The University of Houston’s Sugar Land campus has kicked off the fall 2025 semester with a new addition: a three-story, 75,000-squarefoot facility now open to faculty, staff and students.
“The opening of the doors to our Sugar Land Academic Building 2 represents the growth our campus has experienced in the last year,” said Jay Neal, associate vice president, academic affairs and chief operations officer for UH’s Sugar Land Campus. “This building allows us to accommodate hundreds more students who wish to pursue engineering studies in Fort Bend County.”
A formal grand opening event is planned for mid-October.
The new building is home to the UH Cullen College of Engineering, where roughly 80 faculty members will be teaching.
In 2021, the Texas Legislature approved funding for a second academic building in Sugar Land as part of a broader UH System construction and renovation package. The $65 million project received $54 million from the state appropriation, and construction began in October 2023.
The new building features wet and dry labs, computer labs, faculty offices, collaboration areas, traditional and active learning classrooms, as well as student advising offices and lounge spaces, UH-Sugar Land said in a news release.
A sky bridge will link the new building to its neighbor, Sugar Land Academic Building 1. The bridge is still under construction and expected to open later this semester.
The new building will allow the university to accommodate approximately 2,500 more students, Neal said.
“The most recent numbers indicate there are 4,713 students at the Sugar Land campus,” Neal said. “That is about a 30% increase from this time last year. That number does not include the nearly 4,000 students taking classes from Wharton County Junior College, which shares one of our buildings.”
The building also features a new addition to the Public Art University of Houston System collection: “Split Level”, a sculpture by Australian artist Clement Meadmore, installed on the east side.
“Universities encourage and inspire thoughts, discussions and conversations – that also is the role of art,” Neal said. “Having these public art pieces creates a space to connect with the community both inside our walls and outside. We want people to come onto the campus, to explore it and to interact with it … The
Prosecutors reveal new allegations against George
By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
New allegations against Fort Bend County Judge KP George have emerged in a recent court filing in his felony money laundering case - including that he conspired with his former chief of staff in a professional services contract while the staffer was working in the Biden Administration.
The new allegations are part of an August 21 filing by Fort Bend County prosecutors that lists “extraneous crimes” and other character evidence in the penalty phase of George’s trial, should he be convicted. The trial is set for February 3. The filing was first reported by Houston Public Media.
George was first indicted on two counts of money laundering, a felony, in March, alleging that during his first campaign for county judge in 2018, George “knowingly” tampered with tampered with campaign
finance reports to conduct transactions of between $30,000 and $150,000, and transferring the proceeds “with intent to defraud or harm.”
While the indictments initially contained scarce evidence about the specific allegations, last month prosecutors filed another document, a response to one filed by George’s attorneys, in which they laid out their case in much more detail.
In that filing, prosecutors allege that George illegally transferred campaign funds during the 2018 campaign to pay property taxes and make a down payment on a new house.
In the more recent filing, on August 21, prosecutors list a raft of new allegations they say will introduce during a penalty phase of the trial. Among them is
Is Sugar Land ready for its close-up? City takes the stage with World Cup agreement
By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
A massive hangar at the Sugar Land Regional Network was the setting last week for an announcement of global reach – a partnership between the City of Sugar Land and FIFA, the organization that runs the World Cup, in which Sugar Land will serve as a “host supporting community” during the soccer tournament’s seven-game stand in Houston next year.
The Wednesday event followed the City Council’s 6-1 vote at its meeting the night before to pay a total of $2.5 million to the FIFA Houston 2026 World Cup Committee
to act as the sole suburban city in the greater Houston region to serve as an official host of the festivities.
According to officials, the games are estimated to bring 500,000 fans from around the world and generate approximately $1.5 billion in economic benefits for the region.
The city’s funding of the agreement will come from hotel occupancy taxes and other funds, not property taxes. At Large Position 2 Council member Robert Boettcher, who had questioned how specific “deliverables” in the agreement would be measured, was the sole vote against.
Houston is one of 11 cities in the United States that will host games in the worldwide 2026 World Cup, a
total of seven matches for a 21-day period beginning in mid-June.
