Rice Village could be on the receiving end of multiple infrastructure upgrades, safety and security enhancements as well as parking facility improvements. The newly created Rice Village Management District was approved for more than $430 million in bonds after five special-purpose ballot measures passed during the Nov. 4 general election.

What they're saying: “The current condition of water, sewer, drainage and road infrastructure is poor, and the Rice Village Management District, through the authorized bonds, provides a way to significantly upgrade this infrastructure without burdening Houston taxpayers,” according to a statement provided to Community Impact from the legal office representing the district.

Breaking it down: Several potential enhancements to the area, according to Rice Village officials and Houston City Council agenda documents, include:

• Burying power lines
• Adding new sewer and wastewater lines
• Improving flood mitigation measures
• Increasing public safety such as patrol services
• Improving mobility options to reduce traffic congestion
• Adding new pedestrian and street infrastructure

Ten years ago, a $16.5 million donation from the Liu Family Foundation provided the base for the creation of Rice University's Liu Idea Lab for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (LILIE), a coworking and lab space designed to help students become innovators and start their own businesses. Now, the lab is celebrating its 10th anniversary. 

Managing the impact: The lab serves more than 1,600 students per year and supports over 100 innovative ventures annually, according to a Dec. 5 news release. Lilie has also helped Rice graduates kickstart more than 300 companies in its first decade. Additional statistics shared on the lab's website include:

• 89% of faculty members have started, bought or run a business at Rice University
• 20+ standalone entrepreneurship skill-building, speaker, competition and networking programs for students

• Rice University, Cambridge Building, Houston

From holiday train rides to ice skating under the stars, here are six events in the Bellaire, Meyerland and West U areas to attend this holiday season. This list is not comprehensive, and events are subject to change.

Zoo Lights: The holiday lights experience at the Houston Zoo features an enchanted forest, a winter wonderland and Santa’s Workshop display, along with other fun exhibits. 

• Nov. 21-Jan. 4, 5:30-10:30 p.m.
• $29.95-$32.95 (per ticket)
• 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston

Ice Village: The pop-up ice skating rink at Rice Village features late-night skating under the stars, festive photo moments and visits from Santa.

• Nov. 28-Jan 4, times vary
• $20 (general admission and skate rentals)
• 2400 University Blvd., Houston

Effective Dec. 5, the Harris County Commissioners Court has lifted a burn ban in unincorporated Harris County, the county fire marshal’s office announced on social media.

Some context: Harris County commissioners previously implemented the burn ban Oct. 16 due to “ongoing dry weather and heightened fire danger,” Community Impact previously reported.

What you need to know: Outdoor burning is still not allowed in many counties across Texas, per the announcement. Additionally, outdoor burning in most cases is illegal in Harris County as it contributes to air pollution, according to Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services, or HCPHES.

However, outdoor burning is permitted in some instances, such as vegetation management, so long as it follows guidelines established by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 

Before you go: Alternatives to burning include recycling, composting plant waste and mulching wood, according to HCPHES. Report illegal outdoor burning to Harris County at 713-920-2831. 

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from last week? Check out five trending stories in the Greater Houston area from Dec. 1-5.

Activities to do: There are several options to see Christmas lights around the Tomball and Magnolia area, including Magnolia Musical Christmas, Gullo House Christmas Lights and Tomball Methodist Church’s Trail of Lights. 

At a glance: In a Dec. 2 news conference, officials with Airbnb announced that Houston will receive a $1 million investment that will go toward supporting major community initiatives, expanding green infrastructure and increasing youth access to soccer. Airbnb was selected in June to serve as an official partner for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Community Impact previously reported. 

One more thing: Whataburger officials celebrated a Dec. 1 opening of their new location at 15940 Woodland Hills Drive, Humble. The eatery features a double drive-thru, dining room and digital menu boards, according to a Nov. 28 news release. 

The Texas comptroller’s office has released a set of rules to govern the state’s $1 billion education savings account program, or ESAs. Accepted families will receive thousands of dollars in state funds to send their children to a private school or homeschool them.

The overview: Accredited private schools and education vendors can begin applying to join the program as soon as Dec. 9, and applications will open for interested families Feb. 4.

Most families accepted into the program will receive about $10,300 per student, which can be spent on tuition at accredited private prekindergarten or K-12 schools and related expenses. Homeschooled students will receive up to $2,000 per year, while students with disabilities will be eligible for up to $30,000 annually.

Zooming in: Depending on a family’s income, students with disabilities may receive priority acceptance into the ESA program. Families can submit documentation from a physician or the U.S. Social Security Administration to be prioritized, although a detailed evaluation and individualized education plan are required to receive the additional special education funding.