, resistance and strength training for a low-impact, high intensity workout. • Opened June 21 • 22762 Westheimer Pkwy, Ste. 495, Katy • www.strongpilates.co • 25805 Katy Freeway, Ste. 100, Katy • www.sapphirefamilydentistry.com

DOVE MEADOW LN.

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MORTON RANCH RD.

KATY FWY.

O N W

KATY FORT BEND RD.

2855

99 TOLL

FRANZ RD.

HAWKS KNOLL DR.

CANE ISLAND PKWY.

KATY FWY.

MERCHANTILE PKWY.

KATY FWY.

K I N G S L

D B L V

Katy

HIGHLAND KNOLLS DR.

1463

B L

JORDAN CROSSING BLVD.

GEORGE BUSH PARK

S N E R

DAHLIA RUN DR.

JORDAN RANCH BLVD.

1463

S. MASON RD.

CROSS CREEK BEND LN.

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PLYMOUTH LN.

723

Fulshear

FULSHEAR KATY RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

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7 Fulshear Senior Center The center, which is run by nonprot Fort Bend Seniors, oers weekday activities and meals for those ages 65 and older. • Opened June 23 • 6920 Fulshear Katy Road, Fulshear • www.fortbendseniors.org 8 Aleoli Me Time Studio The business provides Pilates classes, a coee shop with small bites, and child care for up to two hours while parents are at the studio. • Opened June 30 • 23402 Kingsland Blvd., Ste. 500, Katy • www.aleolimetime.com 9 The Artisan Craft Boutique The boutique carries a variety of products by local artisans, hosts vendor markets and art classes. • Opened July 1 • 119 FM 1463, Katy • www.theartisancraftboutiquellc.com 10 Smart Kids University The business aims to provide stimulating after-school and summer programming for gifted children. • Opened July 7 • 20314 Franz Road, Katy • www.smartkidsuniversity.com 11 Pluckers Wing Bar The eatery features traditional and boneless wings with a choice of more than 25 sauces and rubs. • Opened July 14 • 19302 Katy Freeway, Houston • www.pluckers.com

• 2100 Cane Island Parkway, Katy • www.texasbordersbarandgrill.com

Coming soon

13 Texadelphia The sports bar features Philadelphia cheesesteaks, alongside hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches and salads. • Opening late fall • 6519 Skyline Drive, Fulshear • www.texadelphia.com

14 Christian Brothers Automotive training center

The automotive repair franchise will bring a nearly 14,000-square-foot training center to Katy featuring vehicle lifts, diagnostic equipment and automated driving system tools to better train and retain employees. The company will also relocate its headquarters to the 7.5-acre campus. • Opening irst quarter of 2027 • 25801 Nelson Way, Katy • www.cbac.com 15 Sam’s Club The membership-based warehouse oers groceries, household items and furniture. • Opening TBD • 29153 Katy Freeway, Katy • www.samsclub.com 16 Woodcreek Commons Phase II The 4-acre multi-building development is set to house high-end retail. • Expected to break ground by the end of 2025 • Intersection of I-10 and FM 1463 • www.amircoproperties.com

18 Fulshear Simonton Fire Department No. 6

The $6.8 million station will help the department better serve its northern service area, including the city of Fulshear. The station will feature multiple apparatus bays, living quarters, training space and integrated communications technology. • Opening summer 2026 • 3102 Jordan Ranch Blvd., Brookshire • www.fsfd.org

• 6619 W. Cross Creek Bend Lane, Ste. 100, Fulshear • www.sylvanlearning.com

19 Grange Johnson Development ocials cut the ribbon June 20 on Grange, a 1,300-acre master planned community, in Katy. The 2,400-home development is expected to be completed in 2030. • 405 Dove Meadow Lane, Katy • www.liveingrange.com Fort Bend Junior Service League The organization, known best for its Sugar Plum Market, is celebrating 25 years of service and $6 million raised to support Fort Bend County nonprots. • www.fbjsl.org

In the news

Coming soon

17 Sylvan Learning of Fulshear The business, which celebrated its ve-year anniversary in June, oers personalized tutoring in reading, writing and math for kindergarten through 12th grade. The business is also expanding to oer college planning and admissions support.