According to Chris Canetti, president of the Houston 2026 World Cup Committee, in terms of economic benefits, that would be equivalent of seven Super Bowls. Matches will also be held in four cities in Mexico and Canada. Around the globe, each of the Houston matches will be viewed by more than 200 million people, Canetti said.
The Houston games will be encompassed by a 39-day “Fan Festival” held in the EaDo area outside downtown Houston, but the festivities will be extended to events in many Sugar Land venues, Canetti said.
Missouri City native pursues bachelor’s degree while serving aboard Navy warship
Ashley Craig
“This partnership provides a global platform to highlight Sugar Land’s diversity, strong economy, and vibrant community during one of the largest sporting events in history,” Mayor Carol McCutcheon told an enthusiastic crowd of officials and civic leaders at the event. “It also reflects our city’s readiness for something sweeter - a community with the energy, infrastructure, and vision to deliver world-class experiences as a host city supporter.
“Sugar Land is proud to partner with Houston to make this historic event a success for our entire region. Together, we’ll extend the World
Photo by Ken Fountain
File photo
New allegations against Fort Bend County Judge KP George have emerged in a recent court filing in his felony money laundering case.
ago. Today, Henderson serves as a personnel specialist.
“I wasn’t exactly sure of my career path and felt the Navy would be a great foundation or stepping stone,” Henderson said. “My dad served in the Navy. It was the first recruiter I went to.”
A Navy destroyer is a multimission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with Tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a Phalanx closein weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard John Basilone. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry, along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Henderson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is something I do every day in my rate, which is assisting sailors with their records and pay,” Henderson said. “I’m taking care of that for them and making sure they get paid the right amount and on time.”
Henderson serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means sacrificing for something larger than myself,” Henderson said. “In the Navy, you build skills that are applicable to both military and civilian life, things like professionalism, flexibility and discipline.”
Henderson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’d like to thank my family for their continued support,” Henderson said.
BUILDING FROM PAGE 1
hope is that the pieces reflect the region they’re in and the studies in the spaces.”
Neal said the university has grown alongside Fort Bend County’s population and strives to offer academic and industry opportunities that meet the region’s needs.
The campus also is home to the UH Gessner College of Nursing
GEORGE FROM PAGE 1
that George used $5,000 from his campaign account towards a down payment on the purchase of a Ford Expedition for his personal use.
They also allege that in 2020, around the time of his filing for divorce, he moved $20,000 from his personal savings account into his campaign account, only to move it back later, without disclosing the transfers on his campaign finance reports.
Prosecutors allege that George has since 2018 has wrongfully
and programs from the colleges of education, social work, business and liberal arts & social sciences.
“We are so fortunate to have the support of our local and state leaders who have helped us to grow like this in service of the community,” Neal said. “Expansion, of course, is part of that – in programs and in space.”
Varma can be reached at juhi.varma@gmail.com.
claimed to be a certified financial planner, which they say he has continued to the present day.
The filing also details more information about George’s interactions with Taral Patel, his onetime chief of staff who left the role to take a position in the Biden Administration. During that time, they allege, George conspired with Patel to violate the Hatch Act, a law that among other things limits the ways federal employees can act in political activities and seek outside income. Prosecutors had previously revealed that they were investigating a consulting
‘The Turtle House’ named Fort Bend libraries’ ‘Community Reads’ 2025 selection
Community Reports
Fort Bend County Libraries invites the public to join in this year’s “Community Reads” initiative, a county-wide reading program encouraging communities to read and discuss a particular book together September through November. The 2025 selection for “Community Reads” is Amanda Churchill’s debut novel, “The Turtle House”. Book discussions will take place at different locations throughout the library system on various dates and times during the months of September, October, and November. The “Community Reads” initiative will conclude at FBCL’s annual Book Festival on November 15, with a keynote presentation by Amanda Churchill.
Moving between a Texas ranching community in the 1990s and pre-World War II Japan and occupied Tokyo, “The Turtle House” is an emotionally engaging saga about a grandmother and granddaughter who connect over a beloved lost place and the secrets they both carry.
Lia Cope is a 25-year-old aspiring architect who abandons a promising career in Austin to move back home, where she finds herself sharing a bedroom with her prickly 73-year-old grandmother, Mineko. Long widowed, Mineko began her life in Texas as a Japanese war bride.
