Sugar Land - Missouri City Edition | April 2024

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Sugar Land Missouri City Edition VOLUME 11, ISSUE 8 APRIL 10MAY 8, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

Software development company Heavy Construction Systems Specialists has expanded its Sugar Land campus several times since 2010, growing to 465 employees. Fort Bend County and Sugar Land incentivized this project, and HCSS is a member of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council, according to the FBEDC’s 2023 annual report.

COURTESY HEAVY CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS SPECIALISTS

Future of Fort Bend County economic development unclear

explore their options. “It was a unanimous vote,” said Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman, who is also one of the city’s representatives on the FBEDC board. “We felt that the organization needed to remain independent and not under the control of the county, which was what was on the table.”

announced it could dissolve in June. This came after a strategic planning rm, as part of a long-range plan, gave the FBEDC’s board of directors two options of how to move forward—both of which involved reorganizing the board and laying o its sta members, ocials said. However, multiple board members told Community Impact they disagreed with the rm’s recommendations and instead delayed the vote to

BY KELLY SCHAFLER

Some city and county ocials disagree on what organization should facilitate future economic development activity in Fort Bend County, but a new 14-person committee aims to make roles more clear. The Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council, a public-private partnership, has been in limbo since December, when the organization

CONTINUED ON 22

Also in this issue

Impacts: Trader Joe’s coming to Sugar Land (Page 6)

Election: Sugar Land, Fort Bend ISD races on May ballot (Page 10)

Education: Guide to colleges in the local area (Page 12)

Dining: Q’s Deli pays homage to family legacy (Page 29)

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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

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Angela Bonilla Melissa Enaje Wesley Gardner Cassandra Jenkins Shaheryar Khan Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Dave Manning Jessica Shorten Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Jatziri Garcia Ellen Jackson Matt Mills Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White

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Impacts

2 Spectators Bar & Grill People can watch sports with a meal or a drink. It offers breakfast, lunch and brunch, and cocktails. • Opened Feb. 10 • 18702 University Blvd., Sugar Land • www.spectatorsbargrill.com 3 Frutta Bowls and Saladworks The health-focused brands offer fresh salads, wraps, soups, fruit bowls, smoothies, toasts and protein bites. • Opened March 8 • 18802 University Blvd., Sugar Land • www.saladworks.com, www.fruttabowls.com 4 HotSpot The menu includes boiled and fried seafood options and multiple sides. • Opened March 1 • 9720 Hwy. 6 S., Ste. 100, Missouri City • www.facebook.com/hotspotcajunseafoodhouse 5 SnoDreamz Snow cones can feature toppings, and the menu also has funnel cakes, wings, street tacos and fried sweets. • Opened in December • 1731 Texas Parkway, Missouri City • www.snodreamztx.com 6 McAlister’s Deli The eatery is known for its handcrafted sandwiches, salads, stuffed baked potatoes and sweet tea. • Opened April 1 • 20220 Fort Bend Parkway Toll Road, Ste. 100, Missouri City • www.mcalistersdeli.com 7 Amana Recovery Dr. Flavia Thomas specializes in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health services, primary care and weight loss programs. • Opened Dec. 15 • 4220 Cartwright Road, Ste. 303, Missouri City • 346-585-4066

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pineapple cheeseburger, mushroom cheeseburger and BBQ bacon cheeseburger. • Opened March 12 • 5730 Hwy. 6, Ste. 114, Missouri City • 832-571-1777

Now open

1 O My Burger The establishment offers various burgers and sandwiches. The owner recommends the Teriyaki

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First Colony Aquatic and Rehabilitation Center - Rosenberg 5765 Reading Rd Rosenberg, TX 77471 (346) 375-7202 www.fortbendpt.com

First Colony Aquatic and Rehabilitation Center - Sugar Land 20403 University Blvd STE 100 Sugar Land, TX 77478 (346) 375-5633 www.sugarlandpt.com

Sports Therapy Center 2225 Williams Trace Blvd #104 Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 344-2704 www.sportstherapycenter.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

8 Rang Coffee & More The Vietnamese coffee shop offers hot and cold espresso-based drinks, teas, smoothies, bakery goods and Vietnamese specialty drinks. • Opened March 15 • 4634 Hwy. 6, Sugar Land • www.instagram.com/rang.coffeeandmore

pool as well as a towel service. • Opening in early 2025 • 3346 Hwy. 6, Sugar Land • www.eosfitness.com

