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KATY NORTH EDITION
VOLUME 11, ISSUE 9 MAY 26 JUNE 23, 2023
FUNDING EDUCATION IN TEXAS With a budget surplus of over $32 billion, public education advocates are calling on state lawmakers to invest more in public schools. At the same time, legislators could pass a school choice bill this session to provide families with funds to leave public schools and enroll in private schools.
Public schools
Private schools
The basic allotment—state funding school districts receive per student to provide basic education
How much families would receive per student for education-related expenses under Senate Bill 8
$6,160
$7,500
Burger chain P. Terry’s coming to Houston
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$900
Increase needed to match ination since 2019-20
$13,571 Average private school tuition in Katy area*
Local property values continue to rise
House Bill 100 proposed a $140 increase in the basic allotment over the next two years as of press time.
*THIS NUMBER IS BASED ON THE AVERAGE TUITION OF 30+ KATYAREA PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND IS NOT COMPREHENSIVE.
How Texas compares
Local attendance rates
After factoring in additional allotments for special education, bilingual, gifted and talented, and other programs, the state spends $9,369 per student on average.
As of 2021-22, data estimates 3.2% of students residing in Katy ISD are attending charter schools, and 2.8% are attending private schools.
Texas average $9,369 U.S. average $13,679 Katy ISD average $13,061
Charter school attendance within Katy ISD’s boundaries
2,250 1,500 3,000
Appraisal data snapshot
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2,541 students
0 750
In per-student spending by state, Texas ranks
#42
Public school performance in KISD Proponents of school choice legislation argue a perceived decline in public school performance statewide is a reason to encourage alternative education options. Katy ISD State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness scores match these trends in some subjects, but KISD students still performed above the state average in 2022.
Local vet provides personalized pet care
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ALGEBRA I
BIOLOGY
ENGLISH I
ENGLISH II
U.S. HISTORY
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Southern Dough brings comfort food to downtown
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School choice bill advances despite public education advocates’ opposition SOURCES: EDUCATION WEEK’S 2021 SCHOOL FINANCE RANKINGS, FORT BEND ISD 2023 POPULATION AND SURVEY ANALYSTS REPORT, SENATE BILL 8, 2021 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, PRIVATE SCHOOL REVIEWCOMMUNITY IMPACT NOTE: 2020 IS MISSING AS ENDOFCOURSE TESTING IN SPRING 2020 WAS CANCELED
Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries
A proposal to use state money to help parents pay for private schools was approved by the Texas Senate on April 6, setting the stage for a contentious debate in the House. Senate Bill 8, led by Sen. Brandon Creighton, RConroe, would create an education savings account BY DANICA LLOYD, HANNAH NORTON & DANIEL WEEKS
program, also known as private school vouchers. Par- ents who pull their children out of public schools could receive $7,500 per student for private school tuition and other education-related expenses.
CONTINUED ON 20
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KATY NORTH EDITION • MAY 2023
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THIS ISSUE
ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM DANIEL: Hi, readers! I’m Daniel, your new Katy editor. This month brings exciting new changes to our Katy coverage. We have expanded our coverage zone to include many new mailboxes, so if you’re receiving a Community Impact paper for the rst time, we’re so happy to have you as a reader! We also have split into two dierent newspapers: Katy North and Katy South-Fulshear. Don’t fret, you will still be getting the same useful, hyperlocal content. Our May issue is lled with the latest headlines, from recently released local appraisal data to the details of Fort Bend County's public health priorities. The front-page story for this issue is a dive into the school choice debate taking place at the Texas Legislature and what it means for your local schools. I greatly look forward to serving the Katy area with the highest quality hyperlocal coverage and further connecting with the community I grew up in. Hi Mom! Reach out to me at dweeks@communityimpact.com if you have any tips or suggestions on Katy coverage. Daniel Weeks, EDITOR
MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Amy Martinez EDITOR Daniel Weeks REPORTER Asia Armour
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KATY NORTH EDITION • MAY 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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CLAY RD.
MORTON RANCH RD.
99 TOLL
FRANZ RD.
KATY FORT BEND RD.
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Hangr Skate Shop
CANE ISLAND PKWY.
GRAND CIRCLE BLVD.
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COURTESY HANGR SKATE SHOP
HIGHWAY BLVD.
KATY FWY.