Both struggling with their own secrets, the two begin to bond while sharing many late-
night conversations. Mineko tells stories of her early life in Japan, of the war that changed everything, and of her two great loves – a man named Akio Sato and an abandoned Japanese country estate they called the Turtle House.
When Mineko’s adult children decide – against her wishes – to move her into an assisted-living community, she and Lia devise a plan to bring a beloved long-lost place back to life, hoping to find a sense of purpose and belonging they have both been searching for.
A resident of Keller, Texas, Churchill was a Writer’s League of Texas 2021 Fellow, received support from Tin House and Community of Writers, and holds a master’s degree in creative writing from the University of North Texas.
“The Turtle House” is inspired by her own grandmother’s memories, lucky turtles, and discovering the true meaning of finding and defining oneself despite what society thinks.
The schedule of upcoming book discussions is as follows:
• Thursday, September 18, Noon-1 p.m. – George Memorial Library (1001 Golfview, Richmond)
• Saturday, September 27,
11 a.m.-noon – Missouri City Branch Library (1530 Texas Parkway)
• Wednesday, October 1, Noon-1 p.m. – Cinco Ranch Branch Library (2620 Commercial Center Blvd, Katy)
• Wednesday, October 8, 7-8 p.m. – Mission Bend Branch Library (8421 Addicks Clodine Road, Houston)
• Saturday, November 1, 11 a.m.-noon – University Branch Library (14010 University Blvd, Sugar Land) Registration required.
• Saturday, November 8, 11 a.m.-noon – Missouri City Branch Library (1530 Texas Parkway)
• Thursday, November 13, 1-2 p.m. – Sugar Land Branch Library (550 Eldridge)
• Thursday, November 13, 1:30-2:30 pm – First Colony Branch Library (2121 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land)
“The Turtle House” is available at the libraries in print and digitally as an ebook and e-audiobook on OverDrive/ Libby and as an e-audiobook on hoopla. Readers are encouraged to call the libraries to check the availability of additional print copies for the book clubs. For more information, see Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov) or call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
contract between Patel and Fort Bend County while he was still a federal employee.
The filing also lays out more details about how George and Patel participated in a “fake hate” campaign on social media during both George’s races and Patel’s failed 2024 race as the Democratic challenger to Republican Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers.
In April, Patel agreed to a plea deal in the numerous charges against him and is working with Fort Bend prosecutors in their case against George.
George also faces a misdemean-
or charge of misrepresentation of identity, related to the alleged fake hate scheme. The trial in that case is set for January 6.
A spokesman for the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office said he could not comment on the new allegations beyond what is contained in the court filing. Attempts to reach Jared Woodfill, George’s lead defense attorney, for comment were unsuccessful.
George, who in June announced his switch from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party, has said he plans to run for reelection next year.
The new UH-Sugar Land building features wet and dry labs, computer labs, faculty offices, collaboration areas, traditional and active learning classrooms.
Courtesy University of Houston
The University of Houston-Sugar Land campus now has a new, three-story,
EDITORIAL
Club me with a cliché
THE CLUB HOUSE
– “Welcome, mem-
bers, to another meeting of Club Cliché, a gathering of the most overused and underwhelming sayings constantly trotted out by the rhetorically challenged. I’m your president, Bottom Line, so let’s get to introductions quicker than a New York minute. But first, a moment to recognize our old-as-dirt members. I see you out there, Take It to the Next Level and Be Careful What You Wish For. And, of course, Outliers and Walks Like a Duck. Woke, you’re still here? You retired the trophy. I notice that Have a Nice Day has been replaced by Have a Good One. Where is Disgruntled Postal Worker?
Oh I forgot, it’s being degruntled. Any other old, threadbare clichés?”