Coming soon

14 Equinox Counseling & Wellness Center The treatment program will service youth and young adults who experience complex psychiatric, emotional and behavioral health issues. • Opening May 15 • 16190 City Walk, Ste. 200, Sugar Land • www.equinoxcounseling.com

Coming soon

9 Aki Steak & Sushi The Japanese restaurant specializing in barbecue and sushi serves sashimi, nigiri and over 40 different hand rolls. • Opening in late April • 16535 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land • www.akisteakandsushi.com 10 Little Woodrow’s The Texas-based bar and grill’s First Colony Mall icehouse will offer more than 50 beers on tap, cocktails, and a dog-friendly outdoor patio with yard games. • Opening in mid-April • 16535 Southwest Freeway, Ste. 2608, Sugar Land • www.littlewoodrows.com 11 First Watch The Florida-based eatery serves various breakfast, brunch and lunch plates and boasts fresh, colorful ingredients. • Opening this fall • 9004 Sienna Crossing Drive, Ste. 200, Missouri City • www.firstwatch.com 12 Talyard Brewing Co. The facility will feature a 20-barrel brewhouse and a family- and pet-friendly beer garden with shaded seating, pickleball courts, a playground and a stage. • Opening this summer • 1033 Imperial Blvd., Sugar Land • www.talyardbrewing.com 13 EoS Fitness Amenities will include free weights, cardio machines, immersive movie projector rooms, a sauna, hot tub and

Relocations

18 Trader Joe’s The California-based grocer is known for its Trader Joe’s-branded products, which include specialty treats, frozen meals and everyday items. The grocer will take the spot formerly held by Sprouts Farmers Market, which closed its location in the University Commons shopping development in April 2023. • Opening in 2024 • 13550 University Blvd., Sugar Land • www.traderjoes.com

15 Keep Fit Yoga Owner and coach Bella Fan will offer yoga classes weekly at the new spot, but classes will continue meanwhile at 1124 Soldiers Field Drive, Sugar Land. • Relocating this fall • 4899 Hwy. 6, Ste. 118A, Missouri City • www.keepfityoga.com

In the news

16 Missouri City Annex Clinic Renovations will include repairs to the negative pressure tuberculosis room. The project will finish by late May. • 307 Texas Parkway, Ste. 148, Missouri City • www.fortbendcountytx.gov 17 Fish City Grill Renovations wrapped up Feb. 19 and included new paint, flooring, furnishings, decor and a garage-style

suites. Future guests can start booking reservations. • Opening Oct. 18

• 1000 Great Wolf Way, Webster • www.greatwolf.com/webster

Closings

door leading to the new patio. • 15980 City Walk, Sugar Land • www.fishcitygrill.com

19 Guru The longstanding restaurant is known for its gourmet burgers, poke bowls and other Asian-inspired menu items. Co-owner Victor Litwinenko said rising costs for food, labor, rent and insurance led to its closure. • Closing April 21 • 2268 Texas Drive, Sugar Land • www.guruburgers.com

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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION

Health care

BY AUBREY VOGEL

Partnership to bring medical students to Fort Bend County to serve the underserved populations in Fort Bend County and the greater Gulf Coast region of Texas,”

More health care professionals will study in Fort Bend County with a new medical school collaboration announced March 12. Two-minute impact The Ibn Sina Foundation, OakBend Medical Cen- ter and Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine partnered to create the Ibn Sina Clinical Training Region at OakBend Medical Center in Fort Bend County. The collaboration will bring third- and fourth- year osteopathic medicine students to Fort Bend County to conduct their clinical rotations at OakBend Medical Center facilities or at one of the Ibn Sina clinics within the county, ocials said at the March 12 press conference. Osteopathic medicine medical students spe- cialize in caring for the historically underserved populations, Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy said. “This partnership ... aims to prepare physicians

“There’s a huge decit of well-trained doctors in suburban and rural areas, and

Ibn Sina Foundation chair Nasruddin Rupani said. “Our big vision to bridging this gap remains steadfast in a world where accessibility, quality and health care demands a pressing need.” The background McCoy said the partners want to expand the program in two years to include family medicine residency opportunities. He said they hope the program will help to retain students locally. “Research shows that doctors usually stay within 50 to 100 miles of where they’ve received their medical training,” he said. “We are hoping that by these doctors being trained in Fort Bend County ... that they elect to work in Fort Bend County.” Next steps The rst set of students will begin servicing the community in August, ocials said. McCoy said

we’re not immune to that in Fort Bend County. [With this new partnership], residents can expect more high- quality doctors able to deliver quality care, right here in their backyards.” DEXTER MCCOY, PRECINCT 4 COMMISSIONER

county sta will now look at additional ways to expand health care options. “This is but one step in the process of expand- ing medical facilities in Fort Bend County, and we’re really happy to be partners in making that happen,” McCoy said.

