HTX-NCP: Impact 9/16/2025

The East Montgomery County Improvement District's 210,000-square-foot convention center has entered the vertical phase of construction, officials with Valley Ranch developer The Signorelli Co. announced in a Sept. 9 news release.

What's happening? Per the release, construction went vertical in August with the installation of the convention center's first wall panels for the administrative offices, kitchen and maintenance/storage areas on the north side of the facility. Officials noted structural steel is also now rising in those same areas and excavation has begun for the attached 813-space parking garage.

Quote of note: "This progress marks a major milestone in the continued development of this world-class event space, set to become a premier destination for commerce, entertainment and community celebrations in Greater Houston," said Greg Wattson, senior vice president of commercial development for The Signorelli Co., in a statement.

The timeline: Officials noted the project remains on track to open in late 2026.

Check out what's happening in New Caney and Porter this weekend, Sept. 19-21.

Big Rivers Splash & Dash: Participate in a 5K, 10K or kids' dash at this event, from which proceeds will benefit the TANGO2 Research Foundation.

• Sept. 20, 8 a.m.
• $15-$65
• Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures, 23101 Hwy. 242, New Caney

• Sept. 20, 2-6 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• DECA Beer Company, 25428 Loop 494, Unit G, Porter

The big picture: The School of Theatre & Dance at the University of Houston announced its 2025-26 season featuring classical adaptations, musical theatre and student-written premieres, according to a Sept. 9 news release. The season will kick off with "The Circadian Project” on Sept. 25 and end with the 10-Minute Play Festival in May.

What they're saying: “Our 2025-26 season celebrates the power of live performance across a wide spectrum,” Sharon Ott, director of the School of Theatre & Dance, said in the release. “From the haunting beauty of ‘Frankenstein’ to the vibrant energy of student choreography and award-winning new plays, this season offers something for every audience.”
 

Cities, counties and school district boards across Texas are required to provide more notice for public meetings under a new state law aimed at increasing public participation in government affairs.

The details: Local government agencies must post meeting notices at least three business days in advance of the meeting, meaning weekends and holidays do not count toward the minimum posting period.

House Bill 1522, which became law Sept. 1, increases the notice requirement from 72 hours.

The law change is part of “an effort to promote government transparency and citizen participation,” Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, said during a May 13 legislative hearing.

The local impact: Some city and county governments across Community Impact’s coverage areas are changing their meeting schedules to comply with the new law, including:

• Bastrop City Council
• Conroe City Council
• Fort Bend County Commissioners Court
• Montgomery County Commissioners Court
• The Woodlands Township