“I’m over here,” said This Ain’t My First Rodeo. “I’m sitting next to He Wants to Spend More Time With His Family, formerly called Fired. While I’ve got the floor, I’d like to point out all the new-old titles, phrases and, best of
ASHBY2@COMCAST.NET
all, accusations, coming out of Washington. Stand up and take a bow Drain the Swamp, Losers, Fake News and Alternative Facts aka Lies. Make America Hate Again has been deported to Uganda. We also have Herding Cats, Whack-a-Mole and The First 24 Hours. Tariff appears in every business story which is actually another name for Federal Tax, but sounds better. Elon Musk gave Chainsaw a bad name. There are lots of others who I will introduce later but that’s enough punishment for now.”
Bottom Line rapped for order, but was interrupted by a big cliché in a cowboy hat. “Aum frum Teck-Siz like Everything’s Bigger In. We proudly make the rest of America cringe when they
hear my cousin, Redistricting, over and over. Redistricting is used by the Republicans. Democrats like to call it Gerrymandering. Same term. I’m not only worn out but a comparable size. You ever notice that, when talking about some place folks aren’t familiar with, they say ‘South Africa is almost twice the size of Texas’ or ‘Greenland is 3.2 times the size of Texas.’ Alaska? One guess. It’s 2.2 times the size of Texas. Nobody says that Afghanistan is 34 times the size of New Jersey. One more thang. This has gotten so well-worn that even a TV ad for a WiFi company is using some guy wearing a big hat like mine standing by a fake oil rig yelling ‘Yee-Haw!’ You two Teck-Siz clichés, Drawing the Black Bean and Draw a Line in the Sand, come sit rat cheer.”
Once again Bottom Line tried to bring order. Under the Radar spoke up. “Mister President, what we are finding these days are old terms and words cut off at the knees, pardon the cliché. For years press conferences were called just that. Now they are pressers which sounds too much like
36A South project is a critical solution for hurricane evacuation, traffic, economic growth
After more than two decades of studies, environmental assessments, and public engagement, you have a unique opportunity this week to voice support for a project that will be transformational - enhancing safety, improving connectivity, and strengthening our county’s ability to attract investments and create high paying jobs.
The deadline for your input is Friday, September 12, but first I want to make sure you are well informed.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is working to narrow down the list of route options for the proposed State Highway (SH) 36A South project, a new north-south highway segment connecting FM 1994 south of Needville to I-10 west of Katy.
As the agency evaluates the proposed highway corridor, Fort Bend County residents and the folks who commute in the county should understand why this transportation project deserves your support.
Safeguarding Families and Livelihoods
As the population across our region continues to grow exponentially, a critical priority is having a designated and well-planned hurricane evacuation route. SH 36A will help thousands of Brazoria and Fort Bend County residents to get out of harm’s way when a major storm or other emergency threatens the Texas Gulf Coast. A properly sized evacuation route will help families evade the most dangerous aspects of hurricanes, such as storm surge, high winds, and flooding, by moving them away from coastal areas to safer inland communities.
Rapidly growing areas like ours also face significant challenges in tackling traffic congestion. The influx of new residents often outpaces the development of necessary infrastructure, leading to gridlock, increased travel times, and a decline in quality of life.
The situation is exacerbated when projects like the SH 36A take a long time to plan, get funded, and then build. Planning for the project began about ten years ago, and it has gone through multiple feasibility studies, environmental assessments,
Andy Meyers Commissioner, Fort Bend Precinct 3
and public meetings, before reaching this current planning and development phase.
Safer Route for Growing Cargo Capacity
The project will also help address the growth of freight capacity at Port Freeport, as it invests to become Texas’s deepest port able to handle bulk, containers, and other types of cargo. The Port’s role as a hub for petrochemical exports and the import of various goods is leading to a substantial rise in truck traffic, creating a pressing need for a more efficient and safe transportation route.
The current two-lane configuration of Highway 36 is not equipped to handle such a growing volume of heavy truck traffic, making the construction of Highway 36A essential for the region’s economic future. Freight traffic is increasing regardless of whether a new route is built, so addressing this proactively is a far better solution than waiting for the problem to overwhelm the existing road system.
The SH 36A project will significantly improve connectivity by creating a new north-south route that links key population and economic centers. This corridor will fill a critical gap in our transportation network, enhancing regional mobility and providing a more efficient path for freight traffic.