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Government

BY KELLY SCHAFLER & AUBREY VOGEL

Wisk Aero to soar into Sugar Land Regional Airport

Missouri City updates police, reghter hiring incentives Missouri City City Council approved new ordinances March 18 that revisited its incentive payment schedule for police and re departments. The change rewards employee hires after they complete all or portions of their eld training and after their one-year anniversary. Quote of note “This change puts us in line with other civil services agencies in the area,” Police Chief Brandon Harris said at the March 4 meeting when the ordinances were introduced. What else The department also now allows ocers 120 days to complete their Texas Commis- sion on Law Enforcement’s peace ocer certication and receive the bonus instead of 45 days, Harris said. The ordinance took eect April 1.

Self-ying aircraft could land in Sugar Land by 2030, oering an electric “air taxi service” for passengers to travel across the Houston area. Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman and City Manager Michael Goodrum announced the city’s partnership with Wisk Aero, an autonomous aircraft company, at Sugar Land’s State of the City event Feb. 23. “We are reimagining what mobility looks like in Sugar Land through a micro-transit pilot program,” Goodrum said. The details The California-based Advanced Air Mobility company, or AAM, will develop infrastructure at the Sugar Land Regional Airport to operate self-ying airplanes, according to a Feb. 21 news release on the Wisk Aero website. Wisk sta will pilot the uncrewed airplanes from the ground, taking passengers to various Houston-area locations. Zooming out Sugar Land is the rst local entity Wisk is part- nering with in the Houston area, Goodrum said in an interview. However, the company has plans to Legislative task force applications open Applications close April 10 for Sugar Land’s new Legislative Citizen Task Force for the 89th Texas Legislature in 2025. The volunteer-based task force will have 13 members, Intergovernmental Relations Manager Rick Ramirez said. They can apply on the city’s online volunteer portal. The committee will be appointed June 4 at a City Council meeting. Get involved Task force members will be responsible for: • Giving feedback on the city’s legislative position statements • Providing a citizen perspective in discussions • Making recommendations on the state agenda for City Council consideration • Serving as a community advocate

Wisk Aero’s Gen 6 model is awaiting approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.

create a network of roughly 28 ports in the region, providing more destinations for passengers. Next steps Goodrum said city sta decided to partner with Wisk because they wanted the city to be part of the autonomous growth happening, such as with self-driving cars and drone deliveries. “It’s really looking like it’s the future, so we want to be a part of that and be on the forefront of it,” he said. Foundation sells 1,500 acres of George Ranch The George Foundation’s board of trustees voted to sell a 1,500-acre parcel of George Ranch to Johnson Development for a master-planned community, according to a March 18 news release from the foundation. The land purchase will help the foundation continue donating to Fort Bend County nonprots and providing scholarships, The George Founda- tion CEO Roger Adamson said. Details on Johnson Development’s new commu- nity near FM 2977 at Koeblen Road haven’t been shared, and a timeline for build-out isn’t available, according to the release. The history Several properties in the county make up George Ranch, which was roughly 21,000 acres before the land sale. Of that, 475 acres at 10215 FM 762, Richmond, are reserved for the historic area known as The George Ranch, formerly called the

1 The George Ranch

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George Ranch Historical Park, Adamson said. The land sale won’t aect this property. The George Ranch oers tours and educational opportunities where visitors can learn about the ranch’s history, according to the website. What’s next While this is the most signicant land sale in the foundation’s 80-year history, it might not be its last, Adamson said. “I think ... [monetizing] The George Founda- tion’s real estate assets is a signicant part of our nancial strategy for the future,” he said.

SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION

Election

Voter Guide

2024

Dates to know

Where to vote

April 22: First day of early voting April 23: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) April 30: Last day of early voting May 4: Election day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or May 6 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Fort Bend County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on election day. Visit www.fortbendcountytx.gov for polling locations.

*INCUMBENT

Sugar Land City Council, District 1

Fort Bend ISD board of trustees, Position 2

What are some of the biggest challenges facing the district, and how would you address them if elected?

What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Sugar Land?

Adam Schoof Occupation: small-business owner, investor and law enforcement officer Experience: owner of property management company, law enforcement officer www.fortbendforadam.com

Rizvan Quadri Occupation: executive director of a public relations firm Experience: 21 years in public education; principal at elementary, middle and high school levels www.riz4fortbendisd.com

Suzanne Whatley* Occupation: small-business owner since 2005; Sugar Land council member, District 1 Experience: 27-year resident; seven city/regional governmental committees/commissions www.suzanne4sugarland.com

Addressing disparities in student achievement, employing efforts in effective teacher recruitment and retention strategies, and managing fiscal responsibility are key challenges. I propose targeted intervention programs, transparent communication, tailored professional development and collaborative decision-making to overcome these obstacles.

The biggest challenges are the bond budget shortfall and repeated [Texas Education Agency special education] noncompliance, which is leading to learning loss. We need better support for SPED teachers and more resources for the students we serve. We must look at each bond project in detail to get them back on track.

My constituents remain my top priority. I’m committed to addressing their needs while advancing city priorities, including public safety, infrastructure, mobility and redevelopment. Remaining engaged with constituents and informed with city issues while swiftly navigating processes to tackle these concerns is my primary focus.

Manisha Gandhi Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire by press time.

M. Asher Baptiste Occupation: educational consultant, executive vice president of international affairs & programs Experience: educator/leader; founder of STEAM Academy www.baptiste4fbisd.com

Muzaffar Vohra Occupation: business Experience: small-business owner; lead volunteer at Synott Community Center; 20-year proud resident; grandfather www.voteforvohra.com

Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire by press time.

I believe the district should prioritize the following (addressed in depth on my website). Budget constraints: I will advocate for state and federal funding, grants and partnerships including for teacher recruitment/retention. Social/emotional well-being of the students: We must invest in mental health; technology integration and digital equity.

My top priority will be to encourage safety and sustainable growth. I will ensure Sugar Land maintains its reputation as a safe city through coordination with law enforcement and local residents. Additionally, development and growth is beneficial but needs to keep the convenience and well-being of residents in mind.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY DAVE MANNING & AUBREY VOGEL

*INCUMBENT

What are the biggest challenges facing the district, and how would you address them if elected? Fort Bend ISD board of trustees, Position 6

Kristen Malone* Occupation: chief financial officer, vice president of finance Experience: FBISD trustee; director, Texas Association of School Boards; TASB budget & finance committee Facebook: @malone4fbisd

Ferrel Bonner Occupation: retired military Experience: graduate of FBISD board of trustees leadership academy; retired military intelligence analyst 713-398-0419

Angel Hicks Occupation: FBISD master teacher Experience: 10-year FBISD educator and parent, student

achievement specialist, community volunteer 281-845-9857

FBISD faces challenges in changing education standards, meeting diverse student needs within budget, teacher retention, and repairing public trust. I’ll advocate for supportive environments, strategic budgeting and solutions to ensure student success and retain top educators while being open and honest to the taxpayers, and parents who entrust us.

As a district we need to prepare our students not only for the challenges of today, but for life. We need to equip them with the tools to be successful. To do that we also need to recruit, retain and provide competitive pay for qualified teachers.

Teacher recruitment and retention is a big challenge in our district, and as a 10-year FBISD teacher, I believe I can bring a unique perspective and a deep understanding of this issue. I have a program in mind that could help turn this around and bring in highly qualified educators.

Kristin Tassin Occupation: attorney, business owner, advocate Experience: intellectual property, business, contract attorney, special education advocate Facebook: @kristin.tassin.campaign

Simran Patel Occupation: mortgage broker and Realtor Experience: banking and finance; economics and marketing; nonprofit

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com .

volunteer; business owner www.voteforsimran.com

Literacy: Almost half of students aren’t reading at grade level. I will budget expanded interventions, engage community, reinstate literacy tours. Accountability/ transparency: As trustee, I taught audit/accountability. I will restore a strong audit function. Special education: FBISD’s three years noncompliance risks state takeover. I bring focus and experience to this issue.