12 Texas Borders Bar & Grill The menu features Cajun, American and Tex-Mex cuisine including various pastas, wings, burgers, quesadillas and seafood dishes. • Opening early August

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KATY FULSHEAR EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY AUBREY VOGEL

Fulshear approves 2 additional cellphone towers

359

Cross Creek Bend tower

Eagle Landing Park tower

Fulshear City Council has approved the addition of four cellphone towers so far in 2025. In a nutshell The most recent cell towers approved by City Council at the June 17 meeting will be at Primrose and Eagle Landing parks, which are both under construction now. The towers are intended to improve cellular connection as the city continues to grow, increasing demand, city ocials said. "Cell towers are a priority for the city right now as there is currently a limited amount of cover- age and capacity due to rapid growth," Planning Director Josh Brothers said. The items came after City Council approved towers at the Cross Creek Bend Water Plant and on FM 359 earlier this spring. A closer look The 2,500-square-foot Eagle Landing site will feature a 150-foot-tall monopole, while the

Primrose Park tower will have a minimal site plan with an area 75 square feet in size, according to agenda documents. The sites will be managed by The Towers LLC and Diamond Towers V LLC, respectively. Both locations will be able to host multiple cellular providers, per agenda documents. What they’re saying City Manager Zach Goodlander said the towers will not only help with cellular connection but also serve as a mutual benet with two sites also hosting the city’s water meter antenna. Going forward A timeline for the cell towers was not available by press time, but Brothers said there was interest to begin construction as soon as possible. Additionally, he said the city is also working on one additional tower at another city facility.

FM 359 tower

Primrose Park tower

1093

SOURCE: CITY OF FULSHEARCOMMUNITY IMPACT

“We’ve long heard our residents express dissatisfaction with

cell coverage and after much urging to invest in our community, we’ve seen some movement from carriers” ZACH GOODLANDER, CITY MANAGER

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KATY FULSHEAR EDITION

Government

Fort Bend County could receive 2 district courts Fort Bend County could receive two additional district courts from the 89th Texas Legislature during a July special session to support the increased number of cases as the county nears a population of 1 million. The big picture Senate Bill 2878 was sent to Gov. Greg Abbott

Fort Bend to house outside inmates At a June 10 meeting, Fort Bend County commissioners approved an agreement with Colorado County to house some of its inmates at the Fort Bend County Jail. The agreement comes after the detention center faced staffing shortages in 2024, Community Impact reported. The details Fort Bend will receive a daily per diem of $87 per Colorado County inmate housed. According to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, Fort Bend County had 801 inmates as of May 1, while Colorado County had 50 inmates. Going forward The agreement is through Sept. 30 with the potential renewal.

for signature June 3 but was ultimately vetoed June 22, due to being lumped with other court items. If approved, the bill would bring the total number of district courts to 10. By the numbers Data from the Office of Court Administration shows the number of criminal, civil and family cases have increased 30.18% since the last district court

was added 2015 . Looking ahead

If approved at the July 21 special session, the courts will be created Sept. 1, per bill documents.

Fort Bend County total cases on the docket*

50K

40,374

39,757

36,853

40K

33,407

39,971

39,304

30,190

35,800

30K

35,179

32,739

20K

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

2022 2023 2024 *INCLUDES CRIMINAL, CIVIL AND FAMILY CASES SOURCE: TEXAS OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY MELISSA ENAJE & AUBREY VOGEL

Fulshear officials propose $35.46M for capital improvements Fulshear city officials are considering spending $35.46 million on projects in fiscal year 2025-26 as part of its capital improve- ment plan, or CIP. The proposed five-year plan totals $412.83 million. A majority of the proposed FY 2025-26 CIP—$13.08 million—is allocated to facilities, parks and technology projects. Streets projects have the least amount allocated in FY 2025-26 with $350,000. What’s next? The finalized plan will be formally adopted by City Council in September along with the FY 2025-26 budget and will go into effect in October, Finance Director Erin Tureau said.