Diversifying Our Economy and Tax Base
At the moment, Fort Bend County is primarily a bedroom community, where families settle to enjoy beautiful master-planned communities and highly regarded school districts. However, most of our residents must commute daily for 30 minutes or more to Houston, the Energy Corridor, and other parts of the greater Houston region for work. This is also evident in the
pressure which, in some cases, is the same thing. Whatever happened to merchandise? At Taylor Swift concerts they’re selling merch. Is it too much trouble to sell merchandise? Same problem with admin. And our TV weather people, who say further when they mean farther, refer to precip. Are they too pressed for time that they can’t say precipitation?”
“Those aren’t really clichés. You’re wandering,” said Stay in Your Lane. “Let’s listen to some real purveyors of shopworn trite.” Coach Speak stood up. “I came to play, as cool as the other side of the pillow. I hit a frozen rope, just like the ‘Boys and ‘Stros and ‘Horns. When you come to a fork in the road, take it, but it ain’t over till it’s over, as that great Pinstriper from the Bronx Bombers, Yogi Berra, almost said. It’s déjà vu all over again. And I’ve got someone who can play any position, so we call him Swiss Army Knife, but plays smash-mouth football and can pick six. Anyway, I’m cautiously optimistic about America’s Team.”
Suddenly there was a voice from the back of the room. “Is this the right place? I’m
Reputed Mafia Boss and this is Socialite.” Groupthink replied: “No, you’re looking for the Convention of Made-Up Titles. They’re down the hall. There you’ll find fellow members like Citizen Activist, its cousin, Civil Rights Leader, and Radio Personality.” They left, followed by Influencer, Uber-Chef and Right-Wing Conspirator. “Wait for us,” said Oligarch and Oscar Winner. Breaking News! took the floor. “Earlier we heard from all those clichés coming out of Washington, but those were only some of our members. Let’s hear it for Off Ramp, Trump 2.0 and Economics 101. Then there are Race to the Bottom, Deep State, Kick the Can Down the Road and Move the Needle. We also have Comprehensive Immigration Reform which, incidentally, is about as meaningless as preplanned. Have you ever heard of post-planned? Moving on, from TV interviews we have the constant That’s a Great Question whether the question is great, not so great or even not worth answering. We’ve heard Bend His Knee so often it clearly qualifies for membership as does Into the Weeds,
whatever that means. I even hate to mention Existential Threat, yet it somehow appears in every politician’s warning about anything.” Heterofatalism asked a question, “Do I qualify yet? I am women who are so fed up with men that women don’t want to date, much less get married. I’m all the new buzz word in chic feminine circles, rapidly becoming overused.” Boots on the Ground objected. “Are you from Gen Z or Gen X or whatever? You’ll have to be cleared by Arm Candy and Trophy Wife for membership. Right now you’re behind Doppelgänger, In My DNA and Bad Boy.
Cutting Edge came running in. “Sorry I’m late. I was looking under the sofa cushions for loose change, or is it already a member? I just passed Mojo and From Wall Street to Main Street. They’ve been greenlighted so they’ll be here as quick as a wink.”
Bottom Line rapped his gavel for silence. “OK, that wraps up this meeting. Just remember, pay no attention who those who avoid clichés like the plague.”
Ashby is original at ashby2@comcast.net
Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 26
Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate
The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 26 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2025 on September 17, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. at 2605 Spring Place Drive, Missouri City, TX 77489. Your individual taxes may increase at a greater or lesser rate, or even decrease, depending on the tax rate that is adopted and on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property. The change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in the taxable value of all other property determines the distribution of the tax burden among all property owners.
FOR the proposal: Demonica Johnson, Charles Benton, Fred Walker Sr., & Toxie Cockrell AGAINST the proposal: Natasha Wardsworth PRESENT and not voting: None ABSENT: None
The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.
county’s revenue structure, with more than 75% coming from residential taxpayers. Over the long term, this is not a sustainable situation. We must diversify our economy by attracting commercial and industrial investments to establish and expand employment centers throughout Fort Bend County.
The SH 36A project will support the development of such centers, as well as complementary business clusters along its corridor. As freight-dependent businesses locate here, they will generate demand for supporting services and related industries, thereby generating thousands of well-paying jobs that will further strengthen Texas’s global position in trade and logistics. The diversification of Fort Bend County’s economic base will thereby reduce its outsized reliance on residential property taxes.
