Lilly to build $6.5B manufacturing facility at Generation Park, bringing over 600 jobs
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company—or Lilly—announced plans to build a $6.5 billion manufacturing facility at Generation Park at a news conference Sept. 23. Lilly representatives said the new site will bring 615 new jobs to the area along with 4,000 construction jobs in the area as the site build takes off.
“Texas is stepping up to ensure that we do our part and expand biomedical manufacturing right here in our great state,” Gov. Greg Abbott said at the conference.
The impact: For every dollar Lilly spends in the area, the company estimates up to an additional $4 in local economic stimulation, Lilly officials said in a news release
“$6.5 billion is what we'll spend [for] over $25 billion of economic impact ... here in Texas,” Lilly Chair and CEO Dave Riggs said at the conference.
What’s next: Lilly’s new manufacturing facility is expected to be up and running within five years, according to Lilly representatives.
Relay Houston now open inside George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Officials with Relay Houston celebrated a Sept. 19 opening of their new location at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
The details: The new convenience store is coming as part of the airport’s recent renovations to Terminal E, IAH officials said in a Sept. 19 post on the airport’s Facebook page. Relay Houston offers a variety of products for travelers including snacks, drinks and souvenirs.
Opened Sept. 19
George Bush Intercontinental Airport Terminal E, 2800 N. Terminal Road, Houston
Harris County District Clerk Marilyn Burgess won’t seek third term ahead of 2026 election
Harris County District Clerk Marilyn Burgess formally announced she will not seek reelection for a third term as the district clerk of Texas’ largest county. Burgess said in a Sept. 22 news release that she also won’t pursue another political office.
The details: Burgess and her staff support the legal proceedings within more than 90 courts in Harris County. She first took office in 2019, then went on to win reelection in 2022. Her current term ends Dec. 31, 2026.
Quote of note: “I have truly loved this job and everything we have accomplished,” Burgess said. “When I leave this office on Dec. 31, 2026, it will be with my head held high, proud of our work, and grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Harris County.”
The context: The announcement comes less than a week after Burgess appeared before Harris County commissioners Sept. 18, addressing her request for a raise with the county’s salary grievance committee.
PREVIEW: Harris County commissioners to vote on FY 2025-26 budget
Harris County commissioners will meet Sept. 24 to hold public hearings and discussions prior to adopting the $2.7 billion fiscal year 2025-26 budget for the county, as well as the FY 2025-26 budgets for the Harris County Toll Road Authority and Harris Health System.
The context: For FY 2024-25, Harris County's budget included about $2.9 billion for the county's general fund budget and $274.1 million for the Harris County Flood Control District, as previously reported in Community Impact.
The background: In the months leading up to the September budget adoption, Harris County commissioners and department leaders have implemented a yearlong hiring freeze to save at least $25 million in costs to address a projected $200 million-plus shortfall in FY 2025-26. Other cost-saving decisions commissioners and more than 80 department leaders identified included finding at least 10% in potential cost saving opportunities within their current level of services to address the shortfall in the FY 2025-26 budget, county officials said.
‘Renters are in a strong position’: Houston rental listings reach record high in August
The Houston rental market had a record number of available listings in August, according to the Houston Association of Realtors’ August 2025 Rental Market Update released Sept. 17.
A closer look: According to the release, there was a 3.1% increase in the number of single-family homes leased this August compared to the same time last year. At the same time, active listings surpassed 10,000 units in August.
Rental properties are taking a little longer to lease, however, with an average of 35 days on the market compared to 32 days a year ago.
What they’re saying: “Houston renters are in a strong position right now with more choices and stable lease prices,” HAR Chair Shae Cottar said. “As mortgage rates continue to ease, we expect to see more renters exploring their dream of homeownership in the coming months.”
What to know about the 17 state propositions on the Nov. 4 ballot
Texas voters will decide on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution during the Nov. 4 election.
The overview: The propositions, which were adopted by state lawmakers earlier this year, include measures aimed at reducing property taxes, funding water supply projects and creating a state dementia research institute.
“This is an opportunity to make your voice heard about the governing document of our state,” Secretary of State Jane Nelson said in a June 25 statement.
More details: Texans have until Oct. 6 to register to vote in the upcoming election. Early in-person voting runs from Oct. 20-31, and Election Day is Nov. 4.
The secretary of state’s office randomly selected the ballot order for the 17 state propositions. Keep reading to learn about the proposed constitutional amendments and how they would change Texas law.
