Sugar Land - Missouri City Edition | June 2023

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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 10 JUNE 9JULY 13, 2023

HEALTH CARE EDITION 2023

UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES Fort Bend County health care providers said the highest percentage of uninsured communities are in its central and southwestern regions, which correlates with census data from 2020 that estimates these areas also have a higher concentration of low-income households. Estimated percent of population uninsured (2020) <10% 10%-15% 15.1%-20% 20.1%-25% >25%

Memorial Hermann kicks o $231M expansion

Percent low income Fort Bend County

17.73%

11.56%

42.5%

7.03%

19.73%

8 events to attend in Sugar Land, Missouri City

33.63%

20.17%

12.22%

70.9%

17.9%

29.35%

Family-owned garage creates biker destination

34.48%

11.39%

51.12%

10.24%

41.89%

26.53%

19.45%

56.48%

Business feature

Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries HEALTH CARE EDITION 2023 SPONSORED BY • C&C Dental • Houston Methodist - Sugar Land • Legacy Community Health

30.37%

288

44.67%

SOURCES: UDS MAPPER, U.S. CENSUS BUREAU 2020 DATA, ACCESSHEALTH, FORT BEND COUNTY 2022 COMMUNITY HEALTH ASSESSMENTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Local health care providers seek to improve access to care in Fort Bend County

BY ASIA ARMOUR & DANIEL WEEKS The latest studies of health needs in Fort Bend County identify barri- ers preventing many residents from accessing quality physical and men- tal health care, and local providers are expanding to meet the demand. Various Fort Bend County entities conducted a series of community health studies and surveyed 800 individuals throughout 2022 to form

the county’s 2022 Community Health Assessment report. The CHA report released April 21 found that access to health care needed to be improved for many residents in the county; survey respondents said the two primary barriers to accessing health care were an inability to pay for care out of pocket and a lack of health insurance.

CONTINUED ON 28

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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION • JUNE 2023

Miller Outdoor Theatre has delighted generations of audiences for 100 years with the best in performing arts entertainment. And every performance free. JOIN THE SEASON-LONG CELEBRATION. Enjoy eight months of the best music, dance, theatre

and more. Plus, celebratory events throughout the year packed with fun for the whole family. With enough time to roll down the hill. milleroutdoortheatre.com/celebratemiller

JULY 14-15 — Celebrate all things theater featuring A Celebration of Houston Stories and Songs by TUTS. Pre-show activities include photo installations, live muralists, and sing-a-longs with your favorite musical theatre characters. Fun for the whole family. Celebratory events from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm with the TUTS performance at 8:30 p.m.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Amy Martinez REPORTER Joe Edwards

FROM AMY: The last few years showed us how important our hospitals and doctors are to our community. This month we highlight the trends and news we’re seeing in the medical industry. Make sure you take time to check out our annual Health Care Edition featuring a look at the challenge of caring for the uninsured population here in Fort Bend County. Amy Martinez, GENERAL MANAGER

GRAPHIC DESIGNER La’Toya Smith METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper MANAGING EDITOR Kelly Schafler COPY EDITOR Adrian Gandara SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Kaitlin Schmidt CONTACT US 16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 281-469-6181 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES slmnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING slmads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron

FROM KELLY: In the annual Health Care Edition, we took a look at local and regional health care news. Some stories we included this month feature investments to tackle the statewide nursing shortage and experiences of local health care workers. Kelly Schafler, MANAGING EDITOR

Meet Jason Culpepper

Houston Metro Publisher

communityimpact.com

What’s your typical day as a CI Publisher? JC: It begins with reading our email newsletters, then touching base with staffers covering our Houston communities. I also like to stay close to our customers and trends in the region. Attending chamber lunches or networking is something I prioritize, and keeping on top of the operational needs and financial health of our metro fills out my week. I strive to serve my team each day based on where their needs are.

How do you spend your free time? JC: I serve on several boards within the Cy-Fair community where I grew up and where I’m raising my family. Patronizing local businesses, specifically our advertising partners, is also fulfilling to me. Aside from Community Impact, what have you read recently? JC: I just finished “The Intentional Year,” “Smart Brevity,” “The Measure,” “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry” and “Intimate Allies.”

Email newsletters are booming for CI; why should readers subscribe? JC: They really are the best way to stay informed with the news of the day plus entertaining items, like new restaurants opening and events to plan your weekend.