Be Informed and Voice
Your Support
Over the past couple of weeks, TxDOT hosted in-person and online public scoping meetings to provide details about the project, including the agency’s eight proposed routes. The materials shared at the meetings are posted online at the links listed below. Please take the time to review the materials, then submit your comments to TxDOT in support of the project via the online comment form before this Friday’s deadline. Watch the SH 36A South project video: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=bDRKRjuuJTM Review TxDOT’s SH 36A public scoping meeting materials: https://ftp.txdot.gov/ pub/txdot/get-involved/ hou/36a/082625-exhibitboards.pdf
Submit your support for the SH 36A South project: https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/H6LM7YG
Editor's note: This guest column does not necessarily reflect the views of the Fort Bend Star or its staff. The Fort Bend Star welcomes opinion articles on matters of interest to Fort Bend County residents. Publication is at the discretion of the editor. Send submissions to editor@fortbendstar.com.
NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ELECTION TO REDUCE TAX RATE
If the district adopts a combined debt service, operation and maintenance, and contract tax rate that would result in the taxes on the average residence homestead increasing by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the voter-approval tax rate under Section 49.23603, Water Code.
Visit Texas.gov/PropertyTaxes to find a link to your local property tax database on which you can easily access information regarding your property taxes, including information about proposed tax rates and scheduled public hearings of each entity that taxes your property.
The 86th Texas Legislature modified the manner in which the voterapproval tax rate is calculated to limit the rate of growth of property taxes in the state.
Lynn Ashby Columnist
Cup experience beyond the stadium by hosting official watch parties, family-friendly activities, and community celebrations at premier venues like Sugar Land Town Square, First Colony Mall, Smart Financial Center, and Constellation Field. Just as importantly, our residents will have opportunities to be part of the excitement, from volunteering and youth programs, to joining their neighbors in cheering on the world’s game right here at home,” she said.
“We’re building a legacy that will last long after the final whistle, attracting visitors, investors, and future residents. The world’s biggest sporting event is coming to our backyard, and Sugar Land will welcome that with open arms. Together, we’ll show the world why Sugar Land is a city where culture, innovation, and community thrive,” McCutcheon said.
Elizabeth Huff, the city’ economic development director, said the partnership would bring “global visibility” to Sugar Land.
“As an official host city supporter, we have an exclusive platform within a 26-territory radius to display what makes Sugar Land a top destination for business and for leisure. We anticipate increased tourism revenue, heightened awareness of our
local businesses, and stronger connections with global investors,” she said.
“Beyond 2026, this visibility will help us attract new companies, grow our tourism economy, and inspire future residents to choose Sugar Land. We are telling our story on a global stage - one of innovation, opportunity, and community pride,” Huff said.
In an interview, Canetti told the Fort Bend Star that while there was strong interest among cities across the region, Sugar Land “got to the table first” in seeking out the host supporting city position, giving it an edge in the competition. He credited the city’s economic development staff and elected officials for “having the vision” to act on the opportunity.
“At the end of the day, Sugar Land will be the only community to be known as a Houston 2026 supporter,” he said.
Allison Brooks, assistant economic development director, said the city acted early on to reach out through networks it already had in place, such as with the Harris County Sports Authority, Visit Houston, and the Greater Houston Partnership in seeking out the opportunity.
“It really was an organic conversation,” she said.
Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate
The PALMER PLANTATION MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 1 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2025 on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 3:00 P.M., at Lake Olympia Civic Association, 180 Island Boulevard, Missouri City, Texas 77459. Your individual taxes may increase at a greater or lesser rate, or even decrease, depending on the tax rate that is adopted and on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property. The change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in the taxable value of all other property determines the distribution of the tax burden among all property owners.
Visit Texas.gov/PropertyTaxes to find a link to your local property tax database on which you can easily access information regarding your property taxes, including information about proposed tax rates and scheduled public hearings of each entity that taxes your property.
