The Lake Houston area has four upcoming and ongoing road projects:

• West Lake Houston Parkway sidewalk, Phase 2: Harris County Precinct 3 officials are evaluating the sidewalk program and funding to determine if this project will move forward.

• Will Clayton Parkway, Tabor Brook Drive traffic signal: This $650,000 project is in the design phase, with construction expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2026.

• Woodland Hills Drive, Teakwood Spring Drive traffic signal: For this project, which costs $650,000 and is in the design phase, construction was moved up from 2027 to the fourth quarter of 2026.

• Northpark Drive overpass: This $76.8 million widening project is about 75% complete and is expected to be substantially complete by April 2027.

Democratic incumbent Sylvia Garcia is facing off against Republican challenger Martha Fierro in the race for Congressional District 29 in the upcoming Nov. 3 general election.

Some context: Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are elected for two-year terms with no term limits. Following congressional redistricting, which will take effect in January, District 29 will cover portions of north Harris County. Currently, the district covers portions of central and southeast Harris County.

What you need to know: Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.

Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham announced a one-year extension for Harris County disaster recovery and mitigation projects totaling more than $1.1 billion. The federal grants, administered through the Texas General Land Office, were at risk of missing a February 2027 and March 2028 spending deadline due to project delays.

The extension, which is the final one approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will apply to existing infrastructure and mitigation project contracts. If the county submits a documented need, the new timeline could allow the Harris County Flood Control District more time to spend:

• $322 million allocated for 11 disaster recovery projects

• $546 million allocated for 17 flood mitigation projects

Buckingham notified county leaders of the extension while expressing concerns about the county failing to meet contract expenditure benchmarks. If the county fails to meet the new benchmarks, the GLO would reallocate the unused balance to other projects.

Memorial Hermann Health System President and CEO David L. Callender is retiring at the end of 2026 after seven years with the organization. His final day in the role will be Dec. 31.

What we know: Callender will be replaced by Alec H. King, who serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer. King was selected to succeed Callender following a multi-year selection process.

The two are partnering through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition. During his time at Memorial Hermann, King has been vital to the system's strategy, growth and transformation, hospital leaders said.

Quote of note: “It is an extraordinary honor to lead Memorial Hermann, which has been an essential part of Greater Houston for more than 119 years as a healthcare provider, employer and community partner,” King said. “Under Dr. Callender’s leadership, we have built tremendous momentum and I believe our greatest opportunities lie ahead.”

King will start his new role Jan. 1.