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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION • JUNE 2023

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

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sashimi and traditional sushi rolls along with its modern sushi roll adaptations. Sushi and sashimi cuts start at $3.50 per two rolls up to $9 for select-cut fatty tuna. Lunch bento boxes are served daily from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 832-939-9618. www.momosugarland.com 6 The Airway Dentists opened a Sugar Land location in early February at 18718 University Blvd. The location oers treatment in cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry and preventative care, per its website. Airway orthodontic treatments will also be provided to combat issues with sleep apnea. 281-207-0790. www.theairwaydentists.com 7 Evolve Dentistry opened a location late January in Missouri City at 8027 Hwy. 6, Ste. 600. The new oce oers cosmetic dentistry services as well general dentistry services, including implants, extractions, orthodontics and restorative care. Drs. Erika Fadden and Rodney Onwu are the presiding dentists. 832-440-1144. www.evolvedentistrytx.com COMING SOON 8 Secondhand clothing retailer Uptown Cheapskate will open a store Aug. 10 in Sugar Land at 13574 University Blvd., store manager Zoua Davis said. The brand purchases and resells used designer young adult clothing and accessories. It has locations across Texas and the United States. 979-221-1255. www.uptowncheapskate.com 9 Clean Eatz will open in July at 2705 Town Center Blvd. N., Sugar Land. The restaurant will oer macro-balanced

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NOW OPEN 1 Family-owned pizzeria chain Simple Simon’s Pizza opened a new location May 30 at 13802 FM 1464, Richmond. The restaurant sells pizzas, cal- zones, wings and desserts. Head- quartered in Glenpool, Oklahoma, Simple Simon’s Pizza has over 230 loca- tions across the country. 281-302-6662. www.simplesimonspizza.com 2 Mochinut Richmond held a soft opening April 15 at 11020 Harlem Road, Ste. 700, Richmond. The restaurant serves mochinuts, doughnuts that origi-

4 Pasadena-based restaurant Johnny Tamales Cantina opened its second location Feb. 21 and held a ribbon-cut- ting ceremony May 12 at 2720 FM 1092, Missouri City. Customers can expect a variety of Tex-Mex favorites including enchiladas, fajitas and nachos as well as a diverse selection of margaritas and Mexican desserts, such as churros and tres leches cake. 281-208-7464. www.jtcantina.com/missouri-city 5 Momo Sushi & Asian Bistro cele- brated its grand opening in late March at 13500 W. Airport Blvd., Ste. H, Sugar Land. The restaurant oers a variety of fresh

nated from Hawaii and combine Amer- ican doughnuts with Japanese mochi. The chain has locations across both the United States and the Houston area. 281-762-0884. www.mochinut.com 3 Crumbl Cookies opened a new loca- tion May 12 at 2753 Town Center Blvd. N., Ste. E, Sugar Land, ocially becoming the company’s 20th store in the Houston area. The Utah-based cookie shop oers a weekly rotating menu of cookies, which customers can purchase individually or in increments of four, six or a dozen. 346-767-0369. www.crumblcookies.com

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Prices, plans, features and options are subject to change without notice. Prices shown are based on home prices and do not include costs and fees, modifications to plans and custom features which may substantially affect final cost of home. Please check accuracy of information provided with your sales agent prior to purchasing. Features noted above could be plan or lot specific. Pictures, photographs/renderings, colors, features, and sizes are for illustration purposes only and will vary from the homes as built. Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities, are subject to change at any time without notice or obligation. Square footage is approximate only. Additional restrictions may apply. Furnishings and decorative items not included with home purchase. Artist renderings only. Subject to change. Schools, districts and zoning are outside of D.R. Horton, Inc.’s control and subject to change at any time. Buyer should conduct his or her own investigation of the present and future availability of school districts and school assignments. Seller has no control or responsibility for any changes to school districts or school assignments should they occur in the future. 11/2022.

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RENOVATIONS 13 The Missouri City Township Square Shopping Plaza , located at 3434 FM 1092, Missouri City, held a grand opening April 30. The plaza received $4 million in renovations, including a new facade, signage, and parking lot and sidewalk improvements. The square is owned by KMRealty and is home to Old Hickory Inn BBQ and Pool Pro, both of which have been in the area for more than 30 years. Newer additions, such as Mama’s Cafe & Brews and Fresh as Duck have recently joined the plaza as well. www.kmrealty.net IN THE NEWS 14 The Fort Bend Epicenter continues development with a ve-year founding partnership with Energy Texas. As the o- cial energy provider for the venue, Energy Texas will receive marketing assets from the Epicenter, which opens in late August at 28505 Southwest Freeway, Rosenberg. The partnership was announced in a news release May 23. The marketing assets for the electricity provider will be inclusive of arena signage, marketing messaging on the Epicenter’s marquis sign, LED video screens and ribbon boards as well as addi- tional promotional opportunities. CLOSINGS 15 The Swinging Door closed May 14 after serving the Richmond community for more than 50 years. The landmark bar- becue spot, located at 3818 FM 359, was known for its beef brisket, pork ribs, chick- en and sausage along its homemade sides. According to The Swinging Door website,