FOR the proposal: Tara Wagner, Mike Ware, Lynn Macko, Gary Leist
AGAINST the proposal: (none)
PRESENT and not voting: (none)
ABSENT: Stephen LeGrue
The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.
Total tax rate
(per $100 of value)
$0.40000 /$100 $0.39000
tax rate under Section 49.23603, Water Code. The 86th Texas Legislature modified the manner in which the voter-approval tax rate is calculated to limit the rate of growth of property taxes in the state. Should you have any questions concerning this notice, please contact the tax office at 281-482-0216.
Water District
Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate
The PALMER PLANTATION MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 2 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2025 on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 4:00 P.M., at Lake Olympia Civic Association, 180 Island Boulevard, Missouri City, Texas 77459. Your individual taxes may increase at a greater or lesser rate, or even decrease, depending on the tax rate that is adopted and on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property. The change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in the taxable value of all other property determines the distribution of the tax burden among all property owners.
Visit Texas.gov/PropertyTaxes to find a link to your local property tax database on which you can easily access information regarding your property taxes, including information about proposed tax rates and scheduled public hearings of each entity that taxes your property.
FOR the proposal: James Wagner, Billy Siems, Christina Nance, Bob Butzke, Lawrence Bell
AGAINST the proposal: (none)
PRESENT and not voting: (none)
ABSENT: (none)
The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.
Photo by Ken Fountain Sugar Land Mayor Carol McCutcheon speaks during the FIFA World Cup agreement announcement at the Sugar Land Regional Airport.
Fort Bend Transit offers Free Fare Fridays throughout September
By Juhi Varma CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Fort Bend County residents can ride public transit for free every Friday throughout the month of September, as part of a regional effort to improve air quality during one of the most polluted months of the year.
All Fort Bend Transit services, including Commuter and Demand Response service, will be offered at no cost to riders each Friday in September.
“We live in an area that has an ozone quality concern, and one of the things we do is try to get people to ride public transit and get out of their own cars,” said Perri D’Armond, Fort Bend Transit Director, at the latest Fort Bend County Commissioners Court Meeting on August 26.
Free Fare Fridays is coordinated by the HoustonGalveston Area Council (H-GAC) in partnership with transit agencies across the region. Fort Bend Transit, Harris County Transit, the City of Conroe, and The Woodlands Township are all waiving fares on Fridays throughout September.
The goal is to encourage more people to leave their cars at home and take public transportation instead, reducing the traffic emissions that create air pollution.
Why September matters for air quality
“Every September we work with the Houston-Galveston Area Council to provide free fares on Fridays to anyone who wants to ride our service,” D’Armond said. “It’s been very successful in the past, and we hope people continue to spread the word.”
Air quality in the Houston area remains a significant concern. The American Lung Association ranked HoustonPasadena the seventh worst for high ozone days out of 228 metropolitan areas in 2025.
How it helps residents
Free Fare Fridays are about more than clean air – the initiative also makes commuting more affordable and convenient.
Fort Bend Transit’s commuter service runs from the
University of Houston-Sugar Land to UH’s main campus, allowing students to travel between classes at no cost. Its Texas Medical Center routes also give residents access to downtown and the VA hospital without having to pay for parking.
“We have quite a few people that schedule their appointments around our times so they can pay only a couple of dollars to get there,”
D’Armond said. “They don’t have to worry about parking or valets, and it saves them quite a bit of money.”
Every ride makes a difference
Fort Bend County, home to more than 925,000 residents and one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas, faces rising transportation and environmental pressures. By choosing transit even once a week, officials say, residents can help cut emissions, ease congestion, and save money at the same time.
Between September 2023 and September 2024, Fort Bend County transit saw an
uptick of nearly eight thousand more transit riders, which is nearly 20%, said Tenille Jones, public relations manager for Fort Bend Transit.
“The more riders we have, the less NOX (nitrogen oxides) and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are emitted into the air,” Jones said.
Nitrogen oxides are produced when fuel burns at high temperatures – like in cars, trucks, and power plants. They contribute to smog, acid rain, and respiratory problems, and react with sunlight to create ground-level ozone, which is bad ozone.