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such as eyelash extensions, spray tans, waxing and foundation applications. 281-697-9544. www.spaviadayspa.com 5 Sweet & Boozy ocially opened its relocated headquarters April 14 in LaCen- terra at 2717 Commercial Center Blvd., Ste. E185, Katy. The sweets shop oers various ice cream avors curated and created by the business with some unique avors infused with alcohol, such as pina colada, mimosa and white Russian avors. 281-394-2201. www.sweetnboozy.com 6 Typhoon Texas Waterpark announced the opening of Typhoon Jr. on May 10. The smaller version of the full-size venue has attractions speci¡cally designed for the park’s youngest guests. Its features in- clude 10 junior-size slides, an 800-gallon miniature version of the Gully Washer and an upgraded splash pad. The waterpark is located at 555 Katy Fort Bend Road, near Katy Mills mall. 832-426-7071. www.typhoontexas.com COMING SOON 7 The new Chick N Max coming to Ful- shear at the Market at Cross Creek shop- ping center along FM 1463 and Fulshear Bend Drive has an updated timeline that shows the restaurant opening in the third quarter. Construction for the Fulshear lo- cation is expected to start in May or June, a representative said in an email. Chick N Max oers almond wood-smoked chicken wings, sandwiches, tenders, leg quarters and breast quarters. www.chicknmax.com 8 Drip’d Donuts , a dessert shop spe- cializing in stued donuts, is planning to open a new location in Katy this summer. The business signed a lease March 16 for
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N TM; © 2023 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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NOW OPEN 1 Evergreen Spa opened in Fulshear on May 1. The day spa is located in the Around the Bend shopping center at 8030 FM 359, Ste. B, Fulshear, near The Summit Fitness Studio. Evergreen Spa provides a variety of massage services from licensed therapists to encourage restoration, relax- ation and wellness. 281-346-8476. www.evergreenspa888.com 2 Hangr Skate Shop held a soft opening April 22 at 25311 Kingsland Blvd., Ste. 130,
Katy, with plans to hold a grand opening in May or June. The shop carries boards and wheels as well as hats, shirts and helmets. The shop also comes equipped with an indoor mini-ramp and oers to assist riders of any skill level to learn the basics. While Hangr oers complete skateboards, it also oers the components needed to custom- ize a board from scratch. 346-387-6952. https://hangrskateshop.com 3 Hungry Howie’s , a pizza restaurant, opened its third shop in Katy on April 18. Located at 6940 Katy Gaston Road,
the restaurant sells pizzas, atbreads, oven-baked subs, breadsticks, salads, wings, “no-dough” pizza bowls and desserts. There are two other restaurants in Katy at 21003 Highland Knolls Drive and 6133 N. Fry Road. 346-257-0557. www.hungryhowies.com 4 Spavia opened a new location at 10705 Spring Green Blvd., Ste. 600, Katy, on March 24. The name combines “spa” and “via,” meaning a route or journey towards wellness, according to the brand’s website. The day spa oers massage therapy, skin care and beauty treatments—
Rashes, bites and stings are just some of the non-life threatening illnesses and injuries we treat quickly and aordably.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
COMPILED BY ASIA ARMOUR, MELISSA ENAJE & DANIEL WEEKS
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Typhoon Texas Waterpark
Drip’d Donuts
COURTESY TYPHOON TEXAS WATERPARK
COURTESY DRIP’D DONUTS
a space at the Shoppes at Grand Crossing, which is located at 23523 Katy Free- way. According to real estate company NewQuest Properties, the shop is set to open by July. Drip’d Donuts’ agship store is located on Washington Avenue in Hous- ton, where each donut is made to order. The menu features unique ingredients for stung, topping and saucing—such as candies, cookies, cereal, and other des- serts. www.instagram.com/dripddonuts 9 As part of a wider expansion into the Greater Houston area, EOS Fitness acquired local chain Texas Fit and will initiate the rebranding process for the ¡tness center in Katy. The Katy Texas Fit location acquired by EOS is located in The Shops at Katy Reserve at 719 Spring Green Blvd. According to a news release from NewQuest Properties, EOS’s rebranded gyms are expected to be open before the end of the year. The exercise facility touts a variety of machines, a training area called The Yard and steam rooms at its locations. www.eos¡tness.com 10 Katy ocials secured a deal to bring an upcoming Home Depot location inside city limits, according to economic agree- ments approved at an April 17 special City Council meeting. The plat purchased by the retailer is located at Kingsland Boule- vard, west of Cane Island Parkway and near I-10. City Administrator Byron Hebert said he expects a summer 2024 opening of the store. The national retailer sells tools, con- struction products and appliances as well as oering services such as fuel and trans- portation rentals. www.homedepot.com 11 The Dick’s Sporting Goods in Katy is temporarily closed to allow for the con- struction of a new House of Sport complex
at 24600 Katy Freeway, Ste. 1100A. Signs in the area indicate the House of Sport, an oshoot store operated by Dick’ Sporting Goods, will open this summer. Existing House of Sport locations are event centers that include a multipurpose ¡eld, a climb- ing wall, a health and wellness center, and various shops selling sporting gear, according to the Dick’s Sporting Goods website. www.dickssportinggoods.com 12 Mango Mango Dessert is planning to open its second Houston-area location in July or August at the Katy Asiantown mar- ketplace. The business fuses sweet soups traditional to Hong Kong with modern desserts, according to its website. Menu items include puddings, pastries and teas. The new store will be located at 22403 Grand Circle Blvd., Unit B103, Katy. www.mangomangodessert.com 13 Tokyo-based Rakkan Ramen is ex- pected to open soon at 1321 N. Westgreen Blvd., Ste. 300, Katy. The restaurant’s Facebook page has yet to announce a grand opening date. The new Katy location will be the third Rakkan Ramen in Houston with the ¡rst two locations in the Houston Heights and Tomball areas. The restaurant serves entirely plant-based dashi broth, which its website touts as being a healthier alternative to meat-based ramen broths while maintaining the same rich avors. www.rakkanramen.com 14 A new Shake Shack is under con- struction near the intersection of I-10 and Greenhouse Road at 19300 Katy Freeway, the ¡rst in the Katy area. The New York-based burger restaurant is a national chain that also sells chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, frozen custard, milkshakes and french fries. The restau- rant recently launched a veggie burger