Transforming our schools into beacons of hope starts by addressing critical issues like fiscal responsibility and teacher empowerment while fostering collaboration between educators and families. Our taxpayers and residents also seek accountability and transparency from the board and FBISD.

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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION

Education

BY HANNAH NORTON

Higher Education Guide

2024

Quotes of note

What to know about the new FAFSA

“Financial aid is extremely important, particularly in this day and age, with the high cost of education. So you’re going to have to be an educated consumer.” JACK WALLACE, THE DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS FOR YREFY

Current and prospective college students applying for financial aid will likely have a more streamlined experience with the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Mandated by Congress, the new form includes fewer questions and a new formula to determine aid eligibility. The U.S. Department of Education launched the redesigned application in late December— nearly three months later than normal—and it is now available online 24/7. Students must fill out the form to qualify for federal student loans, grants, work-study programs and some scholarships. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s priority financial aid application deadline was March 15, but individual schools may offer aid on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants will answer less than 50 questions for the new FAFSA, down from 108. The form takes around an hour to complete, but some people may answer as few as 18 questions depending on their individual circumstances. Officials said 610,000 more students from low-income backgrounds will qualify for federal Pell Grants. This includes over 51,000 Texans, the department of education reported.

The 2024-25 FAFSA was redesigned after Congress passed the FUTURE Act and the FAFSA Simplification Act. Here are some key changes to the application: A streamlined application process

All “contributors,” including parents, stepparents and spouses, must provide financial information.

“We have heard from students and families that the new FAFSA form is a better experience that’s easier to complete.” RICHARD CORDRAY, FEDERAL STUDENT AID CHIEF

The Internal Revenue Service will transfer students’ and their families’ tax information directly to their FAFSA application.

A new Student Aid Index formula will determine applicants’ eligibility.

Next steps

Families with multiple students in college will no longer qualify for extra aid, known as a “sibling discount.” Applicants may list up to 20 colleges or universities on their application. They were previously limited to 10.

The 2024-25 FAFSA will be available online through June 30, 2025, but many states and schools set earlier deadlines. Under Texas law, high school seniors are required to complete the FAFSA, a state financial aid application or an opt-out form to graduate. Future applications should open Oct. 1.

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Education

BY AUBREY VOGEL

UH health program begins in Fort Bend County

Researchers at the University of Houston at Sugar Land are working to understand how environmental factors contribute to overall health. The Population Health Col- laborative, an education and research hub, is a UH Population Health initiative that launched in November to determine the quality of life in Fort Bend County, which entities can use in their decision-making. Jeronimo Cortina, Population Health Collaborative executive director, said the collaborative’s team will calculate the area’s Urban Health Index, a metric which reports quality-of-life indicators, including: • Health • Infrastructure • Economic development • Education • Other social factors The backstory Launched in January 2022, the UH Population Health initiative is the first of its kind in the nation led by Chief Population Health Officer Bettina Beech, according to its website. Fort Bend County was chosen for the index from other Houston-area counties because of its diversity in both residents and the geographic area as a

whole, Cortina said. “When you look at the county, it’s ... a fertile laboratory [of what] the county is going to look like in the next 30 years,” he said. “We have the opportunity to establish a new way of doing policymaking including the community and involving the university.” Get involved Cortina said the team will need to engage with the community to determine factors that are not measured regularly, such as envi- ronmental and behavioral factors. These factors will be collected through surveys and open calls for community discussions. The dates are not yet set for the community discussions, but they should be released soon, Cortina said. Stay tuned The team partnered with the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce to host a lunch on April 4, after press time, where the UH Popula- tion Health team shared prelim- inary findings and an update on the project. The finalized report, which is set to be released in May, will allow municipalities and private businesses to consider factors while making important commu- nity decisions, he said.

Advanced neurological care in Sugar Land.

