Shenandoah officials project sales tax revenue will increase 5% in fiscal year 2026-27, according to a budget presentation at the July 8 City Council meeting.

Officials have not yet proposed a property tax rate because certified tax rolls will not be available until later this month, Finance Director Lisa Wasner said. The 2025-26 tax rate was $0.1821 per $100 assessed value. The median taxable value is projected to increase from $425,728 to $440,344.

Breaking it down: The proposed budget projects a 3.59% increase in property tax revenue—about $115,795 more than FY 2025-26. Of that increase, roughly $4,700 would come from property added to this year's tax roll.

Mixed beverage tax is the only revenue source projected to decline, while technology department expenses are expected to decrease.

Next steps: A budget workshop will be held Aug. 5, according to meeting materials.

Seeds and Fruits Christian Academy is set to open the doors of its newest location, in The Woodlands area, on Aug. 19 to enrolled students, founder and academy head Giewee Hammond confirmed.

More details: Seeds and Fruits Christian Academy follows a hybrid learning model where students ages 5-12 attend in-person classes Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and receive "comprehensive education” in a range of subjects, according to its website.

Its K-6 grade curriculum includes elementary-level reading, writing, mathematics, arts, music, robotics, Spanish, nature studies and Biblical studies.

Final takeaways: The Christian-based academy is currently accepting applications for its first cohort of students this fall. 

• Opening Aug. 19 (2026-27 school year)
• 995 Pinyon Pine Drive, The Woodlands

Founded by Carol Gooch in 2005, the Montgomery County Association of Business Women is celebrating 20 years in August. The nonprofit supports local women entrepreneurs and offers scholarships annually.

How it started: After graduating from Leadership Montgomery County in 2003, Gooch was notified of the need for a professional business networking group in Montgomery County, according to the website. After a year of planning, Gooch founded the MCABW along with 52 other women.

Formed to give like-minded businesswomen a place to learn and connect, guest speakers and members provide educational presentations. Today, Gooch continues as the executive director of the MCABW.

What else? To support the nonprofit, MCABW often holds fundraisers. Gooch said the MCABW is holding its annual bowling fundraiser Aug. 16 from noon-4 p.m.

The Houston-Galveston Area Council is gathering public input regarding traffic congestion as part of its Regional Congestion Management process, per a news release. Officials said community members can participate through July 15 via an online survey.

H-GAC is a regional organization intended for local governments to consider and cooperate in solving area-wide issues.

The big picture: In order to better understand traffic and travel challenges across the Houston-Galveston region, H-GAC is developing a Congestion Management Plan, or CMP. The CMP will consider multiple counties, including Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery and Waller.

Participants of the survey will help identify traffic hotspots, understand how congestion affects varying road-users and inform future planning and investment decisions, per the news release.

One more thing: The survey should take around 10 minutes to complete, according to the H-GAC website, and will close for submissions July 15.

On July 13, there will be several events and specials offered around the Greater Houston area to celebrate 713 Day. Check them out below. This list is not comprehensive and information is subject to change.

Common Bond Coffee & Bakery
The bakery will offer customers one small hot drip coffee or one small cold brew paired with a pastry for $7.13 for 713 Day, per a July 6 news release. Common Bond has multiple locations across the Greater Houston area.

Typhoon Texas
The first 713 visitors to Typhoon Texas Waterpark in Katy will be able to enjoy $7.13 admission, per a July 7 news release. There will also be select food and drink specials priced at $7.13.

Houston Zoo
Visitors at the Houston Zoo between July 11-13 can enjoy $7.13 discounted tickets to celebrate 713 Day. For interested visitors, the zoo is also offering an upgraded ticket that includes a limited edition 713 Day hat, per its website.