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Sugar Land Missouri City Edition VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 SEPT. 11 OCT. 9, 2025
Taking flight
Sugar Land considers alternative transportation methods to relieve tra c congestion
area airports is in its rst phase. In future phases, Beaman said there are plans to establish routes to Downtown Houston and other cities. The helicopters are one of several ways the city is reimagining its transportation system—moving away from car-centric planning and embracing a more multimodal approach aimed at relieving growing tra c congestion, Beaman said.
self- ying helicopters for travel throughout Greater Houston. Nearly a year later, council members approved a $195,664 vertiport study with construction com- pany Woolpert to determine the viability of the air taxi service. Melanie Beaman, Sugar Land’s transportation and mobility manager, said the proposed air taxi service via the city’s airport and other Houston
BY VALERIA ESCOBAR
A new way to travel in the city of Sugar Land could have residents at a bird’s eye view after city o cials partnered with autonomous aircraft com- pany Wisk Aero in 2024 to bring new infrastructure to the Sugar Land Regional Airport. The project aims to improve connectivity and reduce roadway congestion by introducing
CONTINUED ON 18
The city of Sugar Land partnered with autonomous air taxi company Wisk Aero in 2024 with the hope of providing ight services to destinations across the Greater Houston region.
COURTESY WISK AERO
Also in this issue
Impacts: See where The Local Table is opening its newest location (Page 6)
Government: Find out more about potential smoke shop bans in Missouri City (Page 10)
Education: Learn more about new bachelor’s degrees coming to Houston City College (Page 14)
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
You are Invited to Attend:
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Angie Hanan Vice President Position 1
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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION
Doctors that handle your ups and downs. Coordinated care that helps keep you rolling. Welcome to the best of both worlds.
seniors.kelsey-seybold.com | 713-442-8526 (TTY: 711)
There are several ways to learn about your Medicare coverage options. You can review the CMS website at medicare.gov or call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227/TTY call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Calling this number will direct you to a licensed insurance agent. You can contact Medicare Advantage health plans directly for information about the plans they offer. Kelsey-Seybold Clinic accepts patients with Medicare Advantage plans. Not all plans accepted. Call for details. ©2025 Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. All rights reserved. KSSFPCI_1059V1
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION
Impacts
• 3601 Hwy. 6, Sugar Land • www.fscu.com
W . B E L L F O R T B
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3 The Kebab Shop The restaurant, which began in downtown San Diego, offers customizable Mediterranean bowls, wraps and plates. • Opened July 15 • 13607 University Blvd., Sugar Land • www.thekebabshop.com 4 Cava The eatery offers customizable bowls and pita wraps with various protein options including lamb, falafel, chicken and steak with topping options. • Opened June 27 • 11317 Current Lane, Stafford • www.cava.com 5 My Salon Suite The salon offers private spaces for rent, which are complimented with 24/7 security, personalization potential and no commission splits. • Opened Aug. 4 • 9320 Hwy. 6, Ste. 500, Missouri City • www.mysalonsuite.com/sienna 6 Solis Mammography The center offers mammograms and other health treatments for women, including bone density testing, breast biopsies, ultrasounds and heart screenings. • Opened Aug. 25 • 9010 Sienna Crossing Drive, Ste. 150, Missouri City • www.solismammo.com 7 Portillo’s The menu consists of Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef and sausage sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, burgers, fries, salads and milkshakes. • Opened Aug. 26 • 12419 Southwest Fwy, Stafford • www.portillos.com 8 The Goodland Church The non-demonational church has opened its Voss Road
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N TM; © 2025 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
• 1021 Lake Olympia Parkway, Ste. 300, Missouri City • www.nathansbarbershopmocity.com
Now open
1 Nathan’s Barbershop The shop offers barber services including haircuts, styles and braiding. • Opened this summer
2 First Service Credit Union The member-owned credit union started in 1977 with a vision to foster well-being in the Greater Houston area. • Opened July 7
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY VALERIA ESCOBAR, ROO MOODY & AUBREY VOGEL
campus inside Kempner High School’s auditorium. • Opened Sept. 7
• 5801 Hwy. 6, Missouri City • www.layneschickenfingers.com
Coming soon
• 14777 Voss Road, Sugar Land • www.thegoodlandchurch.com