meals served in a fast-casual setting. Cafe items include salads, bowls, wraps, at- breads and burgers. A variety of fresh- made then frozen for convenience meals will be sold in grab-and-go freezers, as well as a weekly, non-subscription-based meal plan. www.cleaneatzkitchen.com 10 Gourmet pizza chain Round Table Pizza will open this fall at 8323 FM 723, Richmond. The menu oers handmade pizzas, salads, garlic parmesan twists, and classic and boneless wings. The rst eatery opened in 1959 in California and has over 410 restaurants around the United States. www.roundtablepizza.com 11 The Pearl at Lake Pointe , a new multifamily residential development, has received its nal approval from Sugar Land City Council. Council approved an ordi- nance rezoning the land at the intersec- tion of Creekbend Drive and Fluor Daniel Drive to the Planned Development Dis- trict-Final Development Plan after a sec- ond reading May 16. Plans for the Pearl, a new ve-story, 370-unit multifamily development for young professionals with oce space and a cafe/coee shop at Lake Pointe Town Center, were nalized by the Sugar Land Planning & Zoning Commission April 11. A construction timeline has not been released by the developer. 12 Dutch Bros Coee will open a location late summer at 11711 S. Hwy. 6, Sugar Land. The new location will have a drive-thru and walk-up kiosk oering a variety of hot and iced coee variations including their popular coconut mocha avor. Applications for this location are currently being accepted online. www.dutchbros.com

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land broke ground on its expansion in April.

COURTESY MEMORIAL HERMANN

the restaurant opened on Labor Day in 1973. A dancehall was later added to the original building, becoming a popular travel spot for many Texans over the past ve decades. 16 Parent company Bed Bath and Beyond will close 10 Bed Bath & Be- yond stores and ve buybuy Baby stores in the Houston area after ling for bankruptcy in April. The Fountains “The expansion will create an additional 150 jobs, which includes doctors and nurses,” said George Kovacik, director of external communications for Memorial Hermann, in an email. In addition to the new jobs created, the investment project includes expanding one of the existing towers, adding new medical and surgical beds, new universal beds and a new neonatal intensive care unit, according to the release. The expansion will also develop other FEATURED IMPACT EXPANSION In April, the Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital broke ground on its $231 million expansion and investment project, which upon completion will bring many new jobs to the area. The development was rst announced in a news release on Nov. 21, with an expected completion date before the end of 2026.

types of “related infrastructure to expand inpatient, outpatient, ancillary and support capacity to meet the growing population demand in the Sugar Land market,” Kovacik said. The project is expected to expand the capacity of the hospital’s catheterization lab and key outpatient areas to include emergency department rooms, operating rooms, endoscopy suites, CT and X-ray capabilities, and parking, Community Impact previously reported. www.memorialhermann.org/locations/ sugar-land

on the Lake Bed Bath & Beyond at 16A 12520 Fountain Lake Circle, Staord, and the Staord buybuy Baby at 16B 12710 Fountain Lake Circle will close. According to an April 23 news release, while the company has begun winding down operations, its stores and website remain in opera- tion. www.bedbathandbeyond.com; www.buybuybaby.com

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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION • JUNE 2023

TODO LIST

June & July events

COMPILED BY SHAHERYAR KHAN

24 RELIVE THE 2000S ERA OF HIPHOP AND R&B An all-star set of artists from the 2000s era of music are heading to Sugar Land. The concert features the lineup of Ja Rule, Ashanti, Fabolous, Ma$e, Lloyd and Foxy Brown, to name a few. 7 p.m. $59-$299. Smart Financial Centre, 18111 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land. 281-207-6278. www.smartnancialcentre.net 24 EXPLORE AFRICAN CULTURE The 10th annual Wazobia Family Fun Fair comes to Sugar Land with games, cash prizes, live performances and African food. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Drive, Sugar Land. www.milb.com/sugar-land/events/ wazobia-family-funfair 25 DELVE INTO EID COUTURE S&I Organizers will hold an Eid al-Fitr exhibition at the Hilton Garden Inn Sugar Land. Eid is an Islamic festival celebrating the end of Ramadan fasting. Attendees can expect a variety of vendors selling traditional South Asian clothes, jewelry and shoes. 3-11 p.m. Free. Hilton Garden Inn Sugar Land, 722 Bonaventure Way, Sugar Land. 346-428-8506. www.facebook.com/siorganisers