Fort Bend County’s ridership data shows that in 2024 there were 228,409 commuter bus rides and 122,819 demand response trips. From January through August 2025, the numbers reached 194,158 commuter bus rides and 85,479 demand response trips.
“By choosing transit, even one day a week, we can all play a role in making it easier to breathe and keep our community healthier,” D’Armond said. Free Fare Friday was
Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate
The Sienna Parks and Levee Improvement District of Fort Bend County, Texas will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2025 on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 11:30 a.m., at 202 Century Square Blvd., Sugar Land, Texas 77478 or by videoconference at https://districtmtg.com/c1z Your individual taxes may increase at a greater or lesser rate, or even decrease, depending on the tax rate that is adopted and on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property. The change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in the taxable value of all other property determines the distribution of the tax burden among all property owners. Visit Texas.gov/PropertyTaxes to find a link to your local property tax database on which you can easily access information regarding your property taxes, including information about proposed tax rates and scheduled public hearings of each entity that taxes your property.
FOR the proposal: T. Jones, G. Yarborough, S. Nowak, A. Young & D. Wong
AGAINST the proposal: (none)
PRESENT and not voting: (none)
ABSENT: (none)
The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.
Using public transportation helps reduce the levels of nitrous oxides
and volatile organic compounds
in the region's air, helping mitigate against ozone, according to the Houston-Galveston Area Council.
launched in September 2024 in honor of Commute Solutions' 30th anniversary. For more information on routes and schedules,
visit fortbendcountytx.gov/ government/departments/ public-transportation. For more information on how riding transit sup -
ports better air quality, visit H-GAC’s website at yourcommutesolution.org/breathe. Varma can be reached at juhi.varma@gmail.com.
Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate
The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 131 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2025 on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at 12841 Capricorn Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, via Teleconference at 1-346-248-7799, Meeting ID: 960 5241 9559. Your individual taxes may increase at a greater or lesser rate, or even decrease, depending on the tax rate that is adopted and on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property. The change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in the taxable value of all other property determines the distribution of the tax burden among all property owners. Visit Texas.gov/PropertyTaxes to find a link to your local property tax database on which you can easily access information regarding your property taxes, including information about proposed tax rates and scheduled public hearings of each entity that taxes your property.
FOR the proposal: J. Randall, M. Higgins, L. Smith-Boards, J. Jacobs & J. Maxwell
AGAINST the proposal: (none)
PRESENT and not voting: (none)
ABSENT: (none)
The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.
NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ELECTION TO REDUCE TAX RATE
If the district adopts a combined debt service, operation and maintenance, and contract tax rate that would result in the taxes on the average residence homestead increasing by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the voter-approval tax rate under Section 49.23603, Water Code. The 86th Texas Legislature modified the manner in which the voter-approval tax rate is calculated to limit the rate of growth of property taxes in the state. Questions regarding this notice can be directed to the tax office at (281) 499-1223.
If the district adopts a combined debt service, operation and maintenance, and contract tax rate that would result in the taxes on the average residence homestead increasing by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the voter-approval tax rate under Section 49.23603, Water Code.
The 86th Texas Legislature modified the manner in which the voter-approval tax rate is calculated to limit the rate of growth of property taxes in the state. Questions regarding this notice can be directed to the tax office at (281) 499-1223.
Courtesy Fort Bend Transit
Between September 2023 and September 2024, Fort Bend County transit saw an uptick of nearly eight thousand more transit riders, an increase of nearly 20%, according to the agency.
(NOX)
(VOCs)
by creating a supportive environment. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov) or call the Sugar Land Branch Library (281-238-2140) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
LEARN ABOUT NATIVE BEES AND GARDENING AT UNIVERSITY BRANCH LIBRARY
In recognition of National Honey Month, Fort Bend County Libraries’ University Branch Library will present a program on “Native Bees in Your Garden” on
to the ecosystem. Hear fascinating facts about bees, such as the difference between solitary bees and social bees or why bees do not really want to sting people.
Shafer will also talk about the life cycle of bees, how they make their homes, and ways to make a garden inviting to bees. Hear about plants and
Shafer has been a Master Gardener since 2004, and she has a degree in Biology/Health for secondary education. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov), or call the University Branch Library (281-633-5100) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
