The Texas A&M Board of Regents approved billions of dollars toward the university and state agencies it partners with, along with improvements toward infrastructure and student growth.

The overview: According to a series of news releases from Texas A&M University on May 21, the institution is allocating $9.1 billion for its operating budget for 2027 and $6.8 billion toward a capital plan from 2027-2031.

The university system has more than 175,000 students, and the institution serves all 254 Texas counties in “agriculture, engineering, emergency management, transportation, forestry and public health initiatives," according to one of the releases.

Texas A&M’s official budget expenditures include:

• $5.49 billion for academic institutions
• $2.86 billion for state agencies

• $587 million for all proposed projects in 2027
• General investment toward the growth of Tarleton State University and Texas A&M Fort Worth
• Investments in engineering, veterinary medicine, agriculture, health sciences, student success infrastructure and public service facilities supporting statewide missions

College Station leaders say the future of Midtown could help answer a long-standing question for the growing city: What comes next beyond its university identity?

Once envisioned primarily as a corporate business park, Midtown is now a mixed-use district with ambitions to combine a public park, sports tourism, housing and commercial development in College Station.

Current situation: Two major public projects are expected to anchor Midtown’s next phase.

• Texas Independence Park: A $20.9 million, city-owned space featuring trails, a playground, a fishing pond, and a dog park, backed by a $750,000 state grant.

• 90-Acre Sports Complex: An all-in proposed nine-field ballpark complex worth $70 million is projected to host 30 annual tournaments, generating $28 million in economic activity.

Why it matters: Midtown's primary developer envisions Midtown with an identity beyond Texas A&M, featuring housing, entertainment and public-private cooperation.

Meanwhile, Midtown residents say they support Midtown's growth but debate its property taxes and public investment.

Looking ahead: City officials say evolving plans reflect wider goals for the city’s future. For now, construction timelines remain uncertain.

Looking for plans this weekend? From live theater and trivia nights to plant swaps and family-friendly events, here’s a look at what’s happening around Bryan-College Station May 28-31. This list is not comprehensive and events are subject to change.

Trivia Night on The Green
Century Square is continuing its weekly trivia night throughout the spring. 

• May 28, 7-10 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 170 Century Square Drive, College Station

Shrek: The Musical
The Theatre Company of Bryan/College Station is hosting the opening night of the classic family movie-turned musical at 7 p.m. on May 29.

• May 29-June 14

• $14-26

• 3125 S. Texas Ave., Suite 500, Bryan

Plant Swap
Bait Barn Fisheries invites plant parents to a "swap & shop" event at its Bryan facility. The public is invited to swap seeds and rooted cuttings while meeting fellow plant-loving neighbors.

• May 31, 4-6 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 2704 East Hwy. 21, Bryan

The BCS Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 26 to welcome Texas Archery to Aggieland, a business focused on bow sales and teaching archery to the public.

The overview: Originally founded in Spring, the business relocated to College Station after owners Amy and Scott Booth said the Spring market became too saturated for the business.

The public ceremony was attended by the mayors of Bryan and College Station, along with the chamber of commerce. The ceremony also featured a speech by Scott Booth, where he said he was grateful for the public and chamber making them feel welcome.

About Texas Archery: The archery shop features bows, crossbows and accessories. It also offers lessons and bow maintenance.

“The thing we really enjoy is the youth archery part of this business,” Booth said. “If you have any niche shop, it's the people who have the knowledge and skills that come along with it that make it possible.”

• Now open
• 10265 State Highway 30, Unit 302, College Station