For solutions to complex neurological disorders, Mischer Neuroscience Associates Sugar Land offers a range of high- quality care that’s customized to your specific condition. Dr. Muhammad Arshad, a board-certified, fellowship- trained neurologist with MNA Sugar Land, specializes in the

Muhammad Arshad, MD

management of numerous neurological conditions, including stroke, epilepsy, headaches, neuropathy and neuromuscular diseases.

memorialhermann.org/MNASugarLand

Socioeconomic and environmental factors, and health behaviors: 70% Health care: 20% Genetics: 10% Health determinants The study will look at the factors that contribute to health, which include:

SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON POPULATION HEALTH COLLABORATIVE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION

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Education

BY DAVE MANNING

Through a partnership with Google, Houston Community College offers a free accelerated ver- sion of Google’s “Grow with Google” technology certificate program for up to 500 students. HCC officials have reached out to local public school districts in southwest Houston to share HCC, Google partner to offer free technology certificates over four-year university graduates due to their amount of practical experience in the field, solving problems as part of the curriculum, rather than programs more focused on theoretical knowledge. “In four months, you’re going to get an indus- try credential that puts you in the workplace, ... gives you a skill to get a job,” Fleishman said. “They can get a credential, they can make money. They can get another credential, they can make more money.” Explained HCC is able to offer the Google certificate 1 Google Data Analytics 2 Google Cybersecurity

Google courses The four Google courses are hosted on the education platform www.coursera.org and are as follows:

3 Google IT Support 4 Google UX Design

information about the program with administrators, said Joe Fleishman, associate dean of the Digital & Information Technology Center of Excellence, which works with the Workforce and Career depart- ment on the program in its Southwest College. The program was announced in February, and 350 spots were open as of late March for the late-April course to local high school students, continuing education students and working professionals, Fleishman said. Who it’s for Fleishman said when a local internet technol- ogy company owner visited the college, he said he prefers to hire community college students

SOURCE: HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What’s next The program is available for students 16 and older as part of Houston Community College’s continuing education program. Once HCC is able to fill the 500 course spots the college will receive 500 more spots from Google this fall. The Southwest College, one of six in the system, offers programs at the Galleria, Brays Oaks, Stafford and Missouri City campuses.

program for free, thanks to its partnership with the company. However, each course is valued at $300 per course. The four courses give students the opportunity to earn in-demand IT certifications and skills in a short time frame, Fleishman said. HCC’s version of the Google courses are self-paced like Google’s offering, but HCC’s courses can be completed in four months rather than six.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Pick from one of our programs:

Cybersecurity • Electrical Lineworker & Management Technology HVAC Technology • Precision Machining Technology Welding Technology • and more!

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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION

THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON AT SUGAR LAND Explore programs from the UH Gessner College of Nursing and the UH Cullen College of Engineering–Technology Division

NURSING

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

FIND US ON:

UH.EDU/SUGARLAND 14000 University Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY ASIA ARMOUR & KELLY SCHAFLER

TSTC to expand auto technician offerings Texas State Technical College broke ground on a roughly $54 million expansion in late Novem- ber to bring the 80-acre Transportation Center of Excellence to its Rosenberg campus, college officials said. The college offers technical career training to the Houston region from its 160-acre campus. The context When the new center opens in fall 2025, it will allow the vocational college to grow its diesel equipment technology program and add two new programs—automotive technology as well as auto collision and management technology, TSTC Communication Specialist Isaac Dayley said. The expansion is driven by the college’s growing enrollment and the workforce demands in the region shown by labor market studies, campus Provost Bryan Bowling said. In the automotive

WCJC will add health building to Richmond Wharton County Junior College has an over 100,000-square-foot facility for the health care professions at its Richmond campus on the horizon, officials said. The college is in the planning stages of a two- or three-story health professions building meant to cater to students vying for licenses in vocational nursing or emergency medical service training, which began at the Richmond campus this spring, President Betty McCrohan said. What’s next She said she anticipates construction will take up to two years once groundbreaking commences, and she is eyeing a 2026-27 opening. The increased health care pro- gramming coincides with opening the new building, McCrohan said.

TSTC student enrollment growth TSTC’s enrollment is rising, and the new building will allow the college to accept 400-500 more students when it opens in fall 2025. Spring enrollment

703

474

442

521

464

399

2019 2020 2021

2022 2023 2024

SOURCE: TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

industry specifically, this demand is caused by an aging workforce retiring and a larger need for electric vehicle technicians, he said. “We do what basically makes our graduates irresistible for our industry partners,” he said.

LOCK IN YOUR SPOT THIS S UMMER!

