HTX-WDL: Impact 10/24/2025

The Woodlands village centers at the heart of each neighborhood were formed around a master-planned vision for a community hub that included an anchor grocery store.

How we got here: However, since chains such as Randalls and Kroger have closed several stores in the region, township leaders and the leasing company Regency Centers said they are looking at options other than a single large grocery store for the remaining spaces, and several tenants said anchors are needed to boost foot traffic.

What they're saying: Craig Eissler, vice chair of The Woodlands Township board of directors, said the village centers were originally designed to serve the needs of residents, but the way those needs are served is evolving.

“It seems that [the pandemic] ... really changed the habits of consumers and residents,” Eissler said. “The advent of the gig economy and delivery services has allowed residents to shop from any grocery store they desire from the comfort of their own home.”

Formally located at 8701 New Trails Drive, Ste. 118, The Woodlands, the nonprofit Yes to Youth has plans to relocate to a larger space on Oct. 27, Yes to Youth officials said.

What they offer: Yes to Youth provides crisis counseling, shelter programs and prevention services in Montgomery County.

The details: Per Yes to Youth officials, with more space the organization will be able to host group sessions, workshops, training and reach more community members. To celebrate the opening of the new location, Yes to Youth is holding a VIP party on Nov. 20 at The Ice Rink in The Woodlands Town Center.

• Relocating Oct. 27
• 9186 Six Pines Drive, Ste. 175, The Woodlands

Carolyn Donovan began serving as the first associate vice chancellor of Alumni Relations and Engagement for Lone Star College System on Oct. 20.

Explaining the role: Per the release, in her new role, Donovan will be charged with the development of the Lone Star College Alumni Association. The initiative aims to:

• Celebrate the achievements of LSCS graduates
• Foster professional and personal connections
• Create opportunities for alumni to give back through mentorship, advocacy and community engagement

Two constitutional amendments on the Nov. 4 ballot would impact the operation and oversight of Texas’ judicial system if approved by voters.

The details: State Proposition 3 seeks to require judges to deny bail for certain felony offenses, keeping more defendants in jail as they await trial. Proponents of the measure, which passed the Legislature with bipartisan support, said in June that it would improve public safety by keeping violent offenders behind bars.

Proposition 12 would rework the 13-member State Commission on Judicial Conduct, allowing the governor to appoint a majority of the commissioners and requiring most sanctions for judges accused of misconduct to be issued publicly. The bipartisan proposition faced pushback from some House Democrats who expressed concerns that allowing the governor to appoint a majority of commissioners would politicize the nonpartisan judicial conduct commission and give Abbott more power to remove from office judges whom he does not agree with.

Zooming out: The measures are among 17 state propositions being considered by Texas voters in the Nov. 4 election.