HTX-PLF: Impact 10/14/2025

Read about some of the latest updates on road and capital projects in Pearland.

The overview: Projects include expansions on Smith Ranch and Bailey Roads, intersection improvements for Dixie Farm Road and Hastings Friendswood Drive and more. 

Pearland Parkway at Broadway Street
Project: The project is meant to address concerns over traffic and congestion. Work will include traffic signal replacement and work on turn lanes.
Update: The contract and bid for the project were approved in July.

• Timeline: Officials received the notice to begin work in September.
• Cost: $1.83M
• Funding sources: bonds, other sources

• Timeline: expected to wrap up in April
• Cost: $18.5M
• Funding source: city bonds

Pearland ISD students studying health science could participate in hands-on learning experiences if the board of trustees approves an agreement with HCA Houston-Pearland at its Oct. 14 meeting.

The overview: The agreement with HCA Houston-Pearland will allow health science students at Robert Turner College and Career High School to complete clinical rotations at the HCA facility, according to board agenda documents. The clinical rotations would be a part of the district’s health science clinicals course and the practicum in the health science-patient care technician program.

Stay tuned: The board will meet at 5 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Virgil Gant Education Support Center, located at 1928 N. Main St., Pearland.

Houston First Corporation, the parent organization of the Houston Film Commission, announced Oct. 8 the launch of a new local film incentive program designed to attract film and television productions to the Houston area.

What this means: The announcement comes amid growing momentum for Houston’s film industry. Productions filmed in the region generated $27.1 million in direct spending and an $81 million economic impact in 2024, according to the Houston Film Commission.

The program offers a 10% rebate on local spending, capped at $100,000 per qualifying project, with a total of $400,000 available annually, per the news release. Officials said the initiative, the most competitive of its kind in Texas, aims to boost local job creation and strengthen Houston’s position as a film production hub.

Diving in deeper: To qualify, projects must film at least 60% of principal photography within 60 miles of downtown, spend at least $500,000 locally and hire at least 55% Texas residents as cast and crew. Houston First and the Houston Film Commission will oversee the application process.  

QDOBA Mexican Eats is opening soon in Humble, restaurant officials announced in an Oct. 3 news release.

What to expect: As previously reported, QDOBA offers signature and customizable burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, nachos and salads. Premium toppings—such as queso and guacamole—can be added at no additional charge.

Per the release, the Humble location will employ 20 team members and span 3,000 square feet with both indoor and outdoor seating for up to 65 guests.

Looking ahead: The Humble restaurant is owned by franchisee Chad Owaida, who plans to open 14 additional Greater Houston-area locations over the next four years through his franchisee network, Q Eats LLC.

While exact addresses have not been announced as of press time, officials noted Katy, Cypress, Tomball, Spring, Richmond, Memorial and Uptown are among the communities that have been selected for a future QDOBA location.

• Opening Oct. 20 
• 7405 FM 1960 Road E., Ste. 210, Humble