Many choices

Start dates 5 / 13 7 / 3 7 / 8

Degrees or certificates Credits transferable to universities Short-term training for jobs Weekday, weekend and evening classes

Find a Southwest campus near you West Loop Stafford Missouri City Brays Oaks

sw.enrollment@hccs.edu cs.edu

713.718.2000 hccs.edu/apply hccs.edu/southwest

SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION

Transportation

Development

BY AUBREY VOGEL

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN

Sugar Land to improve walkability with $19M trails project

Final phase of University Commons wraps up 8 years after breaking ground

construction in July 2025. The third trail will connect Cullinan Park to Gannoway Lake off Burney Road by creating a pedestrian path under Hwy. 6. Construction will finish on this one and Phase 2 of the Sugar Land Trail in July 2026, Beaman said. Why it matters The trails project is a part of the city’s larger Mobility Master Plan adopted in July 2023, which aims to keep the city safe and connected while being inclusive and promoting an active lifestyle, Beaman said. “A lot of people just think about cars, but not everybody drives, so you have to give people other options to be equitable about transportation,” Bea- man said. “[We are] working on providing alterna- tives to the personal automobile, which alleviates traffic congestion and helps the environment ... while getting people where they need to go.”

Sugar Land residents will soon be able to better navigate the city on foot after construction of three trails connecting the city is completed. How it happened Working toward making Sugar Land a more walkable and bikeable place, the city of Sugar Land received a $19.36 million grant from the Hous- ton-Galveston Area Council in December, which will provide funds to create three 10-foot-wide concrete trails throughout the city, said Melanie Beaman, Sugar Land transportation and mobility manager. The details The three trails will connect the city both north to south and east to west, Beaman said. The city could begin construction in July. Broken into two phases, the Sugar Land Trail will travel from Matlage Way, under Hwy. 59 then down Lexington Boulevard to Austin Parkway. The first phase is under design and will finish

OLD RICHMOND RD.

GANNOWAY LAKE

Blvd., south of Phase 1, has some new additions, including: • A retail building with new tenants expected to move in soon • Chair King, which relocated from Stafford and held its grand opening Jan. 24 Trader Joe’s is the newest business announced for the development, replacing the former Sprouts Farmers Market in Phase 2, a Trader Joe’s spokes- person confirmed. Quote of note “The three projects bring much-needed shops and restaurants to the local area,” Garnett said. “The centers are good for the city’s tax base, as well as providing jobs for the community.”

The final phase of University Commons in Sugar Land finished construction in January, signaling a rise in the city’s retail landscape, with new tenants slated to open this year. Construction commenced in 2016 on the com- mercial development along University Boulevard, said Dana Garnett, senior vice president of devel- opment at Vista Equity Group, the developer. The first phase, on the southeast corner of University Boulevard and Telfair Avenue, was completed that same year. The second phase on the southwest corner of the intersection reached completion in 2018, followed by the third phase in early February, Garnett said. The update The third phase—located at 13521 University

BURNEY RD.

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

CULLINAN PARK

New businesses opening 1 Phase 1 • Brooklyn Pizzeria in early summer • Marble Slab Creamery and Great American Cookie Company in mid-summer 2 Phase 2 • Yogurtland in April • Bell Salon in early summer • Trader Joe’s this year 3 Phase 3 • Veterinary Emergency Group in mid-May • Wallis Bank this fall

1 Gannoway Lake trail Status: not started Cost: $3.82 million Sugar Land Trail 2A Phase 1 Status: design phase Cost: $9.09 million 3A Phase 2 Status: not started Cost: $6.45 million

AUSTIN PKWY.

2A 3A

SWEETWATER BLVD.

SOURCE: CITY OF SUGAR LAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCES: VISTA EQUITY GROUP, TRADER JOE'S/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SUGAR LAND 3335 Hwy 6 S (281) 313-4446 MISSOURI CITY 5418 Hwy 6 (281) 403-0400

SUGAR CREEK 13827 Southwest Fwy (281) 491-8628 SIENNA PLANTATION 9034 Sienna Crossing Dr (281) 778-9959

NEW TERRITORY 5720 New Territory Blvd (281) 491-0811

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

More homes were sold in Sugar Land- and Missouri City-area ZIP codes in February compared to last February, with 196 homes sold versus 185. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