P. Terry’s ies in beef from California and potatoes from Idaho for its burgers and fries.
COURTESY P. TERRY’S BURGER STAND
FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON With a city that oers countless burger chains such as Whataburger, McDonald’s and In-N-Out Burger, another burger chain is vying for a seat at the table. P. Terry’s has targeted 2024 for opening in the Bayou City. “We are planning to open our rst two [locations] in Houston in 2024. It would be premature to share any further details on that plan, but that is our intention,” CEO Todd Coerver said. While Coerver said no ocial locations are set for the fast-food burger drive-thru, the countdown is on for when Houston will have its own red and aquamarine logo with the words “P. Terry’s” on it. For several years, according to the restaurant’s website, the chain is focused solely on the Austin-San Antonio-Houston triangle as areas for targeted expansion. Kathy Terry and husband Patrick Terry
opened the rst P. Terry’s burger stand in July 2005 in Austin. Since then, it has become a Texas franchise with nearly 30 locations in the Austin and San Antonio areas. All of its locations are independently owned and operated by the original founders with no plans to change its operations, according to the restaurant’s website. P. Terry’s serves all-natural, never-frozen Angus beef that is 100% hormone and antibiotic free, according to its website. It also serves fresh-cut Idaho potato fries free of hydrogenated oils. New hamburger-centric restaurants in Houston have opened in the last year. The anticipated 2023 opening of Trill Burgers by rapper Bun B was featured on national TV. After spending time as a pop-up location, Burger Bodega opened its brick-and-mortar location last November on Washington Avenue. www.pterrys.com
option with mushrooms, sweet pota- toes, carrots, pickles and fried onions. www.shakeshack.com CLOSINGS 15 After 30 years in the Katy community, Hauerland’s held an
“everything must go” sale at its store at 1648 S. Mason Road. The gift shop slashed prices for many of its items, including home decor, jewelry, trees, garlands and wreaths. The store ocial- ly closed on May 20. 281-395-4595. www.hauerlandsgiftshop.wordpress.com
YOUR TRUSTED ADVOCATES Even if you are not considering selling at the moment, you might be considering renovations that will deliver a return on your investment. I can help you see your home improvement investments through the eyes of a potential buyer. Then when you are ready to list your home, together we can discuss the best time to put your home on the market.
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Linda Leiby REALTOR ®
281.610.8644 Linda.Leiby@GaryGreene.com
©2023 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens ® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated.