Harris County projects $130M budget shortfall Harris County commissioners are looking at potential countywide cuts to address a $130 million budget shortfall in the upcoming 2025-26 fiscal year. Digging deeper Harris County Budget Director Daniel Ramos said while the county remains financially stable, officials will need to make tough policy choices and prioritize services in the upcoming fiscal year that begins in October. “I don’t think anybody expected the explosion in justice costs, either with indigent defense, [and] with jails,” Ramos said. “Our county’s growing. The demands for service especially in the unincor- porated areas are just massive.” Budget forecasts provided by the Harris County Office of Management and Budget found expenses that could impact the county’s fiscal situation in

“I believe we must all be responsible fiduciaries in planning what potential cuts, what potential additional revenue … and be as creative and solutions-oriented [as possible].” LESLEY BRIONES, HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4 COMMISSIONER

the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26 include: • $57 million increase for indigent defense rate costs, case proceedings that include what Ramos said are aggressively tackling the criminal court backlog • $50 million budgeted for pay equity • $40 million for countywide compensation increases • $23 million in health care cost increases Going forward As county department officials prepare for the upcoming fiscal year, budget hearings will take place Sept. 2-5.

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KATY - FULSHEAR EDITION

State

BY HANNAH NORTON

Gov. Abbott signs 1,000+ new laws, calls July special session Texas’ 140-day regular legislative session ended June 2. Gov. Greg Abbott signed 1,155 bills into law, set 140 to become law without his signature and vetoed 26 bills. All seven of the governor’s top legislative priorities passed, although he said June 23 that “there is more we can do” and called lawmakers back to Austin for a 30- day special session that will begin July 21. 1 Cellphones banned in public schools When Texas’ K-12 students return to campus this fall, they will be prohibited from using cellphones and other personal communication devices throughout the school day. School districts could:

• Purchase pouches to store devices during the school day • Ask students to keep devices in their lockers or backpacks Texas’ 2026-27 budget includes $20M in grants to help districts implement the law. SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT

Abbott signed House Bill 1481 into law June 20, giving school districts 90 days to adopt new electronic device policies, including disciplinary measures for students who violate the ban.

During the special session, he asked lawmakers to reconsider a few bills he vetoed, including a proposed ban on consumable THC products and two criminal justice bills. Under the Texas Constitution, lawmakers can only pass legislation on topics selected by the governor during a special session.

2 Schools to see $8.5B funding boost Texas’ nearly 9,000 public schools will see an $8.5 billion funding boost over the next two years after Abbott signed House Bill 2 into law June 4. HB 2 seeks to rework the state’s school nance system by creating new funding allotments to raise educator salaries and help districts cover xed costs. The funding increase comes as some school Texas districts across Community Impact ’s coverage areas grapple with growing budget shortfalls, leading some districts to consider closing campuses, cutting sta and slashing elective courses.

3 Voters asked to approve additional property tax relief Texas voters will have the nal say Nov. 4 on three proposed constitutional amendments aimed at increasing property tax exemptions for homeowners and businesses. The current homestead exemption is $100,000 for most homeowners and $110,000 for seniors and people with disabilities.

4 Tighter bail rules on November ballot

Senate Joint Resolution 5 , which will appear on the ballot in November, proposes amending the Texas Constitution to require judges to deny bail for certain felony oenses, keeping more defendants in jail as they await trial.

Senate Bill 4 would raise the statewide tax exemption for all homeowners from $100,000 to $140,000 .

“As a sheri, I had to answer these questions on a regular basis as to how a person got out and was able to commit another crime, another felony. I had to tell them [it was the] bail system.” REP. AJ LOUDERBACK, RVICTORIA

Senate Bill 23 would give homeowners who are over 65 years old or have a disability a $200,000 exemption.

Funding increases in HB 2 include:

for raises for teachers and

support sta $4.2B

House Bill 9 would exempt up to $125,000 of businesses’ inventory from taxation, up from $2,500 today.

for health insurance, utilities

and other xed costs $1.3B for special education $850M

5 Laws seek to strengthen grid, water infrastructure Senate Bill 6 tightens regulations on large electric consumers, such as data centers, with the goal of encouraging them to rely fully on backup power during emergencies. House Joint Resolution 7 , if approved by voters, will send $1 billion annually in sales and use tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund, a state account created in 2023 to help nance water projects.