JUNE 16 CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH The First Colony Community will host the second annual Juneteenth Freedom Family Picnic in the Park to celebrate the historical signicance of Juneteenth. Held at the Aquatic Center Park, the event will oer live music, various games and activities, and a walking tour focused around the history of Juneteenth. 5 p.m. Free. Aquatic Center Park, 4350 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land. 281-634-9500. www.rstcolony.org/ event/juneteenth-freedom-family-dinner- under-the-stars 19 HONOR AND CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY The Missouri City-based nonprot Helping Us Become Better will host a Juneteenth Family Celebration at Hunters Glen Park in Missouri City. The event will feature numerous food vendors, a bounce house for kids, various Black businesses and an open mic session. Noon-6 p.m. Free. Hunters Glen Park, 1340 Independence Blvd., Missouri City. www.eventbrite.com/e/ juneteenth-family-celebration- tickets-622764775207

JULY 04

ENJOY MUSIC, FOOD AND FIREWORKS CROWN FESTIVAL PARK

Community members can attend an evening of food, games and activities, music, vendors, and a reworks display with the Red, White and Boom event. Shuttles will run 4 p.m.-midnight between the University of Houston at Sugar Land and Smart Financial Centre. 5-9 p.m. Free. Crown Festival Park at Sugar Land, 18355 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land. 281-275-2825. www.sugarlandtx.gov/915/red-white-and-boom

JULY 02 WATCH A FAMOUS DRAG SHOW

281-207-6278. www.smartnancialcentre.net 06 THROUGH 09 EXPERIENCE LEGOS Attendees can marvel at creations, participate in interactive exhibits and embrace the joy of building at Brick Rodeo 2023. The event consists of Lego creations from professional builders, interactive activities, performances and food. Time TBD. $15-$100. Houston Marriott Sugar Land, 16090 City Walk, Sugar Land. www.brickrodeo.com

Contestants from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will bring the Werq the World Tour 2023 to Sugar Land, featuring performances and lip-sync battles from popular contestants from previous seasons as well as the current season’s winner. Attendees must be 18 years or older to attend. 8 p.m. $57-$143. Smart Financial Centre, 18111 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land.

Find more or submit Sugar Land and Missouri City 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.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

COMPILED BY JOE EDWARDS & DANIEL WEEKS

Public hearing process for 36A corridor starting late this year Environmental studies will start for the proposed 36A corridor transportation project after a series of public hearings expected to start in late 2023, according to documents provided by the Texas Department of Transportation. 45 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.

ONGOING PROJECTS

SIENNA RANCH RD.

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.

Fort Bend Parkway Toll Road extension

HEMPSTEAD

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MAY 18. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT SLMNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. The Fort Bend Parkway Toll Road project will extend the existing road west of Sienna Parkway connecting to Sienna Ranch Road. This project will help relieve some of the concentra- tion of trac specically aecting the Sienna Village area by improving trac ow near the neighborhood. Toll rates have not been established yet but will be consistent with other roads in the region, according to the Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority. Cost: $43.3 million Timeline: January 2023-late summer 2023 Funding source: toll revenue bonds

North study area

290

610

ROSENBERG

South study area

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY IMPACT

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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION • JUNE 2023

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NEWS BRIEFS

Two new mixed-use zones added to Sugar Land development code draft Sugar Land has released a draft of its updated development code with two new mixed-use zoning districts allowing for varying housing densities BY RENEE FARMER assistant director of planning and development services for Sugar Land, at the May 9 meeting. “It’s important that we’re getting MIXED-USE NEEDS

zoning would accommodate mostly diverse, varied-density residential uses with limited community, educa- tional and commercial uses. Mixed- use regional, on the other hand, would provide pedestrian-friendly areas of medium- to higher-density residen- tial development and compatible nonresidential uses, such as lodging, offices, and other commercial, civic and community uses, according to the workshop presentation. Some changes in the draft aim to provide housing for young profes- sionals, families or current residents looking to downsize. Around 90% of housing in the city is detached single-family homes, meaning there is a “missing middle,” said Ruth Lohmer,