12 Kelsey-Seybold Clinic The 36,788-square-foot clinic, located in the second phase of Fort Bend Town Center, aims to bring medical care to suburban areas in the southwest Houston area. • Completion expected in 2026 • North of Hwy. 6 and west of Fort Bend Parkway, Missouri City • www.kelsey-seybold.com 13 Amy’s Cookie Co. and Bakery The family-owned bakery, founded in El Campo, is set to open its third location bringing specialized treats including custom cakes and cookies. • Opening early 2026 • 15283 Southwest Freeway, Ste. A, Sugar Land • www.amyscookiecoandbakery.com 14 KidStrong The business offers physical training programs for children up to 11 years old that help them develop resilience, independence and self-worth. • Opening TBD • 8790 Hwy. 6, Ste. 160, Missouri City • www.kidstrong.com
9 Montessori Reggio Academy Designed for children ages 3 to 6, the new campus blends Cambridge International Early Years curriculum with Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches. • Opened Aug. 11
• 16103 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land • www.montessorireggioacademy.com
Avenue 360 Health & Wellness The new mobile clinic will improve health outcomes and address health inequities across Fort Bend and Harris counties. • Opened Aug. 27 • www.avenue360.org Fort Bend County Animal Services mobile adoption unit The 26-foot mobile adoption unit aims to increase animal visibility in underserved and remote areas, relieve shelter overcrowding and provide mobile health services such as microchipping
16 Local Table The menu features a variety of dishes such as pizza, burgers, tacos, salads, seafood and plant-based rice bowls. Brunch is also offered on weekends. The restaurant has five other locations in the Greater Houston area including Katy, Cypress, Fulshear, Houston and The Woodlands. A new concept, The Local Sport, opened in Cross Creek Ranch in late August. • Opening by Jan. 1
• 3434 FM 1092, Missouri City • www.eatatlocaltable.com
and vaccinations. • Opened Aug. 8 • www.fortbendcountytx.gov
In the news
• Opened July 21 • 10305 W. Grand Parkway S., Richmond • www.pterrys.com
15 Stewart Title The real estate and mortgage service provider relocated down the street from its original location at 14100 Southwest Freeway. The company provides title insurance, escrow and closing services. • Relocated July 14 • 1 Sugar Creek Center Blvd., Ste. 1000, Sugar Land • www.stewart.com
Coming soon
10 Urban Skillet The California-based restaurant offers numerous halal burgers, wings, hot dogs, wraps and loaded fries. • Opening TBD • 13134 Dairy Ashford Road, Sugar Land • www.urbanskilletla.com 11 Layne’s Chicken Fingers The chicken eatery, which opened in College Station in 1994, is centralized around the restaurant’s chicken tenders, fries, toast and signature Layne’s sauce. • Opening fourth quarter of 2025
Closings
Family 2 Family Network Due to financial constraints, the intellectual and development disorders nonprofit ceased operations after more than 30 years of serving the Houston area.
Worth the trip
• Closed July 31 • www.f2fn.org
P. Terry’s The Austin-based burger stand features Black Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken bites and milkshakes.
great food from Carnival Midway food trucks and The Tea Room. Take home treats from Aunt Hattie’s.
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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION
SPLASH OF FUN! NEW LUXURY HOMES WITH A
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RICHMOND
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY TOMER RONEN & AUBREY VOGEL
Missouri City proposes flat tax rate Missouri City residents are expected to see a $0.570825 per $100 valuation tax rate for the third year in a row after council approved the preliminary rate Aug. 18. Chief Budget & Performance Officer Bertha Alexander said the tax is comprised of the: • Maintenance and operations tax rate, which funds day-to-day operations, at $0.455029 • Interest and sinking tax rate, which funds debt, at $0.115796 The proposed fiscal year 2025-26 tax rate is below the no-new-revenue rate of $0.577832 and voter-approval tax rate of $0.600699. Going forward A tax rate public hearing will be held at a Sept. 15 City Council meeting, followed by budget and tax rate approval. County to accept redistricting proposals Fort Bend County commissioners will allow the public and county officials to submit redistricting maps for review. At an Aug. 12 meeting, Fort Bend County commis- sioners voted 3-2 to approved a resolution adopting criteria for redistricting. The resolution requires new maps to avoid racial gerrymandering and must follow “easily” identifiable geographic boundaries, according to agenda documents. Redistricting will be led by the county’s Citizens Redistricting Advisory Committee appointed at the July 22 meeting after state Rep. Matt Morgan, R-Richmond said the county’s voter precincts during the November election did not meet state population requirements. What else The resolution also affords incumbent office holders assurance that they will continue to represent the majority of individuals who elected them and their residential location will be retained in their reformed precincts, according to agenda documents.