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KATY NORTH EDITION • MAY 2023
TODO LIST
May & June events
COMPILED BY ASIA ARMOUR
JUNE 1216
COOK UP CARTOON CRAVINGS COOK N GROW
JUNE 0304
SEE A HORSE SHOW THE GREAT SOUTHWEST EQUESTRIAN CENTER
In an ode to classic cartoons, Cook N Grow will have a ve-day Cartoon Cravings camp for kids ages 5 to 11. Participants will make pizza based on the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” as well as the “Krabby Patties” that Spongebob Squarepants serves. 9 a.m.-noon. $80 per day. Cook N Grow, 1210 Ave. A, Katy. 832-952-1771. www.cookngrow.com
The Great Southwest Equestrian Center will soon host a classic horse show. Four competition rings will run simultaneously. Breeds shown include American saddlebreds, American quarter horses, Arabians, miniature horses and Paso Finos. Begins 8 a.m. Free. Great Southwest Equestrian Center, 2501 S. Mason Road, Ste. 100, Katy. 281-578-7669. www.ghhja.org
09 WATCH A MOVIE AT THE PARK At Katy Summer Nights, families can see a movie at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Park. Participants are asked to bring chairs and blankets, and there will be food and drinks available for purchase. No glass, alcohol or pets are allowed, and all minors must be accompanied by an adult. 6-9 p.m. Free. VFW Park, 6202 George Bush Drive, Katy. 281-391-4840. www.cityoaty.com 11 ATTEND A MUSIC FESTIVAL Texas Best Music Fest is returning to Katy, with acts such as Deborah Duncan, Hayden Baker, and Bill and Kim Nash. Proceeds benet Champions Kid Camp, which nurtures children who have survived a traumatic injury, illness or personal loss—such as the loss of a parent or sibling. 2-2:30 p.m. $20. Mo’s Place, 21940 Kingsland Blvd., Katy. 832-449-3743. www.texasbmf.com 15 HEAR SOME JAZZ Aunt Bill’s Soul Food Cafe invited trombonist Bruce Melville and his jazz quartet for a night of live music. Guests can enjoy one of Aunt Bill’s comfort food entrees—including chicken wings, smothered pork chops and oxtails—or take part in founder and chef Kevin Muc’s
MAY 31 ENJOY A BOURBONBASED DINNER AND DESSERT Brett’s BBQ and Garrison Brothers Distillery will collaborate on a chef-paired dinner where each course is accompanied by a bourbon-based cocktail. The main course is a bourbon, barbecue-glazed double-cut pork chop with bourbon applesauce, a baby lamb chop and asparagus. 6-9:30 p.m. $185+. Brett’s BBQ, 25220 Kingsland Blvd., Katy. www.facebook.com/brettsbarbecueshop JUNE 01 CONNECT WITH PROFESSIONALS The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce will have a casual, lightly structured networking event for businesses and professionals. Each attendee will give a 30-second presentation on their profession and receive additional resources from the chamber to educate members on dierent ways to support each other’s businesses. 7:30-9 a.m. $20. Rudy’s BBQ, 21799 Katy Freeway, Katy. 281-391-7423. www.katychamber.com
special for the evening. Admission is free, and guests can bring their own bottle of wine if preferred. 6-8 p.m. Free. Aunt Bill’s Soul Food Cafe, 22603 Morton Ranch Road, Ste. 220, Katy. 281-665-8457. www.auntbillsoulfood.com 18 RACE GO KARTS WITH DAD Those looking to spend time with dad on Father’s Day might make the trip to Speedy’s Fast Track, an entertainment center that features go-karts, laser tag and arcade games. The center is oering a free ride, laser tag or mini golf promotion exclusively for Father’s Day. Noon-10 p.m. Free. Speedy’s Fast Track, 11440 Hempstead Road, Houston. 713-957-8803. www.houstonfasttrack.com 24 PARTICIPATE IN A FOOD FAIR Katy Christian Ministries will combat food insecurity with a community food fair. The nonprot organization has goals to distribute hundreds of pounds of free food and fresh produce to Katy-area residents, and all community members are encouraged to attend. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Powerhouse Christian Church, 1818 Katyland Drive, Katy. 281-391-9623. www.ktcm.org
The event is open to experienced stargazers and newcomers alike. WORTH THE TRIP STARGAZE IN THE GLADES Starting at sundown May 26, come watch the stars at Memorial Park. Astronomers will show viewers constellations, planets and other visible celestial bodies. Guests are encouraged to bring telescopes, binoculars and blankets. Sundown. Free. 7575 N. Picnic Lane, Houston. 713-863-8403. www.memorialparkconservancy.org
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Find more or submit Katy events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.
Stylish Senior Living at Eagle’s Trace. See a selection of floor plans to fit your budget and style. Call 1-888-884-4174 for your free brochure, or visit EaglesTrace.com .
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Public hearing process for 36A corridor starting late this year
COMPILED BY ASIA ARMOUR & DANIEL WEEKS
UPCOMING PROJECTS
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STUDY ZONE
The feasibility study for the 36A corridor concept is divided into two sections. A future highway could run from the cities of Rosenberg to Hempstead.
Environmental studies will start for the proposed 36A corridor transportation project after a series of public hear- ings expected to start in late 2023, according to documents provided by the Texas Department of Transportation. The TxDOT studies are for the 36A corridor project, which consists of a proposed transportation corridor from I-69 southwest of Rosenberg to Hwy. 6 north of Hempstead. The environmental study area includes parts of Fort Bend, Waller, Austin and Harris counties. TxDOT documents state the project’s purpose is to match projected growth in the study area to avoid congestion issues, improve general connectivity and improve hurricane evacuation route capacity. The study also aims to identify constraints of future construction, such as residential and commercial areas, historic sites, parks, and cemeteries. TxDOT ocials will conduct two environmental studies for the north and south segments of the project. Before ocially initiating the studies, meetings with the public and elected ocials will be conducted as TxDOT ocials draft an environmental impact statement. Fort Bend County commissioners in April passed a resolution calling for the study process to restart after seeing delays last year. County agenda documents state the process faced delays after being split into north and south segments.