“It’s a win for the taxpayer, it’s a win for the school districts—and we’re spending our surplus to do it,” bill author Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, said on the Senate oor April 23. “[Seniors and people with disabilities] are the people that need our help the most to stay in their homes, and I think it’s a fabulous investment.” Read more about the proposed exemptions on page 21.

for early literacy and numeracy $433M

for school safety $430M

for teacher preparation

and certication $200M

SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE COMMUNITY IMPACT

6 Texas teachers now have more disciplinary authority After nearly half of Texas public school teachers cited discipline issues as a top workplace challenge in recent years, House Bill 6 gives educators more discretion to remove from the classroom students who are repeatedly disruptive or threaten the safety of others. The law took eect immediately after Abbott signed it June 20.

“Texas must enact a regulatory framework that protects public safety, aligns with federal law, has a fully funded enforcement structure and can take eect without delay.” GOV. GREG ABBOTT

7 Abbott vetoes proposed ban on THC sales Hemp retailers across Texas can remain open for now after Abbott vetoed Senate Bill 3 , a proposed ban on consumable THC products, on June 22. Citing “undeniable” legal issues with the bill, Abbott said tighter regulations on the hemp industry were needed in lieu of an outright ban.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY VALERIA ESCOBAR

LCISD reconsiders $41M fine arts facility At the June 17 board meeting, Lamar CISD officials recommended reconsidering the $41 million fine arts facility upgrade due to cost. Instead, the district may redirect funds to delayed safety repairs at Guy K. Traylor Stadium—improvements voters rejected in the November 2023 bond. The gist Proposition D now includes $26.7 million in stadium repairs, including bleacher replacement, bathroom disability compli- ance and a new scoreboard. Moving forward A three-week community survey started the week of June 30. The board will review results at the Aug. 12 meeting and may call a bond election for November.

Lamar CISD staff raises for the 2025-26 school year Additionally, teachers and instructional staff will receive a 3% midpoint raise funded by the district.

Raise amount

Funding source

LCISD House Bill 2

$1,600 $1,000 $2,500 $5,000

Starting salary Teachers with 0-2 years of experience Teachers with 3-5 years of experience Teachers with 5+ years of experience Paraprofessionals, custodians, food service workers and bus drivers Counselors, nurses and librarians

HB 2 HB 2 HB 2 HB 2

$825 $500

SOURCE: LAMAR CISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

LCISD approves raises with over $500K surplus Despite warnings of a shortfall, Lamar CISD will begin the 2025-26 fiscal year with a projected $545,000 surplus after lawmakers approved House Bill 2, which allocates $8.9 billion to public schools between 2025-27.

What’s changing Salaries remain LCISD’s largest expense, accounting for about 85% of total spending. The budget reflects state-mandated raises for experienced teachers under HB 2. Trustees also approved tiered raises from the bill’s staff reten- tion funds for other employees. Next steps The board will adopt its 2025-26 tax rate in July after receiving certified property values from the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District.

KISD OKs raises despite projected $26.1M shortfall Despite state funding boosts, Katy ISD still projects a $26.1 million shortfall for 2025-26.

Katy ISD staff raises for the 2025-26 school year

Raise amount Funding source

Starting salary

$2,050

KISD

for staff raises, however, the district will cover increases to starting salaries, a 3% raise across all pay grades and a $5 per day pay boost for substi- tute teachers. Moving forward Final budget approval is expected by August, however Superintendent Ken Gregorski said adjustments could be made at a later date.

Teachers with 0-2 years of experience $2,500 Teachers with 3-5 years of experience $2,500 Teachers with 5+ years of experience $5,000 Administrative staff 3% raise

KISD

However, Chief Financial Officer Chris Smith said the actual gap may shrink—or turn into a sur- plus—due to underspending and property value audit recoveries. What’s changing Under House Bill 2, KISD received $28.9 million

House Bill 2

HB 2

KISD

Non-teacher instructional staff

3% raise

HB 2 and KISD

SOURCE: KATY ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Business

BY TOMER RONEN

KATY FWY.