February 2023

February 2024

-15.12%

-6.67%

+40.48%

+15.79%

+21.74%

77459

77478

77479

77489

77498

77478

77498

77489

99 TOLL

Median home sales price

77479

February

2023

2024

$350,000 $410,000 $517,500 $225,000 $270,000

$440,000 $498,088 $575,000 $240,000 $341,500

77459

77478

77479

Homes sold by price point

77489

February 2024

77498

$850,000+

$650,000-$849,999

Average days on market +14.5%

$450,000-$649,999

+33.33%

-8.77%

-3.33%

-17.24%

$250,000-$449,999

<$249,999

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY ALINA ROGERS SPARROW REALTY • 281-961-2944 ALINAWROGERS@YAHOO.COM

77459

77478

77479

77489

77498

you need to know about your community in 5 MINUTES

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM�NEWSLETTER

SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION

From the cover

Future of Fort Bend County economic development unclear

Meet the ad hoc committee

In a nutshell

The FBEDC was founded in 1986 and has focused on promoting economic development agreements between potential employers and developers as well as cities and the county, ocials said. The organization is run by President and CEO Je Wiley and its sta members, but it’s governed by its board of directors composed of representatives from local cities and private businesses, which pay to be members, said Andy Meyers, Fort Bend County Precinct 3 commissioner and FBEDC board member. To make recommendations on how to move forward, in mid-March the county and the FBEDC’s eight-member executive committee of business leaders formed an ad hoc committee made of 14 members. An FBEDC representative declined Community Impact ’s request for an interview. Carlos Guzman, director of the county’s internal Economic Opportunity and Development department, said the committee will help determine the path for the county’s department and FBEDC. “We’re at a standstill, because once we know, ‘Hey the ad hoc decided you need to turn left instead of right,’ then at that point, that’ll be the structure the county ... is going to follow,” Guzman said. Meanwhile, Missouri City City Council voted March 4 to withdraw immediately from the FBEDC and seek $42,500 in reimbursements. Herman Rodriguez, executive director of economic development at Missouri City, said this is how much the city paid to the FBEDC in the scal year ending in June for memberships and marketing. While the FBEDC focuses mostly on attracting industrial businesses, Rodriguez said city sta looks to attract other types of businesses, such as restaurants and retail.

Tim Kinsinger Senior site director, Frito-Lay Rosenberg

Jared Jameson Co-chair; FBEDC executive committee chairman

Tim Jecoat Co-chair; board director, Develop Richmond

Todd Meaux Head of HSE & facilities management, SLB

Aman Dhuka Board member, FBEDC

David Oliver Partner, Allen Boone Humphries Robinson

Jim Rice President, Rice & Gardner Consultants

Sidney Evans Senior advisor of business aairs, Reliant

Elizabeth Hu Economic development director, Sugar Land

Joe Esch Economic development director, Rosenberg

Carlos Guzman Director, Economic Opportunity and Development department

Jay Neal Associate vice president of academic aairs & chief operating ocer, University of Houston at Sugar Land and Katy

Committee focus The committee will make recommendations on: • How the county’s new department can work with cities and local economic development departments • How to move the FBEDC’s board forward under TIP Strategies’ recommendations, but the FBEDC board of directors will decide if they want the organization to continue

Kevin Riles Broker/owner, Kevin Riles Commercial

Kim Sachtleben Board chair, Central Fort Bend Chamber

SOURCE: FORT BEND COUNTY ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

The backstory

Early 2022: Fort Bend County creates the Economic Opportunity and Development department to prepare for population growth.

February 2023: The county and Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council hire TIP Strategies to create a ve-year strategic plan.

Jan. 9: At a special Commissioners Court meeting, chair Jared Jameson says Jan. 31 will be the last day for FBEDC sta members.

Jan. 10: FBEDC board delays vote on dissolving; FBEDC retains CEO Je Wiley and Oce Manager Carolyn Martin until all pathways are explored.

2022

2023

2024

October 2022: The county hires Carlos Guzman to head its new department.

Fall 2023: TIP Strategies gives the FBEDC’s executive committee two pathways on the organization’s future.

Dec. 18: County announces the FBEDC executive committee recommended dissolving in June 2024.

Mid-March: The county announces an ad hoc

March-June: The committee will meet monthly to determine recommendations for the strategic plan.

committee to determine the organizations’ strategic future.

SOURCES: FORT BEND COUNTY, GREATER FORT BEND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCILCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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