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Kingsland Boulevard extension The city of Katy entered into a utility and economic agreement with home im- provement retail giant The Home Depot on April 17. To accommodate the com- pany, Katy will add throughways at two points along Kingsland Boulevard, west of Cane Island Parkway. The streets will provide mobility from the I-10 service road to Kingsland Boulevard. Timeline: TBD Cost: TBD Funding source: city of Katy
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Downtown Fulshear streetscape changes on track The city of Fulshear and Fort Bend County intend to make changes to three essential streets in downtown Fulshear that will increase commerce and walkability in the area. Harris Street runs parallel to Wallis and Main streets—the two other roadways in the streetscape plan, which will be funded by the city but designed and constructed by Fort Bend County for an estimated cost of $5.2 million. Goodlander said the city intends
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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MAY 15. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT KTNNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Leyendecker Landing, trails expansion Katy Parks Director Kevin Browne said a phased site plan for Leyendecker Park will be presented by August, following a trail feasibility study. Both are part of the parks master plan approved October 2022. Timeline: fall 2023-fall 2026 Cost: $888,840 (design) Funding source: city of Katy
Assistant City Manager Zach Good- lander said the design phase of Harris Street—which will be funded and con- structed exclusively by the city—is on track to conclude by mid-June. Goodlander said he could not estimate the construction cost for the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
to dedicate funds from its scal year 2023-24 budget for the reconstruction of Harris Street, which will include widening, curb and gutter additions, on-street parking, and wide sidewalks for pedestrian and bike trac.
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KATY NORTH EDITION • MAY 2023
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REAL ESTATE Appraised property values continue to rise
SUPPLY AND DEMAND According to a Houston Association of Realtors report, residential properties saw a decline in sales since April 2022 in the Greater Houston region, aligning with prepandemic levels.
BY DANIEL WEEKS
home inventory levels: The latest data from the Houston Association of Realtors estimates a 2.7-month supply of homes, which is up from a 1.3-month supply from last year. The months supply measurement estimates the total number of months it would take to deplete cur- rent home supply based on the prior 12 months’ sales activity. According to HAR, being below a three month supply of homes indicates a seller’s market. HAR data indicates the Greater Houston area’s housing market has been a seller’s market since 2012-2013. FBCAD and HCAD reports say low inventory levels and steady demand are a contributing factor to rising residential property values. Despite inventory for housing being low, it has increased since last year. Appeal deadline The deadline to le an appeal for many property owners in Harris and Fort Bend counties passed May 15, before press time. However, some property owners in both counties may still have the opportunity to le a protest of their appraised values. The deadline to submit a protest is either May 15 or 30 days after receiv- ing a valuation notice from either county, whichever comes later. Residents who are still within the 30-day window of receiving their appraised value notice can le appeals online in Harris County at www.hcad.org and in Fort Bend County at www.cad.org/appeals. Late protests can be led for “good cause,” which is determined by an
Properties in Harris and Fort Bend counties overall saw increases in appraised values since the prior year as the region battles inationary pressures and recovers from pan- demic-era supply chain disruptions. The Harris and Fort Bend central appraisal districts mailed property value notices to many of their respective county’s property owners in April. Overall, Harris County residential and commercial property values increased by 16% and 21% year over year, respectively. “We are again seeing a large number of residential and com- mercial properties in Harris County increasing in value this year,” HCAD Chief Appraiser Roland Altinger said in a news release. The release indicates about 96% of homes in the county saw a value increase. Meanwhile, Fort Bend County residential and commercial values increased by 15% and 18% year over year, respectively. FBCAD Chief Appraiser Jordan Wise said through- out the pandemic the county saw an “unprecedented rise in sales volume and price.” “This year, with rising interest rates and ination, sales volume has dropped to prepandemic levels, cre- ating a market that is more balanced than recent history,” Wise said in a news release. The Greater Houston region remains in a seller’s market for residential properties, according to analysis from a 2023 HCAD report. One signal for a seller’s market are
appraisal review board. Property taxes are aected by both property values and property tax rates. Values are appraised at an estimated market value each year, while tax rates are set by local taxing entities, such as counties and school districts. Altinger said the purpose of appraisals is to allocate the tax bur- den fairly across property owners. Wise said the protest process may reduce tax burden. “As a property owner, you know your property best and may have additional information specic to your property or market area. For this reason, the state Legislature cre- ated the protest process to ocially appeal the value set by the appraisal district,” Wise said in a release.