PIN OAK RD.

KATY FORT BEND RD.

KATY RANCH RD.

Game Over Escape Rooms Opened Feb. 3 25705 Katy Freeway, Ste. 140, Katy www.katy.escapegameover.us

Taroko Sports Opened March 28 24539 Katy Freeway, Katy www.tarokosports.com

Chocho Hot Pot oers 50 all-you-can-eat hot pot items.

4 businesses bring 1st Texas locations to Katy National and international brands have ocked to the Katy area, bringing the rst Texas locations of many franchises in the rst half of 2025, accord- ing to trends identied by Community Impact sta through monthly reporting. The latest arrival is Chocho Hot Pot, which opened its doors in Katy on June 21. Meanwhile Scoops, an ice cream shop, is set to open in the area this fall. Learn more about what brands chose Katy to open up their rst locations in the area. This list is not comprehensive.

MERCANTILE PKWY.

PLYMOUTH LN.

W. CROSS CREEK BEND LN.

WESTSIDE PKWY.

GRAND W. BLVD.

SKYLINE DR.

CROSS CREEK RANCH BLVD.

KATY FWY.

1093

Chocho Hot Pot Opened June 21 22811 Mercantile Parkway, Katy www.chochohotpot.com

Scoops Opening this fall 6601 Skyline Drive, Ste. 200, Fulshear www.scoopsicecream.com

KATY FULSHEAR EDITION

Transportation

BY TOMER RONEN & AUBREY VOGEL

Katy approves $9.7M Katy Hockley Road widening Construction to widen Katy Hockley Road to a four lane road is set to begin in northern Katy. The big picture At a June 23 meeting, Katy City Council CLAY RD.

Downtown Fulshear road work set to begin Fulshear officials are continuing the revitalizing the city’s downtown area with more road projects approved in late May. The gist At a May 20 meeting, Fulshear City Coun- cil approved a $680,373 design contract with CivilCorp LLC for the reconstruction of West Downtown streets including First through Fifth streets from FM 359 to Wallis Street. Meanwhile, Fulshear and Fort Bend County officials approved an interlocal agreement May 20 and June 10, respectively, for asphalt overlays for four streets in the East Downtown, including Houston Street. What’s next? Design for the West Downtown project is expected to be completed around May 2026.

approved a $9.7 million contract with Sequeira Civil Construction LLC for the Katy Hockley Road widening project from Morton to Clay roads. The project will widen the existing two-lane asphalt roadway to a four-lane undivided concrete roadway, per agenda documents. Other project elements include: • Constructing concrete sidewalks along one side of the road • Adding street signage and pavement markers • Installing underground storm sewer boxes and drainage inlets • Upsizing existing water lines The approval includes a 5% contingency and is funded by the Katy Development Authority.

MORTON RD.

Remember this? The city previously awarded a $3.43 million contract to Sequeira to widen Katy Hockley Cut- Off Road last July, with the goal of improving the roadway between Morton and Clay roads. Looking ahead Construction is expected to begin work in early September, with anticipated completion in October 2026, City Engineer David Kasper said.

Events

BY VALERIA ESCOBAR

July

August

Cody Ray Henry Acoustic: Live from The Bunker Ice House Contemporary country artist Cody Ray Henry Band will be playing at Fulshear’s only ice house. • July 17, 8-10 p.m. • Free (admission) • 8040 FM 359 S., Fulshear • www.facebook.com/events/1684080015845139 Adult Spelling Bee at Project Halo Brewing Test your spelling skills and competitive spirit at the Adult Spelling Bee for a chance to win a $100 prize. • July 26, 3 p.m. • Free (admission) • 6510 FM 359 S., Ste. 300, Fulshear • www.facebook.com/events/1212450583372071 PopStroke Katy’s Birdies, Burgers & Brews Attendees 21 years and older can enjoy mini golf, full- sized food and beverage tastings, and giveaways. • July 31, 6-9 p.m. • $33.85 (general admission), free (PopStroke members) • 23110 Grand Circle Blvd., Katy • www.eventbrite.com

Pat Green concert Home Run Dugout will be host country artist Pat Green, featuring a special concert menu. • Aug. 1, 8 p.m. • $54.85 (general admission), $65.83 (VIP)

• 1220 Grand West Blvd., Katy • www.homerundugout.com

Classic Cars and Coffee The event will showcase vintage vehicles around Historic Downtown Square. Coffee shops will set up stations throughout the area.

