HTX-SLM: Impact 9/30/2025

Missouri City officials have proposed an ordinance to update the city’s incentive programs aimed at revitalizing key areas, including Texas Parkway and Cartwright Road.

The big picture: At a Sept. 15 meeting, the Missouri City City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to update its economic development incentive programs by establishing criteria and a review process.

The changes, which were first presented at a June 16 special City Council meeting, aim to streamline the application process and remove the location restrictions with the goal of bringing investment into key city corridors, City Attorney E. Joyce Iyamu said.

The details: The proposed updates would separate the funds into two programs, with one for new developments and another for redevelopment within the city, Iyamu said.

What else: The updated programs would also add a matrix for scoring potential programs, Iyamu said.

Looking ahead: The second reading of the ordinance will be heard at the Oct. 6 meeting. If approved, city staff will implement outreach Oct. 13, followed by the opening of applications Nov. 1.

Velvet Taco has opened its newest location in Sugar Land Town Center, company representatives confirmed. 

What they offer: According to its website, menu offerings include:

• Burritos, bowls and taco with options like Spicy Tikka, Bacon Smash Burger and Mexi-Cali Shrimp
• Elote, or Mexican street corn, guacamole as well as queso and salsa dips
• Red Velvet cake with cheese cake frosting and cajeta, or Mexican caramel, drizzle
• Margaritas, sangrita and other cocktails

• 2330 Hwy. 6, Sugar Land

In a Sept. 25 news release, Brian Niccol, the chairman and CEO of Starbucks, announced the closure of hundreds of Starbucks locations across the country, including seven in the Houston area.

What’s happening?: In the release, Niccol stated Starbucks is closing locations that failed to succeed financially or create an environment “up to company standards.” 

More details​​​​​​: Niccol said Starbucks locations in North America are expected to decline by 1%, and the company will end the fiscal year with nearly 18,300 storefronts.

The news release also stated that approximately 900 current non-retail positions will be eliminated as a part of the company’s plan to “carefully manage costs and stay focused on the key areas that drive long-term growth.”

A number of celebrations for National Night Out, an annual community campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, will be held Oct. 7 in the Greater Houston area.

Conroe
City of Conroe police are participating in National Night Out with free food and music in the community.

• Oct. 7, 5-8 p.m.
• Free
• JCPenney parking lot, 3165 I-45 N., Conroe

• Oct. 7, 5-8 p.m.
• Free
• Katy City Park, 5850 Franz Road, Katy