Greater Houston April snapshot
home sales year over
year -18.4%
home sales since prepandemic (2019) -4.7%
average sales price -1.3%
total sales value $3.6B
months home
supply* 2.7
average days on market before sale
55
*MONTHS SUPPLY ESTIMATED THE NUMBER OF MONTHS TO DEPLETE THE SINGLE FAMILY HOME INVENTORY BASED ON SALES ACTIVITY
RISING VALUES
Harris and Fort Bend County property valuations increased overall year over year due to supply shortages, high demand and expensive construction costs from pandemic-related supply chain disruptions.
Warehouses
Residential
Apartments
O ces
Retail
PERCENT CHANGE IN VALUES SINCE 2022
99
290
Harris County Fort Bend County
Harris County: +16% residential +21% commercial
30% 25% 20% 15% 10%
6
10
0% 5%
Fort Bend County: +15% residential +18% commercial
-10% -5%
N
SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY, FORT BEND COUNTY, HOUSTON ASSOCIATION OF REALTORSCOMMUNITY IMPACT
12 MONTH CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT
24 MONTH CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT AS HIGH AS
N
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*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. APY accurate as of 05.01.23. Minimum to earn 4.65% APY rate is $1000. Minimum to earn 5.38% APY rate is $50,000. Rates subject to change without notice. Dividends are paid monthly. Fees could reduce earnings. Early withdrawal penalties apply to all certificate accounts.
11
KATY NORTH EDITION • MAY 2023
12
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
HEALTH CARE Fort Bend County outlines 5 primary public health priorities
COUNTY HEALTH SNAPSHOT Eight hundred community survey responses and 25 key informant interviews were used as part of an expansive study. Its ndings included physical and mental health statistics, which were used to inform the county’s public health priorities. 1,210 residents per mental health provider
30% of adults are considered obese 111.7 per 100,000 deaths caused by heart disease 60.7% of pregnant women receive early prenatal care
BY ASIA ARMOUR
Jacquelyn Johnson-Minter, director of health and human services, said in the 2022 CHA introduction that the COVID-19 pandemic brought physical health, mental health and economic struggles of Fort Bend County’s rapidly evolving community to the forefront. “The pandemic highlighted many areas where critical resources were lacking, and partnerships had to be resurrected or formed in order to succeed in keeping our community as healthy as possible during the most challenging health crisis of our lifetime,” Johnson-Minter said in the report’s introduction. During summer 2022, the health and human services department con- ducted a community survey to inform the CHA priorities. Each priority was developed based on community health gures compiled by public health organizations throughout the county. Then, from September to
For the rst time since 2007, Fort Bend County’s Health and Human Services and 35 other community stakeholders collaborated to identify the county’s critical health needs. On April 21, the county released the 2022 Community Health Assess- ment—which indicated these ve public health priorities for residents of Fort Bend County: Improve mental health by increas- ing access to services and providing education; Ensure safe and aord- able housing units are available for ownership and rent for the present and future residents of Fort Bend County; Improve health by decreasing obesity; Improve cardiovascular health by increasing awareness and access; Prevent pregnancy complications and maternal deaths, and improve women’s health before, during and after pregnancy.
3.6 mentally unhealthy days per month for average resident 26.5% of residents spend over 30% of income on housing
SOURCE: FORT BEND COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLANCOMMUNITY IMPACT
December, the department engaged community members to develop an action plan for each priority area. Furthermore, over 150 Fort Bend County leaders, residents, stakehold- ers and health champions represented 70 organizations in community input sessions that determined objectives and strategies for the Community Health Improvement Plan. Ten total objectives to improve com- munity health were developed from this data and are outlined in the com- munity plan. The plan is intended to
provide a long-term, systematic eort to address public health problems based on results from the assessment, according to county documents and the Public Health Accreditation Board. According to the report, the county’s objective is to improve many of its prioritized community health issues by 2026, including access to services, education and awareness. The full 2022 CHA and accompa- nying reports can be found on the county’s health and human services department webpage.
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KATY NORTH EDITION • MAY 2023
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
NEWS BRIEFS Fort Bend County considers campaign to challenge broadband map
BY DANIEL WEEKS
for funds from the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program. Commissioners moved the item to a closed session to receive legal advice on the potential campaign. The amount of funding was not deter- mined for the campaign at the public section of the meeting, and the discussion was tabled for future consideration. The item was discussed in closed session again May 9 with no action taken. Fort Bend County previously conducted a feasibility study that called for $36.8 million in improvements to the county’s broadband infra- structure. George identied broadband improve- ments as a priority for the county this year. Community Impact previously reported the study calls for the construction of a “middle mile,” or a central network pathway of large cables capable of carrying most of the network trac. The middle mile would be installed underground and along main roads, interstates and highways. The Federal Communications Commission denes broadband as high-speed internet access that is more available and faster than traditional dial-up access. Asia Armour contributed to this report.