• Aug. 9, 8-11 a.m. • Free (admission) • 910 Avenue C, Katy • www.cityofkaty.com

Summer Sendoff Families can enjoy this community event hosted by the city of Katy Parks and Recreation department. The event will feature giant inflatables, face painting, a petting zoo, balloon artists and classic carnival treats such as cotton candy and popcorn. • Aug. 1, 6-8:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • Woodlands Park, 443 Danover Road, Katy • www.cityofkaty.com

Texas Beer and Wine Tasting Festival Attendees 21 years of age and over will enjoy an evening of Texas wines, craft beers, delicious food and live music. • Aug. 9, noon-8 p.m. • $30 (admission) • 28533 Morton Road, Katy • www.corkntapllc.com/event-details-registration/ texas-beer-and-wine-tasting-festival-3

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Real estate Home Edition

BY TOMER RONEN

2025

Welcome to the annual CI Home Edition! This guide highlights the rise of build-to-rent communities in the Katy and Fulshear areas aimed at providing affordable housing. These communities allow residents to enjoy the features of master-planned communities without the full commitment of homeownership, including home maintenance and a down payment. The edition also covers area housing market trends—including the largest home inventory in six years—and shares more about what voters can expect to see on their Nov. 4 ballots regarding property tax-related propositions. The propositions aims to raise the exemption to $140,000 for all Texas residents and up to $200,000 for seniors and people with disabilities. Business owners could also see cuts if approved by voters. Updates on Fort Bend County’s 2025 appraisal values round out this edition, highlighting a decrease in value for nearly 60% of area residents, with homes under $200,000 seeing the largest decrease.

What's inside

Learn more about property tax propositions (Page 21)

Aubrey Vogel Editor avogel@ communityimpact.com

Explore build-to-rent communities in the area (Page 22)

See how the area’s real estate market has changed (Page 25)

For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!

Nearly 60% of property values decrease

Fort Bend County residential value trends, 2024 vs. 2025

Had nominal

Despite Fort Bend County seeing an average increase of 1.9% for residential properties values from 2024 to 2025, only 37.9% of homeowners saw their properties increase in value, according to an April news release from the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District. The average increase is also down from last year’s 4.4% increase. “The real estate market is stabilizing following the turbulent COVID[-19] years,” FBCAD Chief Appraiser Jordan Wise said in the release. “Overall, residential property saw modest gains while com- mercial property has declined slightly, led largely by faltering office and retail markets.” Wise said key market drivers for property values increasing include: • Interest rates and inflation shaping markets on national and local levels • Levels of available houses in Fort Bend County climbed

• Increasing interest in real estate • Low inventory and strong demand for houses By the numbers Homes valued under $200,000 saw the biggest negative shift among the five property value ranges, with 74.6% of houses decreasing in value, appraisal data shows. Meanwhile, homeowners with properties valued over $750,000 were the only group to see more than half their values increase, at 63.1%. Despite the drop in the values of most homes, single-family home sales, median prices and months’ supply of homes in Fort Bend County all increased from 2024 to 2025. The amount of homes added to the county rose, seeing a 4.5% increase, from 7,360 to 7,691, according to FBCAD data.