Sugar Land approves $3.85M police building design At an Aug. 19 meeting, Sugar Land City Council unanimously approved a $3.85 million contract with architecture firm PGAL, Inc. to design a new police department building and renovate the existing police building. The plan includes funds to design a new 50,000-square-foot police department building next to the existing building, said Lane Wolf, senior manager of ver- tical construction for the city of Sugar Land. Meanwhile, renovations will cover approximately 43,000 square feet, expand courts on the first floor and renovate the second floor. What’s next The design process is expected to take 12 to 14 months, officials said. The $63 million construction contract is anticipated to take 18 to 20 months.
Redistricting plan submission requirements
A submission process will be established by the Citizens Redistricting Advisory Committee. should not deviate by more than 10% between the largest and smallest district. • Commissioner districts should be contiguous. • Neighborhoods and census blocks should not be split, if possible. Any submitted plans must consist of all four precincts and be made using 2020 census data, according to agenda documents. Other key guidelines include: • Commissioner district populations
SOURCE: FORT BEND COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Looking ahead The committee’s first official meeting was slated for Sept. 8 after press time. The committee also plans to hold four public meetings—one in each commissioner precinct—to gather community input, although a schedule has not been finalized, committee Chair Jacob Lee said.
Greater Houston area tax rates, FY 2024-25* Sugar Land had the lowest tax rate of neighboring cities in fiscal year 2024-25.
$0.8
$0.570825
$0.6
$0.635 $0.66
$0.514172
$0.4
$0.369
$0.35321
$0.2
$0
Pearland Richmond Sugar Land
Missouri City
Friendswood League City
*PER $100 VALUATION
SOURCE: CITY OF MISSOURI CITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Sugar Land proposes 1-cent tax rate increase Sugar Land residents could see a 1-cent tax rate increase for fiscal year 2025-26. The tax rate proposal, approved Aug. 19, increases the total tax rate by $0.01 to $0.36321 per $100 valuation. The increase is attributed to the $350 million general obligation bond approved by voters in November 2024, officials said.
At the proposed tax rate, the average home in Sugar Land—valued at $522,316—would see a $95 annual tax increase, a 6.2% increase from last year, according to agenda documents. Zooming in The proposed tax rate, which is below the no-new-revenue tax rate of $0.367991 and voter approval tax rate of $0.372420, was approved 6-1, with council member Sanjay Singhal dissenting. What’s next Tax rate adoption is scheduled for Sept. 16.
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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION
Government
BY AUBREY VOGEL CONTRIBUTIONS BY TOMER RONEN
90 Missouri City could prohibit new smoke shops in city limits Iyamu said Missouri City has more smoke-related shops within its city limits than neighboring cities, such as: • Rosenberg with 16 • Pearland with 11 • Sugar Land with nine 2234 Smoke shops Existing Missouri City smoke shops Existing smoke shops will be able to continue business within city limits.
Missouri City is considering prohibiting future smoke shops from opening within city limits. The item comes after former District C council member Anthony Maroulis asked staff to review limiting smoke and vape shops in commercially-zoned districts within city limits as city staff work to update the city’s comprehensive plan, which serves as a guide for property uses. The big picture If approved, the moratorium would no longer allow businesses that have over 25% of revenue from smoke-related items within city limits, although City Attorney E. Joyce Iyamu said it would not affect the operations of shops already open or those in the permitting process. By the numbers The city currently has 20 smoke shops within city limits, with another already in the permitting process, Iyamu said.
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“I think it’s extremely important and now to really look at the numbers to see how we compare to other cities near and surrounding us; we really need to get that ordinance in place,” Mayor Pro Tem Sonya Brown-Marshall said at a July 29 meeting. Going forward A temporary moratorium began July 31 and will expire Nov. 9, although Iyamu said city officials aim to have a permanent ordinance in place by the end of the 90-day period. The council can also extend the moratorium if more time is necessary.
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Government
BY TOMER RONEN
Sugar Land becomes Houston’s sole support city for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Sugar Land sponsorship funding According to agenda documents, the sponsorship will be funded from 2025-27, including:
$1.4 million from the Sugar Land Development Corporation
$800,000 from the Sugar Land 4B Corporation
Sugar Land will be the sole Host City Supporter in the Greater Houston area and the only support city in a 26-county radius for the 2026 FIFA
are not only welcoming the world to our commu- nity, but also investing in long-term economic growth, enhanced tourism and strengthening a sense of pride for our residents and businesses.” Breaking it down Elizabeth Huff, Sugar Land executive director of economic development, said the World Cup is expected to generate $1.5 billion in revenue for the Houston economy, and Sugar Land officials are hoping to get in on the action, with an impact on Sugar Land Regional Airport, hotels and restaurants across the city. “It will not only tell our story on a global stage, but it will also generate significant economic benefits for the city, including increased tourism revenue, support for local businesses and long- term business attraction,” Huff said in the release.