Sugar Land’s development code draft lists a number of changes that align with the city’s six essential elements for mixed-use districts. The elements include:

the youth here, and these mixed-use developments have done well across the country,” said Matt Ragan, director of retail programming and operations for developer Rebees, at the May 9 meeting. The approval process will take place throughout the summer. Draft revisions will finish by June 15, and the Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing and adopt the code June 22. City council will then hold a public hearing and first reading of the code July 18, followed by a second reading Aug. 1.

and pedestrian-friendly spaces. Sugar Land is looking to update its development code with the adoption of two mixed-use zoning districts—mixed-use neighborhood and mixed-use regional—in alignment with its Land Use Plan. The city held a town hall meeting May 8 and a joint City Council and Planning & Zoning Commission workshop May 9. The draft will go through two pub- lic hearings and two readings before City Council votes on it Aug. 1. The mixed-use neighborhood

Providing a home nearby for family Enabling walkable places for people Facilitating less driving through reduced parking Respecting adjacent neighborhoods Streamlining and rewarding innovative development Accelerating redevelopment

SOURCE: SUGAR LAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Fort Bend ISD talks 2023-24 budget amid legislative uncertainty

Barrington Place Elementary to receive $13.4M in renovations

BY RENEE FARMER

Budget planning

safety and security allotment, with $4 million to fund adding a police officer to every campus. If the bill passed as it was writ- ten, the district would have seen $789.2 million in revenue and $787.4 million in expenditures after $23.5 million in budget cuts. It would also have a $2.2 million surplus, per agenda documents. However, the district is required to adopt its budget before the 2022-23 fiscal year ends June 30. The district published a budget by May 24 for the public to view that assumed HB 100 did not pass. While HB 100 didn’t pass in the session, Gov. Greg Abbott said several special sessions will be required. Abbott identified school choice as one of his priorities in the 88th session.

Due to uncertainty about the Texas legislative session, Fort Bend ISD has identified two budget scenarios for fiscal year 2023-24. District Chief Financial Officer Bryan Guinn gave the FBISD board of trustees an update on the budgeting process for FY 2023-24 during its May 15 meeting. FBISD said it could receive $39.8 million in new state funding, most from Texas House Bill 100. However, HB 100 didn’t pass in the legislative session by press time. The bill would’ve required $19.8 million of those funds be spent on staff raises. The district planned to include all of its staff and increase that amount to $20.8 million. It also would have received an $8 million

Fort Bend ISD's preliminary budget doesn't account for any additional state funding that could come from future special sessions in the Texas Legislature.

BY RENEE FARMER

Funds from Fort Bend ISD’s 2023 bond will allow Barrington Place Elementary School to receive a second phase of improvements. At the May 15 board meeting, FBISD trustees approved a construction services agreement with Prime Con- tractors Inc. to perform $13.4 million in repairs and upgrades at the school. A 2021 facility assessment identified the need for interior renovations and upgrades, including chill water piping insulation, the ceiling grid, interior wall systems, flooring and restrooms. Phase 1 began in July 2022 and included mold remediation on chilled water piping insulation, abatement and demolition. Phase 2, which will be covered by the 2023 bond, includes new finishes, gym expansion, collab- oration spaces, restroom renovations, kitchen expansion, Americans with Disabilities Act compliance upgrades and playground improvements.

Projected surplus: $1.42M

SOURCE: FORT BEND ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Voters approve $1.26B bond, elect 2 incumbents, 1 new trustee

$22.9 million for a new natatorium, was endorsed with 56.67% of the vote. Meanwhile, two incumbents retained their seats and a new board member will be seated at FBISD following the election results. Incumbents Angie Hanan and Shirley Rose-Gilliam retained their seats for Position 1 and Position 4, respectively. Comparatively, Sonya Jones received the most votes out of five candidates seeking the Position 5 seat. She received 39.39% of the votes, unseating incumbent Denetta R. Williams, who received 9.24% of votes.