Home values

Increased Decreased change in

in value

value

Less than

3,184

13,000

1,226

$199,999 $200,000- 15,137 $299,999 $300,000- 36,309 $449,999 $450,000- 33,300 $749,999 $750,000+ 14,815

41,614

1,024

57,391

2,326

41,531

1,823

8,200

447

Total single-family homes sold in Fort Bend County

95,302 85,163 83,854

2022 2023 2024

KATY - FULSHEAR EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

BY HANNAH NORTON

This November, voters across Texas will be asked to approve larger property tax breaks for homeowners and businesses. Gov. Greg Abbott signed the three proposals into law June 16. But because the tax cuts would be enshrined in the state Constitution, voters will have the final say. If voters approve the constitutional amendments Nov. 4, homeowners will see increased exemptions from school district taxes, with the largest reduction for seniors and people with disabilities. Business owners would also see a reduction in the taxes paid on their inventory. “These exemptions, once you vote for them in November, will be there... for life,” Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, said June 16. Voters will have final say on property tax cuts

Zooming in

How it works

In a June 11 interview, Abbott said that because the state does not levy property taxes, it also cannot make direct tax cuts. “I know Texans are frustrated about what’s going on. ... Local jurisdictions, in my opinion, have imposed too much property taxes on our fellow Texans,” he said June 11. To limit homeowners’ tax bills, Abbott has suggested requiring entities to receive two-thirds approval from local voters before they can raise tax rates.

The proposed tax cuts will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot as state propositions.

Senate Bill 4

By Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, would: • Raise the statewide tax exemption for all homeowners from $100,000 to $140,000 • Apply only to taxes levied by public schools • Save the average homeowner about $484 annually

Senate Bill 23

By Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, would: • Give homeowners who are over 65 years old or have a disability a $200,000 exemption • Apply only to taxes levied by public schools • Save seniors and people with disabilities about $950 annually

Texas’ tax system

The state of Texas does not charge property taxes. Homeowners are taxed by over 3,700 local governments, including:

House Bill 9

By Rep. Morgan Meyer, R-University Park, would: • Exempt up to $125,000 of businesses’ inventory from taxation, up from $2,500 today • Save the average small-business owner about $2,500 annually

School districts

Cities and counties

Texas would spend:

SOURCES: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE, SEN. PAUL BETTENCOURT’S OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

$10B to ensure school districts do not lose revenue as a result of the proposed tax breaks

About 37% of Texans rent their homes, accord- ing to the progressive think tank Every Texan. Some lawmakers said they were concerned that the proposed tax cuts would not benefit renters. “A lot of renters indirectly pay a property tax by their monthly payments,” Rep. Armando Walle, D-Houston, said on the House floor May 20. “We need to continue to look at renters, those folks that are working shift jobs or may not have enough yet to save up for a home.”

Hospital districts

Junior college districts

$51B, or 15% of the 2026-27 budget , to maintain existing property tax relief and fund the expanded exemptions

SOURCE: TEXAS COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

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KATY - FULSHEAR EDITION

Building to rent From the cover

Build-to-rent developments in Katy, Fulshear

Units

Start date

Average rent*

The current situation

11 Millers at Elyson 170

1 Covey Homes Ventana 56 2022

$2,583

2025

$2,316

Since 2018, build-to-rent, or BTR, housing developments have emerged across Katy and Fulshear driven by rapid population growth and shifting housing preferences, said Doug Ressler, manager of business intelligence at real estate research rm Yardi Matrix. While millennials may be interested in building wealth, he said he believes they’re delaying homeownership due to aordability challenges and shifting priorities, making Katy’s BTR market an increasingly vital and sustainable part of the region’s housing landscape. Tricon Residential currently operates 41 BTR communities nationwide, including three in the Houston area—one of which is Tricon Peek Road in Katy, according to the company’s website. Although BTR communities make up only about 10% of Tricon’s overall real estate portfolio, Senior Managing Director Andy Carmoody said the company plans to expand that share to better serve people facing barriers to homeownership as the number of Harris County residents who could aord a Katy home has fallen from 28% to 19% since 2024, according to the Houston Association of Realtors. “We’re seeing families who’d like to live in a single- family home, in a neighborhood, in a community— who want to have a garage and a yard—choosing single-family homes to rent more often than they have historically because it’s more aordable and so much easier to get into,” he said.

12 Treviso Gardens 137

2 Covey Homes at Tamarron 213 2022

Unknown**

$2,267

3 Enclave at Mason Creek 192 2023

FREEMAN RD.

