West U officials approved a $1.29 million professional services engineering design contract with engineering firm Garver USA on Nov. 9 to complete the design of Phase 2 of the city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant capital project.

The decision came after City Council first authorized a fiscal year 2026-27 budget amendment for $1,480,000.

In a nutshell: Earlier in July, a single construction package for the finalized rehabilitation of West U's Wastewater Treatment Plant was approved.

Garver officials noted at this time that, because the scope of the project’s initial construction package was reduced to fit the available budget, several rehabilitation items would need to be addressed in subsequent phases.

Garver’s proposed Phase 2 design includes several concept revisions from the initial package.

In other news: West U officials also received an update from HDR Engineering and Halff consultants on the progress of several design and planning items related to the West Side Drainage Project.

Officials concluded, via a presentation, that the estimated total cost for the drainage project is $199.5M.

Benjy Levit and Dylan Murray, owners of Local Foods Group Hospitality, are opening a new modern, live-fire steakhouse called Benjamin's in spring 2027.

What's happening: The restaurant will be located on Dunstan Road in Houston, a space that currently houses Local Foods Market and Local Foods Rice Village. Both of those existing concepts will continue to operate at the same address with a new, climate-controlled, enclosed patio.

Zooming in: Levit, creative director Seth Siegel-Gardner and executive chef Ryan Lachaine will direct the new steakhouse. The kitchen will feature a Mill Scale Metalworks grill to cook surf and turf alongside the company's take on classic dishes. The menu will include:

• Denver steak Milanese with uni and lobster bucatini

• Creamed spinach gnudi with bone marrow vinaigrette

• Hearth-roasted chocolate soufflé with caramelized banana ice cream

“This team is incredible, especially when everyone’s talent and creativity come together,” said Siegel-Gardner. “We’re always excited to create new, fun things and the making of Benjamin’s is no exception.”

• 2424 Dunstan Road, Houston

The Nutcracker Market, one of Houston’s most anticipated holiday events, begins Nov. 12 with new merchants. 

What is it?: The annual holiday market, which has been around since 1981, marks the beginning of the holiday season in Houston and offers attendees an opportunity to shop for clothing, home decor, treats and unique gifts, according to the market's website. 

The market also raises money for the Houston Ballet, with 11% of sales going directly to the academy. Since 1981, it has raised more than $100 million. 

What’s new?: Nutcracker Market chairman Michelle Iversen Jeffery said the Nutcracker Market is one of the most important ways the community supports Houston Ballet.

“Shoppers return year after year to find their favorite merchants, while new merchants bring something fresh to discover, and every purchase helps the ballet thrive,” Jeffery said. 

This year brings new merchants, ranging from chocolatiers to a mahjong club. 

One more thing: In 2025, the Nutcracker Market raised $6 million for the Houston Ballet and saw over 104,000 shoppers.

• 8600 Kirby Drive, Houston

Houston and Harris County's 911 system budget will decrease by $2.7 million in 2027.

The details: Houston City Council approved the budget for the Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network, the office that manages Harris County’s 911 system. For fiscal year 2027, which runs from January to December for the network, the annual budget will be $69.2 million.

The funding will support the department’s 182 call takers for the city of Houston. However, the whole network serves Harris County and parts of Fort Bend County. Harris County has 101 call takers and Fort Bend County has 15.

Council member Sallie Alcorn said that since January, the center has taken in over 1.7 million calls and that number is expected to reach about 2.3 million by the end of 2026.

One more thing: The budget had to be approved by the Greater Harris County 911 Emergency Network Board of Managers, Harris County Commissioners’ Court and Houston City Council. The budget will take effect Jan. 1.

Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for the Houston Airport System, announced during the Greater Houston Partnership’s 2026 State of the Airports event that six major developments are in the works at the city's airports.

What's new: Officials announced that travelers at William P. Hobby Airport will have seven more gates, a new baggage system and a covered walkway between the parking garage and terminal once the airport's West Concourse expansion is completed.

At George Bush Intercontinental Airport, HAS plans to expand the east cargo area by 183 acres. Future tenants could build warehouses, parking and other facilities based on their operational needs.

Houstonians picking up family and friends at IAH will also have a place to refuel, grab a bite and use the restroom under plans to redevelop the airport's cellphone waiting area along John F. Kennedy Boulevard.

One more thing: Lastly, officials announced that U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed IAH will be among eight airports receiving Global Entry Walk-Through technology in December.