BY VANESSA HOLT & JESSICA SHORTEN

Voters supported all three propositions in the $1.26 billion Fort Bend ISD bond May 6. Proposition A, which included $1.18 billion for con- struction, security and other projects, received 65.66% of the vote. Proposition B, for $52.5 million in computer upgrades, received 66.62% of the vote. Proposition C, for

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CITY & COUNTY

News from Missouri City, Sugar Land & Fort Bend County

HIGHLIGHTS FORT BEND COUNTY Elections Administrator John Oldham made a case for additional support staff for the November election at a May 5 Fort Bend County Commissioners Court budget meeting. He said the county’s election team is understaffed compared to other similar-sized counties. Oldham specifically highlighted the need for a full-time trainer role, saying consistent changes to election procedures lead to as many as 150 hours of training sessions before a general election. The county’s fiscal year 2023-24 calendar states the budget office will begin analyzing requests in June to prepare for a formal recommendation. SUGAR LAND At the May 16 meeting, City Council unanimously approved a $109,560 contract with architectural design firm Stantec. The firm will conduct an economic and urban design study of Tract 5, which comprises Smart Financial Centre and the surrounding land. The study aims to create plans to make Tract 5 a livable, walkable town center. MD Anderson owns three sections of the tract and plans to construct 500,000 square feet of building space. Sugar Land City Council will meet at 5:30 p.m. June 20 and 27 at 2700 Town Center Blvd. N., Sugar Land. Meetings are livestreamed and in person. 281-275-2900. www.sugarlandtx.gov Missouri City City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. June 20 at 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City. Meetings are livestreamed and in person. 281-403-8500. www.missouricitytx.gov Fort Bend County Commissioners Court will meet at 1 p.m. June 13 and 27 at 401 Jackson St., Richmond. Meetings are livestreamed. 281-342-3411. www.fortbendcountytx.gov MEETINGS WE COVER

Sugar Land lays out timeline for redistricting council districts

REDISTRICTING APPROACH

Sugar Land must take steps over the next year to redistrict its City Council districts.

BY RENEE FARMER

What’s next? To ensure proportional district populations and equal representation on City Council, the council must form a nine-member redistricting committee by June 6. The committee will then be respon- sible for redrawing the districts from June through August using a computer program. City Council will approve the plan this fall, and the new plan will then be filed with the county and go into effect in January. What they’re saying: “In both 2011 and 2018, the committees were able to accomplish this in just three meetings. The computer program is effective, and your committee mem- bers are determined and dedicated, and this actually goes pretty fast,” Riede said.

SUGAR LAND The city looks to balance the population in its four City Council districts with redistricting measures taken this summer and put into effect in January. What happened: Sugar Land City Attorney Meredith Riede led a discussion on the redistricting process during a May 16 Sugar Land City Council meeting. Each of Sugar Land’s four City Council districts would ideally have a population of 27,751, which is the city’s total pop- ulation divided by four. The district populations are:

Assess the district populations Form a redistricting committee by June 6 Each City Council member nominates one person; the mayor nominates two former City Council members Committee redraws the districts from June through August; residents can also submit redistricting plans Committee presents recommended plans to City Council by Aug. 15 Council approves plan Sept. 19 after workshops and public comment Plan is filed with Fort Bend County and goes into effect in January 2024

• District 1: 25,046 • District 2: 31,322 • District 3: 27,779 • District 4: 28,855

SOURCE: CITY OF SUGAR LAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Missouri City sees low unemployment rate, housing availability surge

BY JOE EDWARDS

have surged. However, other economic indicators of a potential recession are looming. The report estimated the unemployment rate is at 3.8%, a decrease from 8.1% in 2020. However, Hockenyos estimates unemployment will rise to 4.4% by the end of 2024. This potential rise could be attributed to rising interest rates and inflation, Hockenyos said.

NUMBERS TO KNOW

Missouri City is experiencing a mix of economic changes impacting employment and housing, an economist said.

MISSOURI CITY An expert said Missouri City is experiencing a mix of eco- nomic changes impacting employment and housing. Jon Hockenyos—president of TXP Inc., a public policy and economic analysis firm—presented a report at the May 15 City Council meeting showing the city’s unemployment rate has reached near prepandemic levels, and housing prices

3.8% unemployment rate

2.3 months worth of housing inventory

$428,700 average price of a home

SOURCE: JON HOCKENYOS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Missouri City is also expe- riencing a new surge in over- all housing availability, the report said. As of February,

there were 2.3 months of inventory available versus only 0.8 months in February 2018.