$2,237

4 Villas at Sunterra 114

$2,579

2023

CLAYRD.

5 Villas at Tamarron 164 2023

$2,666

MORTON RANCH RD.

6 Katy Legacy Luxury Rental Homes 176 2023

Katy

$2,407

7 Canvas on Founders Hill 147 2024

$2,208

99 TOLL

8 Summerwell Sunterra 156 2024 9 Eden at Sunterra 266 10 Tricon Peek Road 175 2024 2024

$2,597

$2,795

1463

1093

Fulshear

$2,587

*UTILITY PRICES ARE SEPARATE. **TREVISO GARDENS DID NOT SHARE START DATE OR AVERAGE RENT BY PRESS DATE. SOURCES: TREVISO GARDEN, MRI APARTMENT DATACOMMUNITY IMPACT

What they offer

The cause

Median single-family home price since May 2020

Katy

Fulshear

Sojka said he attributes the boom in BTR devel- opments to high interest rates, as many buyers wait for rates to return to pre-pandemic levels. Yet even with lower interest rates, home prices have become less affordable for residents, accord- ing to the Houston Association of Realtors’ Afford- ability Report, with only 19% of Harris County households making enough income to qualify for a median-priced home in Katy and Fulshear in the first quarter of 2025. Per HAR, the median home price in Katy rose to $336,250 in May 2025, representing a nearly 34% increase from the May 2020 median price of $251,500. “High interest rates make homeownership even less affordable, but ... home prices are still very high, and it’s a stretch for many families to get into their first home,” Sojka said.

$800K $600K $400K

Inside the home

Hunter Dodson from Enclave at Mason Creek said renters can have the home experience without the “hassle of maintenance,” with features such as:

$470K

$345K

$336K

$200K

$251K

Attached garages

Private yards

2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

Smart home features

Responsive service

30-year fixed-rate mortgage average in United States since 2020

In the community

Interest rate

8% 6% 4%

Stephanie Windon, senior director of marketing and communications for Millers at Elyson, said residents prioritize shared community amenities, including:

6.81%

3.38%

Clubhouse

Walking trails

SOURCE: FEDERAL RESERVE/COMMUNITY IMPACT 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

Pet park

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY VALERIA ESCOBAR

Zooming in

Moving forward

Ressler said Texas—particularly Katy—is appealing because of its supportive policies that streamline the building process compared to other national markets. “You’ve got relaxed country living, good schools, diversity—those are the things people are looking for,” he said. “Millennials are aging and want something that looks and feels like a home but is still a rental. It’s not linear growth, but it’s definitely expanding.” Carmoody said Tricon is eyeing high-growth areas like Fulshear, where rental demand takes time to mature but offers strong long- term potential. According to housing data firm Population and Survey Analysts, there is expected to be an additional 798 newly occupied BTR units between 2024-28, cementing BTR’s role in the region’s housing mix.

Carmoody said he believes the average BTR tenant in Katy may have the potential for home- ownership in the future, but due to high home prices, job uncertainty or lacking a down payment, they may prefer to rent, with Tricon’s rent being nearly 30% cheaper than Katy’s median mortgage. “They’re just in a different situation or circum- stance where renting is their preference or their need at this time instead of owning,” he said.

Completed BTR units in the Greater Houston area

15K

12K

Cost to own vs. rent in the Katy area

Minimum qualifying income

Monthly payments

Katy homebuyer

$149,200

$3,730

Fulshear homebuyer

$202,000

$5,050

2020

2021

2022

2025*

2023

2024

BTR developments**

$89,172*

$2,477

*FUTURE PLANNED UNITS REPRESENT THOSE FOR 2025 AND BEYOND SOURCE: POINT 2 HOMES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

*ALL DEVELOPMENTS EXCEPT VILLAS AT TAMARRON REQUIRE MONTHLY SALARIES THAT ARE 3 TIMES THE RENT. **TREVISO GARDENS IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS DATA. SOURCES: HOUSTON ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS’ AFFORDABILITY REPORT, Q1 2025, MRI APARTMENT DATA/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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