$300,000 from the hotel occupancy tax fund, which collects money from short-term lodging rentals such as hotels and motels
World Cup. Zooming in
At a Sept. 2 meeting, Sugar Land City Council voted 6-1 to allow Visit Sugar Land to pursue a $2.5 million sponsorship with the Houston 2026 World Cup Host Committee with council member Robert Boettcher dissenting. The partnership will give the city exclusive benefits, including FIFA branding rights and the ability to host official watch parties, according to agenda documents. “This partnership elevates Sugar Land’s profile on a global scale,” Sugar Land Mayor Carol McCutcheon said in a Sept. 3 news release. “We
SOURCE: CITY OF SUGAR LAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Looking ahead There will be seven World Cup matches in Hous- ton, starting with a group stage matchup March 10 and ending with a Round of 16 game on July 4. While no plans are set in stone yet, Huff said the city hopes to host events for each of the seven games, including free watch parties— potentially at First Colony Mall, although that could change if a group wants to buy out Smart Financial Centre.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY LICENSE #308670
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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION
Lamar CISD is home to 57 campuses across 385 square miles, with an enrollment of nearly 49,000 students. The current projection estimates that more than 70,000 students will be enrolled with the District by 2035.
Proposition A Estimated Cost: $1.9 Billion
Proposition B Estimated Cost: $26.7 Million
• Land and land development • 7 New Elementary Schools • High School #9, Junior High #9, and Middle School #9 • New Terry HS, George JH, and Navarro MS • Portable buildings • Leaman JH and Roberts MS classroom additions • Vehicles: Buses and district vehicles • Safety and security across all color tracks • Roof & HVAC across all color tracks (42 sites) New Schools & Facility Improvements
Traylor Stadium Repairs
• Replacing and reducing bleachers • Replacing and adding restroom and concession stand areas • Update the sound system • Update the scoreboard
Proposition D Estimated Cost: $10.6 Million
Proposition C Estimated Cost: $44.1 Million
• Replacement of student and staff laptops, desktops, iPads, and monitors no longer under warranty • Upgrades to Graphic Arts printing and production equipment Technology Equipment Refresh
Student Device Initiative
• A laptop for every student in grades 3–12, used only during the school day • Devices will stay on campus and support digital instruction, STAAR testing, and technology readiness
On August 26, the Board of Trustees voted to keep the 2025-2026 tax rate the same, based on current assumptions, there is no anticipated increase to the tax rate.
Scan the QR code to learn about the 2025 Bond
Election Day - November 4, 2025
Content provided by Lamar CISD
3911 Avenue I Rosenberg, TX 77471
www.LCISD.org/Bond2025
(832) 223-0000 Info@LCISD.org
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Nonpro t
BY ROO MOODY
The nonpro t also distributes food to seniors in need.
Seniors can receive technology help from program volunteers.
PHOTOS COURTESY SILVER HEART CARE
Silver Heart Care celebrates 5 years of serving seniors When the United States entered lockdown in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Raghav Singh worried about his grandmothers, who lived overseas in India.
nonpro t provides a variety of free services, from driving clients to appointments to helping with household chores. Singh said the youth also receive something in return: the intergenerational exchange of wisdom and knowledge. “One of the biggest philosophies that we wanted to incorporate is the connection between the youth and the seniors,” Singh said. “The youth can do what the seniors can’t, but the seniors can teach what the youth don’t know.” Additionally, the nonpro t provides technolog- ical assistance, helps with grocery shopping and distributes food to seniors in need. The framework Another essential aspect of Silver Heart Care’s mission is its Wheels of Wellness transportation program. Singh said the nonpro t coordinates and pays for seniors to use the rideshare service Uber Health, which helps reach seniors across the Greater Houston area. To nance the ride services, the organization, which is fully community-funded, hosts an annual fundraising event, typically in the form of a charity run that takes place during the spring. Last year, Singh said the run raised almost $30,000, which was allocated to funding the rides, as the nonpro t makes the service com- pletely free.