BROADBAND BOOST
Fort Bend County commissioners are consider- ing moves to improve county broadband infra- structure, including a prospective advertising campaign. On April 25, the county discussed the logistics of the campaign, which would call on citizens to submit a challenge to the Federal Communica- tions Commission National Broadband Map. The agenda item for the discussion indicated the county could use billboards along major roads, a method that was challenged by some commissioners. “Our message is a lot of information to try to get across to somebody driving 60 [mph] like I do down 50 [mph] freeways,” Precinct 3 Commis- sioner Andy Meyers joked. Meyers requested the campaign have a social media element, saying he believes it would be easier to communicate the county’s message this way. County Judge KP George indicated people would need broadband access to see the cam- paign if it was strictly on social media. A page on the county website calls for chal- lenges to the FCC National Broadband Map, stat- ing challenges could grant the county eligibility
Fort Bend County’s 2022 broadband feasibility study identi ed an estimated cost for sweeping broadband upgrades and some potential federal and state funding sources.
County contribution $11.03 million
$36.76 million TOTAL:
Alternative funding source $25.73 million
Capital Projects Fund: $500 million Middle Mile Grant: $1 billion FUNDING OPTIONS
BEAD Program: $42.5 billion Digital Equity Program: $2.75 billion
SOURCE: COBB FENDLEY COMMUNITY IMPACT
ERCOT projects record demand for electricity this summer
EpiCenter and Houston Volleyball Academy strike deal
PROJECTED POWER NEEDS
ERCOT’s annual capacity, demand and reserves reports show a steady increase in projected energy demand each summer. Energy demand record set on July 20, 2022 Peak summer demand in megawatts 100K
BY HANNAH NORTON
reforms following Winter Storm Uri, ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas said the power grid is “more reliable than ever.” But as Texas’ population contin- ues to grow, demand for electricity will begin to outpace the amount of available dispatchable power, which comes from sources such as natural gas and coal. This means Texas will need to rely on renew- able energy sources, such as wind and solar, to keep the lights on. Vegas likened the grid to a car: “It’s ready to run; it’s going to be reliable. However, we’re asking it to go further [than past summers] without adding more reliable fuel.” Unlike dispatchable sources, energy regulators cannot always count on the sun and wind to be there. Vegas said the highest-risk periods for the grid will be after 9 p.m., when it remains hot outside, but the sun has set and winds begin
BY ASIA ARMOUR
Texans could experience brown- outs due to record demand for power this summer, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas predicted. In its new Seasonal Assessment of Resource Adequacy report, Texas’ power grid operator antic- ipated peak demand could reach 82,739 megawatts on the hottest days. Last summer, the grid broke multiple records and reached peak demand of just over 80,000 megawatts July 20. Texans were asked to volun- tarily conserve energy twice in July, but ERCOT did not issue any emergency alerts. At a May 3 news conference, ocials said they would communicate with Texans in advance if voluntary conserva- tion is recommended at any point this summer or the grid reaches emergency conditions. Thanks to over two years of
On May 9, ocials with the Epi- Center announced a partnership with the Houston Volleyball Academy to be its ocial home training and practice facility ahead of its August opening. HVA is regarded as one of the top volleyball clubs in Texas with a 30-year history, per a news release. The organization has coed programs for kids ages 7-18. To prepare for the HVA January volleyball tournament at the Epi- Center—set to draw more than 80 regional teams and occupy 12 courts— the venue will immediately begin hosting weekly training sessions in its multipurpose area upon opening in late summer. EpiCenter General Manager Toby Wyman said in the release the venue is focused on bringing “top-notch” sports and entertainment events to Fort Bend County.
80K
60K
40K
20K
0
2021 2022 2023*
SOURCE: ELECTRIC RELIABILITY COUNCIL OF TEXAS COMMUNITY IMPACT
*PROJECTED SUMMER PEAK
to die down. As a result, Texans could be asked to conserve energy or even face brownouts this summer. Brownouts typically occur when the ¨ow of electricity to certain areas is reduced to prevent a large-scale blackout.
