Friendswood City Council will vote on whether to transfer power from the Planning & Zoning Commission to the director of community development to approve subdivision plats and commercial site plans that meet the city’s code requirements at its May 4 meeting. 

The backstory: While city staff said shifting that authority internally could streamline development efficiency and allow the commission to retain some oversight, P&Z voted unanimously April 9 to not recommend approving shifting the plat and site plan approval authority to city staff.

What else: City Council will also vote on awarding two contracts tied to the Blackhawk Boulevard reconstruction project.

From concerts in the park to local markets, here are ten events to check out happening throughout May and June. This list is not comprehensive, and details are subject to change. 

Pearland RNB Fest: Enjoy live rhythm and blues bands, DJs, an all-white theme and food vendors at the music festival. 

• May 23, 4-9 p.m.  
• $28.52 (general admission)
• 11200 Broadway St., Pearland
• Facebook: Pearland RNB Fest

Memorial Day Celebration: The Memorial Day ceremony at Friendswood City Hall will include a special guest speaker, musical tributes and a veteran photo opportunity. 

• May 25, 9 a.m. 
• Free
• 910 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood
• www.ci.friendswood.tx.us/380/Memorial-Day-Celebration-May 

Quentin Wiltz has won the election for Pearland mayor and incumbent Mona Chavarria won the election for Pearland City Council Position 3, unofficial results show. Check out the results here.

Meanwhile, three out of four propositions for Friendswood ISD’s $81.5 million bond package passed, with Proposition B not passing. The proposition would have funded a replacement campus for Westwood Elementary. Read more about it here.

Click the following links to check out results for other local races:

• Friendswood City Council

• Manvel City Council

• Alvin ISD

• Pearland ISD

The Houston-Pasadena region rose one spot, and is now ranked No. 6 out of 226 metropolitan areas for its number of high ozone days, according to the 2026 State of the Air report released by the American Lung Association on April 21.

Looking back: The region was ranked No. 7 in 2025, Community Impact previously reported. Between 2022-24, the Houston region’s annual weighted average of high ozone days was 43.3, according to the report.

Some context: Ozone air pollution, aka smog, is a lung irritant and can cause health problems, such as chest tightness, coughing and shortness of breath, according to the ALA.

What else: With regard to annual particle pollution, the Houston-Pasadena area ranked No. 8 out of 211 metropolitan areas. The region also ranked No. 89 out of 224 metropolitan areas for 24-hour particle pollution, according to the report.

Check out several events going on in the Greater Houston area to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

1. Cinco de Mayo Rooftop Party
Join Post Houston for a Cinco de Mayo celebration on the Skylawn featuring live Latin music, margaritas, palomas and ranch waters, and sample drinks from Aquasol, Herradura, Mijenta, and Estrella Jalisco as the sun goes down over the Houston skyline.

• May 1, 7-10 p.m.
• Free
• 401 Franklin St., Houston

• May 2, 2-7 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 5373 First St., Katy

• May 2, 11:30 a.m. (restaurant opens), 6 p.m. (live music starts)
• Free (admission)
• Paradigm Brewing, 2130 South Persimmon Lane, Tomball