At the time, Singh was a sophomore at Clements High School in Sugar Land. He said he noticed the disproportionate ways quarantine a ected senior citizens, and while he couldn’t reach his own grandmothers, he decided to help someone else’s. Singh said he founded Silver Heart Care in the fall of 2020 to bridge the gap between what seniors have and what they need. “At the time, it was really just about what we could do to help out people that are nearest to us, just people in our own neighborhood,” Singh said. Now, almost ve years later, the nonpro t runs several di erent programs, raises thousands of dollars annually and serves seniors all across the Greater Houston area. The approach Singh said Silver Heart Care’s largest program is its Senior Services Program, o ering di erent types of customized care to those who need it most. “What we’ve learned is that there’s no one need that seniors have; it really depends on person to person,” he said. “We try our very best to provide individualized care to anyone who needs it.” Through its youth volunteers program, the
The nonpro t hosts several fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for services.
Raghav Singh founded the organization in 2020 as a way to connect with seniors.
www.silverheartcare.org
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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION
Education
BY VALERIA ESCOBAR
Houston City College proposes new bachelor’s degree programs
Diving in
Andrea Burridge, vice chancellor of strategy, planning and institutional e ectiveness, said the proposed degrees are expected to be a ordable, workforce-aligned and accessible to people across the Greater Houston area, with estimates for the cost for the arti cial intelligence degree at $15,000. She said top factors of students selecting HCC include high-quality programming, a ordability and the accessibility of location, serving as “critical information” for the institution moving forward. To implement any program before fall 2027, administrators must follow a detailed approval process from now through early 2027, o cials said. The process includes faculty planning, internal and board approvals and submissions to state and accrediting bodies.
With the recent name change from “Houston Community College” to “Houston City College,” the institution is positioning itself as a workforce-driven college that still o ers a ordable access—but with a growing list of four-year degree options, o cials said at a July 31 Community Partnership meeting at the Southwest campus. Miguel Ramos, associate vice chancellor of curriculum and learning initiatives, said the new three proposed degrees are designed to expand student opportunities in business, information technology and health care, building on the college’s recent success with its inaugural bachelor’s programs in arti cial intelligence and health care management launched in fall 2023.
Proposed degrees include:
Bachelor degree in computer information , to include specialties such as cybersecurity and arti cial intelligence
Bachelor degree in business , a program with a focus on nance, marketing and real estate and management
Bachelor of Science in nursing , which prepares students for careers as registered nurses
SOURCE: HOUSTON CITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY IMPACT
Education
BY VALERIA ESCOBAR
Fort Bend ISD garners B rating in newly released TEA scores
Put it in perfective
Most school districts statewide maintained or improved their A-F ratings between the two school years. Of the 1,208 school districts across Texas, data shows 24% received a higher rating, 64% kept the same rating and 12% received a lower rating.
Fort Bend ISD received a B from the Texas Education Agency’s accountability rating system for the 2024-25 academic year, showing growth after a C ranking the previous three years. The 2023-24 and 2024-25 ratings were released Aug. 15 following a legal battle that stalled state evaluations for nearly two years. Texas schools are rated on an A-F scale based on three categories: student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps. FBISD received 80 out of 100 points, an increase from the stagnant 79 the district scored the previous three years. “We are making progress,” said Jaretha Jordan, deputy superintendent of teaching and learning. “It’s great to celebrate, but we must dig deeper. It’s every student, every day—and some of our groups are getting left behind.”
Fort Bend ISD A-F scores by campus 2023-24 2024-25
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Statewide district performance
2024-25
2023-24
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A: 23% B: 33% C: 24% D: 10% F: 4% Not rated: 6%
A: 18% B: 31% C: 25% D: 14% F: 8% Not rated: 6%
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NOTE: PERCENTAGES MAY NOT ADD UP TO 100% DUE TO ROUNDING. SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SUGAR LAND 3335 Hwy 6 S (281) 313-4446
SUGAR CREEK 13827 Southwest Fwy (281) 491-8628
MISSOURI CITY 5418 Hwy 6 (281) 403-0400 MISSOURI CITY SIENNA PLANTATION 9034 Sienna Crossing Dr (281) 778-9959 NEW TERRITORY 5720 New Territory Blvd (281) 491-0811
Transportation
BY AUBREY VOGEL
TxDOT proposes 8 alternatives for southern portion of Hwy. 36A
36A South project study area
Alternative route 1 Alternative route 2 Alternative route 3 Alternative route 4
Alternative route 5 Alternative route 6 Alternative route 7 Alternative route 8
direction separated by a grassy median, docu- ments show. Additionally, a 10-foot-wide shared use path is proposed for pedestrians and cyclists. Why it matters As the Fort Bend and Waller communities con- tinue to grow, TxDOT Public Information Officer Kristina Hadley said the agency is looking for ways to reroute crowded interstates. “As the communities grow, we’re going to have to expand mobility and make it safer,” she said. “This will be an important [route] because if people don’t need to get on I-10, they don’t need to get on 1463. … They can just cut through [Hwy. 36A].” Going forward A final route for the south portion is expected by summer 2028, followed by the north section.