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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION • JUNE 2023

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AT THE CAPITOL

News from the 88th legislative session

QUOTE OF NOTE

ERCOT projects record demand for electricity this summer

Sign up for our newsletter at communityimpact.com for daily updates throughout the session. SUBSCRIBE TODAY require the Texas Commission on Jail Standards to evaluate the living conditions and safety of people in the Harris County Jail. UPDATES FROM LOCAL LEGISLATORS HOUSE BILL 12 Rep. Ron Reynolds, D-Missouri City, filed HB 12 May 30 as part of the special session called by Gov. Greg Abbott. The bill would NUMBER TO KNOW That’s how many Texans died from fentanyl overdoses in 2022, according to Gov. Greg Abbott. 2,012 SENATE BILL 14, WHICH WOULD BAN TRANSITION-RELATED TREATMENTS FOR TRANSGENDER MINORS. THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE PASSED THE BILL, AND GOV. GREG ABBOTT HAS UNTIL JUNE 18 TO SIGN IT. “WE WILL NEVER STOP FIGHTING ALONGSIDE OUR PARTNERS TO CREATE A FUTURE WHERE TRANSGENDER YOUTH, ADULTS AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE SAFE AND FREE TO EXIST IN THEIR OWN HOME STATE.” MARTI BIER, VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAMS AT THE TEXAS FREEDOM NETWORK, ON THE TEXAS HOUSE’S PASSAGE OF

BY HANNAH NORTON

hot outside, but the sun has set and winds begin to die down. “We will continue to use every tool available to keep the lights on and the AC running this summer,” said Peter Lake, chair of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, which regulates ERCOT. As a result, Texans could be asked to conserve energy or even face brownouts this summer. Brownouts typically occur when utility companies reduce the flow of electricity to certain areas to prevent a large-scale blackout. Lights may dim or flicker, but homes will still receive power. The report states, emergency con- ditions are possible when three things happen simultaneously: extreme heat; low renewable energy output; and widespread outages at dispatch- able power plants. Vegas said there is a less than 1% chance of this happening, but officials will communicate with Texans if voluntary conservation is recommended or the grid reaches emergency conditions.

SUPPLY AND DEMAND

Texans could experience brownouts due to record demand for power this summer, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas predicted. In a report released May 3, Texas’ power grid operator anticipated peak demand could reach 82,739 megawatts on the hottest days. Due to over two years of reforms following Winter Storm Uri, ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas said the power grid is “more reliable than ever.” But as Texas’ population continues to grow, officials said 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 renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, to keep the lights on. 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

During the hottest days this summer, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas expects demand for electricity could surpass 82,000 megawatts. Peak demand in 2022 was 80,038 MW.

Expected peak demand 82,739 MW

Expected total supply 97,138 MW*

*TOTAL PROJECTED SUPPLY OF DISPATCHABLE AND RENEWABLE ENERGY THIS SUMMER SOURCE: ELECTRIC RELIABILITY COUNCIL OF TEXAS/COMMUNITY IMPACT TERMS TO KNOW Megawatts: a unit of power equal to 1 million watts. A MW can power 200 homes during peak demand. Dispatchable energy: power sources such as coal, natural gas and nuclear that come from energy plants.

House fails to advance 'raise the age' gun bill

OUT OF TIME

House Bill 2744, which raises the age to buy certain guns in Texas, will not advance in the House. May 8 House Select Committee on Community Safety passed HB 2744 HB 2744 was not added to the May 11 House calendar House bills had to be debated by midnight on May 12. May 9, 10 p.m. May 11, 11:59 p.m.

The bill has been pushed for months by the families of the 19 students and two teachers who were killed during a mass shooting in Uvalde last year. Despite the committee’s vote, the bill was not placed on the House calendar and was not be debated by the full chamber. Texas House Democrats attempted to add the legislation to other bills through amendments May 11, but the amend- ments were voted down.

BY HANNAH NORTON

In an unexpected vote May 8, a Texas House committee advanced a bill that would raise the minimum age to purchase semi-automatic weapons. However, lawmakers did not send the bill to the House for consideration by the May 11 deadline. House Bill 2744, by Rep. Tracy King, D-Batesville, proposed to raise the minimum age required to purchase semi-automatic rifles from 18 to 21.

SOURCES: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE, TEXAS LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE LIBRARY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

HEALING FAMILIES & TRANSFORMING LIVES

FAMILY THERAPY • FAMILY INTENSIVES • COUPLE’S THERAPY • INDIVIDUAL THERAPY We believe that healing occurs in relationships and through experience. When families are out of alignment and relationships feel insecure, unhealthy behaviors emerge and create long-standing patterns of interactions that create disharmony in the home. These individual and family issues must be addressed within the context of the family.