15
KATY NORTH EDITION • MAY 2023
CITY & COUNTY
News from Fort Bend County & Harris County
Harris County Commissioners Court will meet next on June 6 at 1001 Preston Ave., Ste. 934, Houston. 713-755-5000. www.harriscountytx.gov Fort Bend County Commissioners Court meets next on June 13 at 1 p.m. at 401 Jackson St., Richmond. 281-342-3411. www.fortbendcountytx.gov MEETINGS WE COVER HIGHLIGHTS FORT BEND COUNTY Judge KP George announced April 17 the appointment of Greg Babst to the role of Homeland Security and Emergency Management manager. George said Babst is the leadership the Oce of Homeland Security and Emergency Management needs as hurricane season approaches. Babst was serving in the role as interim since January, when former Manager Mark Flathouse announced his retirement. Babst previously worked in various federal emergency management positions and has worked with the county since 2021. The department exists to help prevent, protect and recover from natural disasters and other crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fort Bend County elections team requests funds, sta BY DANIEL WEEKS
Harris County approves guidelines for tax incentives HARRIS COUNTY Commissioners voted unanimously 4-0 to approve updated guidelines that must be met for projects to qualify for tax abatement in Harris County’s reinvestment zones. BY MELISSA ENAJE
Fort Bend County accepts $2.87M grant for future health emergencies, infrastructure
QUOTE OF NOTE “We have a responsibility to promote equitable economic growth and shared prosperity. When companies get a break, our communities should benet, too.” RODNEY ELLIS, HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 1 COMMISSIONER
GRANT BREAKDOWN A $3.95 billion federal grant was distributed among state and local governments to help prepare for public health emergencies such as COVID-19. Funds provided will need to be used for specic stated purposes.
BY ASIA ARMOUR
REGISTERED VOTERS RISING Fort Bend County’s elections administrator said an increase in the county’s voting population calls for increased funding and stang for the elections department.
FORT BEND COUNTY The county accepted a $2.87 million grant to be used through November 2027 for its public health infrastruc- ture and workforce development. At an April 11 meeting, commis- sioners accepted the grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services. The funds were made available through a $3.95 billion multicomponent grant provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC grant program will pro- vide funding for workforce devel- opment, foundational capabilities, data modernization, and technical assistance and training over the next ve years. The investment is to better prepare the nation’s public health systems for emergencies and to meet the evolving and complex needs of the communities and
FORT BEND COUNTY Elections Administrator John Oldham made a case for additional support for the elections sta ahead of the November election at a May 5 Fort Bend County Commissioners Court budget meeting. Oldham requested additional fund- ing and personnel for the elections department as part of the request portion of the county’s budget cycle. He said the county’s election team is understa ed compared to other sim- ilar sized counties. He said the team consists of 12 people, while indicating Hidalgo County in south Texas has 22. Oldham specically highlighted the need for a full-time trainer role, saying consistent changes to election procedures leads to as many as 150 hours of training sessions before a general election. “The training position to us is the most important thing maybe I’ve ever
What happened: Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis said Harris County’s updated guidelines aim to increase and strengthen existing community benets and worker protections. City of Houston ocials said 28 sites are designated as tax increment reinvestment zones. According to Texas Tax Code, a county or municipality may designate a geographic area as a TIRZ to promote development or redevelopment, and attract new invest- ment in an area. Cities around Texas try to boost devel- opment in underperforming areas by creating TIRZs. Tax abatements, also known as a reduction or exemption, can be e ective for a maximum of 10 years. The details: The policy builds on changes for competi- tive wages, access to a ordable health care and safety training, and encourages minority- and women-owned businesses to participate in developing projects in TIRZ areas. According to documents, the policy updates will: • Incentivize businesses to reduce carbon emissions • Create job opportunities that require at least 50% of new hires at a project location to be Harris County residents
Public health workforce support $3 billion Strengthen systems and processes $700 million Tech modernization $200 million Training $45 million
January registered voters in Fort Bend County
0 150K 300K 450K 600K
• Require a minimum of 25 new full-time permanent positions to be created per project site • Require that full-time employees be paid a fair wage and o ered a ordable health care plans • Mandate a Fair Chance Hiring plan, meaning residents would not have to disclose state criminal histories on their job application • Prevent contractors with Occupational Safety and Health Administration violations from working on projects • Prohibit contractors with outstanding wage theft claims or a recent history of wage thefts
SOURCE: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION COMMUNITY IMPACT
2019 2020
2021 2022 2023
populations they serve, according to grant documents. Per a contract between the county and the state, Fort Bend County must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, health disparities and accessibility in its workforce recruit- ment and selection process.
SOURCE: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE COMMUNITY IMPACT
asked for in 15 years. It’s vital,” he said. The county’s scal year 2023-24 calendar states the budget oce will begin analyzing requests in June to prepare for a formal recommendation.
FRY ROAD 1743 Fry Rd (281) 579-7004 KATY MILLS 24417 Katy Fwy (281) 394-5780
FRY ROAD NORTH 3811 N Fry Rd (281) 578-0916 MASON ROAD 1640 S Mason Rd (281) 395-6262
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