Texas Department of Transportation officials are seeking public input on eight proposed routes for the southern portion of the Hwy. 36A project. The proposed route aims to provide congestion relief and an alternative route for large trucks to travel from Port Freeport to reach major highways and distribute freight in North Texas, Fort Bend County Precinct 3 commissioner Andy Meyers
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The southern portion of the project is expected to run from FM 1994 south of Needville to I-10 West in Katy, an approximately 35-mile study area, per project documents. The proposed $2.5 billion project—with a funding source to be determined—includes a new highway with four lanes with two lanes going each
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SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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Transportation
BY TOMER RONEN
H-GAC regional plan backed by $140B
What’s next?
Feedback will be collected ahead of the 2050 plan’s approval in fall 2026, Senior Planner Florence Buaku said. “We understand transportation extends beyond county boundaries, and so we want to make sure that we have a collaborative approach towards transportation,” she said.
The $140 billion plan funded by local, state and federal entities includes hundreds of projects for roads, transit, freight, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure throughout the Greater Houston area. The regional plan is updated every four years. Sugar Land-Missouri City area projects The updated 2045 plan is being used to identify projects for the 2050 plan. The updated plan consists of 116 proposed road projects in Fort Bend County, totaling $5.46 billion. 1 Hwy. 99 extension to FM 762 Cost: $321.6 million | Timeline: 2029-2040 2 Fort Bend Parkway Toll Road extension Cost: $240.86 million | Timeline: 2029-2040 3 New park and ride on University Boulevard Cost: $73.08 million | Timeline: 2030
The Houston-Galveston Area Council hosted 14 public meetings throughout Houston to gather community input on the organization’s Regional Transportation Plan 2050 throughout July and August, including two meetings in Fort Bend County on Aug. 6.
99
3 UNIVERSITY BLVD.
Regional Transportation Plan 2050 process
1
69
Summer 2025: Public meeting Phase 1 Fall 2025: H-GAC goes over goals and objectives; Public meeting Phase 2 Spring 2026: Call for projects; Public meeting Phase 3 Fall 2026: Approved final draft
2025
762
36
2026
2
N
SOURCE: HOUSTON-GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: HOUSTON-GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION
Taking flight From the cover
The big picture
Proposed Sugar Land transportation projects
• Timeline: Ready for construction by late 2026 • Cost: $3.82 million • Funding source: H-GAC grant 3 Microtransit The Uber-like service provides $2 rides across a 24-square-mile service area. • Status: Year one of pilot program underway • Timeline: Launched in March • Cost: $5.08M for three years • Funding source: H-GAC grant and 2023 Fort Bend County mobility bond 4 Sugar Land Trail Phase 1 The trail will connect Imperial Park to Smart Financial Centre. • Status: Design complete • Timeline: One year for construction • Cost: $9.09 million • Funding source: H-GAC grant 5 Sugar Land Trail Phase 2 The trail will run along Lexington Boulevard between Smart Financial Centre and Austin Parkway. • Status: Design bidding underway • Timeline: Up to two years for design and construction • Cost: $6.45 million • Funding source: H-GAC grant 6 Wisk Aero air taxi service Autonomous helicopters connecting Greater Houston • Status: Vertiport study underway • Timeline: Completion by 2030 (Phase 1) • Cost: $6.3 million for Phase 1 • Funding source: Exploring funding, no tax dollars Service area
GANNOWAY LAKE
At the core of this alternative transportation transformation is Sugar Land’s first-ever Mobility Master Plan, adopted in 2023. More than a visionary document, the plan builds upon and consolidates previous initiatives—such as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and the Thoroughfare Master Plan—while emphasizing safety, sustainability and accessibility, Beaman said. While regional municipal planners said they plan to implement a light rail and county governments provide intraregional bus transportation, Sugar Land officials said they’re looking for innovative models with the availability of grants that could help subsidize them. In addition to the autonomous flights, city officials are seeking a Houston-Galveston Area Council grant for a proposed autonomous elevated cable and rail system, known as an “aerial gondola,” as a cheaper alternative to light rails, which require land acquisition. Additionally, the city launched its pilot Sugar Land On-Demand microtransit system in May, Beaman said. The service area was upgraded in June to cover 24 square miles across the city. City officials are also working on three trail projects that cross both Hwy. 6 and Hwy. 59, addressing two of the biggest physical barriers for nonmotorized travel. H-GAC Chief Transportation Officer Ron Papsdorf said this trend mirrors what’s happening across the broader region and may shape local transportation policies going forward.