Kevin Randall, M.S., LMFT Nikki Garza, M.S., LCSW

thefamilyintensiveinstitute.com | 818-917-4861 | 3634 Glenn Lakes Lane, #244 | Missouri City, TX 77459

SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION • JUNE 2023

HEALTH CARE EDITION 2023

COMMUNITY IMPACT IS PROUD TO SAY THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSOR

C & C Dental is your one stop shopping for your entire family. We realize that no one wants to traipse all over town to get their dental needs cared for. Dr. Tim Cashion and Dr. Teresa Cody, a husband-and-wife team of dentists have assembled a spectacular team of experts to care for your entire family from simple straight forward llings to complicated full mouth reconstruction and everything in between. Dr. Cody had a bad childhood dental experience which she has used to innovate new approaches to making the dental experience enjoyable and comfortable. Sounds impossible but she is determined. This is one of the reasons the team brings a good balance of fun, comfort, and joy to the oce.

GOLD SPONSOR

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital brings the expertise and technology of Houston Methodist to Fort Bend County. Houston Methodist Sugar Land performs the most advanced surgical and diagnostic techniques available in Fort Bend County, all with compassionate, hands-on care and outstanding service. Houston Methodist Sugar Land continually expands to meet the community’s needs. Today, the campus houses: Three patient care pavilions with 347 beds and 27 operating rooms, Three medical oce buildings, Centers of Excellence: cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, orthopedics, urology, women’s services Houston Methodist Sugar Land also oers an emergency care center near Sienna and specialized physician oces, including primary care, throughout Fort Bend. What sets Houston Methodist Sugar Land apart is its patient-centric operational philosophy, built on a strong sense of mission and commitment to Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence – the I CARE values – which guide interactions with patients, family members and colleagues. Visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or call 281.274.7500 for more information.

GOLD SPONSOR

Legacy Community Health’s Senior Primary Care clinics provide specialized, compassionate health care for older adults. From Medicare wellness visits, sick care appointments and management of chronic conditions, to behavioral health, nutrition and pharmacy services, our clinicians and board-certied geriatricians partner with patients to help them live healthier, longer lives. Legacy Community Health is a full-service health care system comprised of over 50 locations in the Texas Gulf Coast region oering adult primary care, senior care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, behavioral health, dental, HIV/AIDS care, vision, specialty care, and pharmacy services. For over 40 years, Legacy has been innovating the ways we provide comprehensive, quality health care services to underserved communities. As the largest Federally Qualied Health Center (FQHC) in Texas and a United Way aliated agency since 1990, Legacy ensures its services and programs are open to all, regardless of the ability to pay—without judgment or exception. Learn more at LegacyCommunityHealth.org/SeniorCare

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HEALTH CARE SNAPSHOT

Local health care data and information

COMPILED BY DANICA LLOYD

HOW HEALTHY IS YOUR COUNTY?

HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE BY COUNTY Fort Bend County ranks 58th among Texas counties in terms of primary care physicians per 100,000 residents. Data is up to date as of May 25. Primary care physicians, 2022 Profession count Per 100,000 residents County rank statewide 609 67.4 58

These rankings of all counties statewide are updated annually but include data from previous years. The factors listed are not comprehensive.

FORT BEND COUNTY

HEALTH OUTCOMES INCLUDE:

• LENGTH OF LIFE • QUALITY OF LIFE , such as the number of poor mental and physical health days reported

Psychiatrists, 2022 Profession count

Per 100,000 residents

County rank statewide

2023 STATEWIDE HEALTH CARE RANKINGS OUT OF 244 RANKED COUNTIES

HEALTH FACTORS INCLUDE:

• HEALTHBEHAVIORS , such as smoking, obesity, physical activity, excessive drinking, alcohol-impaired driving deaths, sexually transmitted infections and teen births • CLINICALCARE , including health insurance coverage; number of physicians, dentists and mental health providers; preventable hospital stays; and u vaccinations • SOCIOECONOMICFACTORS , such as educational attainment levels, children in poverty, income inequality and violent crimes • PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT FACTORS , such as air pollution, drinking water violations, housing problems and long commutes

HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYMENT

HEALTH OUTCOMES

4 4 9

Length of life Overall

Sept. 2020 Sept. 2021

Sept. 2022

Quality of life HEALTH FACTORS

29,156

+13.77% 2-year change

2 7

30,903

Overall

Health behaviors

33,170

12 13

Socioeconomic Physical environment Clinical care

SOURCES: COUNTYHEALTHRANKINGS.ORG, ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN POPULATION HEALTH INSTITUTE, U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

224

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