59
6
2
BURNEY RD.
3
99 TOLL
LEXINGTON BLVD.
UNIVERSITY BLVD.
4
BRAZOS RIVER
5
6
AUSTIN PKWY.
1
N
Elevated Cable & Rail System Autonomous, gondola-like elevated cable system • Status: Awaiting grant decision expected in October • Timeline: Begin design as soon as funding is secured • Cost: $12 million • Funding source: Seeking alternative federal grants 1 Brazos River multimodal bridge A 10-foot-wide suspension bridge • Status: Awaiting grant decision • Timeline: Two years after grant is awarded • Cost: $12.5 million • Funding source: TxDOT, potential 2026 Fort Bend County mobility bond 2 Gannoway Lake Trails The trail will connect Cullinan Park to Gannoway Lake. • Status: Design is 30% complete
SOURCE: CITY OF SUGAR LAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Why it matters
Sugar Land’s average volume of traffic per day, August 2024-August 2025
ensure mobility for residents who don’t drive—a group that comprises roughly 30% of the U.S. adult population, Beaman said. Census data from the 2023 American Com- munity Survey 1-year study showed that 13% of Fort Bend County residents were 65 or older, compared to the national average of 10.2%. These populations can experience age-related medical conditions or injuries that could impact driving skills, per the National Institute of Health. “Thinking of the needs of our older adult population and folks that might not be able to drive themselves anymore and how we account for that and provide a system that is available for everyone is one of those considerations that we take into account when we’re making decisions about setting priorities,” Papsdorf said.
The alternative transportation systems aim to alleviate traffic congestion, a major concern for 25% of Fort Bend County residents, according to a 2025 Houston Area Survey Report by the Kinder Institute. Beaman said the problem is only grow- ing, citing H-GAC’s 2050 Regional Transportation Plan, which states traffic in the region is expected to increase by 50% by 2050. Per city data, the top congested intersections include Hwy. 59 and Hwy. 6, which experiences the most traffic in north and southbound directions. “If everybody’s using the same road at the same time to get to the same place, you’re going to have traffic,” Beaman said. “Widening roads doesn’t help. … The only thing that helps is to provide options—like public transit, like multimodal infrastructure—so people can bike and walk.” Additionally, the proposed systems aim to
East and westbound North and southbound
Hwy. 59 and Hwy. 6 50.1K
63.5K
Hwy. 6 and Brooks Street
13.2K
65.1K
Hwy. 6 and Dulles Avenue 22.3K
54.4K
Hwy. 6. and Town Center
66.4K
9.8K
Hwy. 59 and Hwy. 99 E 53.4K
21.9K
Hwy. 6 and Lexington Boulevard 13K 59.6K Hwy. 90 and Dairy Ashford Road 53.7K 16.6K
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY VALERIA ESCOBAR
Zooming out
Looking ahead
Regionally, H-GAC has proposed three possible transit routes to connect Fort Bend County with southwest Houston and reduce congestion along Hwy. 90A, Community Impact reported. The April proposal would serve Missouri City, Stafford, Sugar Land, Richmond, Rosenberg and south- west Houston. The study, which began last March and is due in September, is exploring alternative transporta- tion routes for public transportation systems such as a light rail transit or bus rapid transit system, according to H-GAC’s project website. Additionally, Missouri City officials have applied for a grant to build a $5 million pedestrian path along Knights Road from McKeever Road to Hurricane Lane. The project aims to ease conges- tion along the Sienna Corridor by connecting key destinations such as schools, businesses and the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County Park and Ride, Assistant City Manager Shashi Kumar said in an email.
Many of these projects are supported by grants from agencies such as H-GAC, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Federal Transit Administration as a way to eliminate reliance on tax dollars, Beaman said. However, the city is also exploring public- private partnerships as a way to sustain pilot programs such as microtransit, particularly by involving large employers and destinations that benefit from increased accessibility, Beaman said. In the case of aerial gondolas or drone- based transit, fare-based models are being explored, with a strategy to keep resident fares low while charging visitors or event-goers more, she said. She hopes that moving forward, residents will see the success of the programs and want to invest in public transportation. Beaman said city officials will also seek to create additional path projects.
Proposed Hwy. 90A transit routes 1 Fannin South Transit Center 2 Fort Bend Tollway 3 Hwy. 90A 4 METRONext
10
610
1
6
59
99 TOLL
3
288
90
2
59
4
36
N
SOURCE: HOUSTON-GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION
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SH6
SUGAR LAND
99
59
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Events
BY ROO MOODY
Hispanic Heritage Month art class Residents 14 and older are invited to this art class at the Sienna Branch Library to learn Spanish and paint a sugar skull cat. Registration is required. • Sept. 20, 2-3 p.m. • Free • 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd., Missouri City • www.fortbendlibraries.gov/event/ listo-art-program-placeholder Roots, Boots and Bling fundraiser This Western-themed fundraiser for Family Roots of Life will feature cocktails, music, dancing and dinner. • Sept. 26, 7-10 p.m. • $100 (ticket) Golf Fore Autism tournament The 10th annual charitable tournament at the Sweetwater Country Club will feature contests, raffles as well as wine and whiskey pulls. • Oct. 6, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. • $200 (ticket) • 4400 Palm Royale Blvd., Sugar Land • 16090 City Walk, Sugar Land • www.familyrootsforlife.org
September
Fossil Wash The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land invites children, accompanied by an adult, to search for bone fragments in recently excavated dirt and participate in other dinosaur-related activities.
• Sept. 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. • $15 (child), $18 (adult) • 13016 University Blvd., Sugar Land • https://sugarland.hmns.org/visit/events
Sugar Land Town Square Fall Fest At this fall festival, families can enjoy pumpkin patches,
hay rides and festive foods. • Sept. 20, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free • 2711 Plaza Drive, Sugar Land • www.sugarlandtx.gov/2018/fall-fest
Backyard Gardening Workshop Fort Bend Master Gardener Lauren Martin is leading the free workshop in collaboration with Missouri City Green, covering the best ways to prepare gardens for fall and winter. • Sept. 27, 9-11 a.m. • Free • 2701 Cypress Point Drive, Missouri City • www.missouricitygreen.org
Oktoberfest This celebration at Quail Valley City Centre will feature German food, drinks, wiener dog races and live music. • Sept. 20, 5-8 p.m. • Free • 2880 La Quinta Drive, Missouri City • www.missouricitytx.gov
• www.hopeforthree.org/events/ tenth-annual-golf-fore-autism
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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Dining
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
across the Houston metro, as recently reported by Community Impact . CI Foodie
Looking to get out of your neighborhood to try a new dining experience? Check out the following restaurant news from
Houston
Webster
Cypress
Best Bagel Shop From cinnamon raisin to jalapeno cheddar, the Best Bagel Shop sells both traditional and savory bagels made in-house. Staff recommend pairing bagels with signature cream cheese options, such as vegetable or scallion cream cheese, as well as meats such as smoked salmon and turkey. • Opened July 3 • 3833 Richmond Ave., Houston • www.bestbagelshop.com
BnX Burgers & Fries The restaurant offers hamburgers, bacon cheeseburgers, jalapeno cheeseburgers, patty melts and smash burgers. Chicken options include a grilled chicken sandwich, crispy chicken sandwich and a chicken tender basket. • Opened July 30 • 601 E. NASA Parkway, Webster • www.bnxburgers.com
Gelato & Co. With 16 artisanal flavors to choose from, Gelato & Co. serves traditional gelato, including flavors such as coconut, hazelnut and salted caramel, as well as sorbet and variegato, a traditional gelato blended with a modern twist, per the website. • Opened Aug. 2 • 20115 Bridgeland Creek Parkway, Ste. 103, Cypress • www.gelatoeco.com
Houston
Houston
Spring
Main Bird The restaurant sells a variety of hot chicken plates, from tenders and sandwiches to fries. Customers can also order the Bird Wrap meal, with tenders wrapped in a flour tortilla, or the Dirty Mac, which includes waffle fries, tenders and macaroni and cheese. • Opened Aug. 2 • 1150 Durham Drive, Ste. 400, Houston • www.mainbirdhotchicken.com
Mayahuel The restaurant offers a mix of modern and traditional appetizers, including oysters and caviar, tuna tostada, aguachile, beef carnitas and avocado and sikil p’aak. The menu also features a list of specialty tacos, such as Tacos Mar y Tierra, which has gulf shrimp and beef cheek confit. • Opened July 18 • 811 Buffalo Park Drive, Ste. 130, Houston • www.mayahuelrestaurant.com
Ni Hao Chinese Cuisine Guests can choose from a variety of traditional Chinese dishes on the menu including hand-folded dumplings, Sichuan noodles made in-house, crispy stir-fried chicken or beef, and fried rice. A hot pot option is also available where guests can create their own soups and dishes. • Opened in June • 25115 Gosling Road, Ste. 104, Spring • www.nihaocuisine.com
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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION
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