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As one of the fastest-growing counties nationwide, Fort Bend County is expected to reach 1 million residents by 2030—with the population potentially doubling to 2 million by 2050.

What residents need to know: In conjunction with University of Houston associate professor Jeronimo Cortina, the Fort Bend Regional Partnership has released its new Fort Bend 2050 Report, which is aimed at providing a roadmap to guide the county’s preparation for the incoming growth.

Key findings include:

• 109.65% population growth expected by 2050

• 2.67% annual growth in household formation from 2025-30

• 3.01 average household size expected by 2030, down from 3.11 in 2020

• Mobility ranked No. 1 priority for stakeholders

Notable quote: “The report gives us a roadmap of how to meet the growth—it’s not whether we'll grow, we will—it’s whether our roads, water, housing and government can grow with us,” said Tariq Zafar, chair for the Fort Bend Regional Partnership.

Katy and Fulshear residents can partake in early voting for the May 26 primary runoff election from May 18-22 with polls open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

The runoff races come after no candidates garnered the majority of the vote in the March 3 primaries.

What residents need to know: Fort Bend County residents can cast their votes at any of the 31 early voting locations countywide, according to Fort Bend County’s election website.

Meanwhile, Harris County residents can also cast ballots at any of 48 early voting locations countywide, per Harris County’s election website.

Additionally, Waller County residents can cast ballots at any of four early voting locations countywide, per the county’s election Facebook page.

On the ballot: The Katy-Fulshear area runoff election will include several Fort Bend County as well as a Texas House seat and U.S. House seat.

Looking ahead: Election day is May 26 with voting locations open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. The winners of the runoff are set to face off in the Nov. 3 elections.

Saigon Hustle, a fast-casual restaurant with locations in Garden Oaks and Spring Branch, has expanded into the Katy area

Read all about it: The restaurant was founded by mothers and entrepreneurs Sandy Nguyen and Cassie Ghaffar and offers authentic Vietnamese flavors that are easy to take on the go, Community Impact previously reported. 

On the menu: Saigon Hustle serves banh mi, pho and vermicelli bowls, with featured dishes including pork rice bowls, fried egg rolls and beef pho.

• 23703 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy

Harris County officials are gearing up for another summer of tough budget decisions as the projected shortfall for fiscal year 2026-27 could reach up to $257 million, according to a May 14 presentation to Commissioners Court.

The overview: Based on current spending forecasts, Harris County’s general fund shortfall for FY 2026-27 is projected to range from $129 million to $257 million pending the adopted property tax rate, OMB Director Daniel Ramos told Commissioners Court.

More details: While Harris County’s spending has increased year over year—jumping 12% in FY 2025-26 compared to the prior year—revenue sources aren’t keeping pace, the presentation shows. The county is on track to conclude the current fiscal year Sept. 30 with a $27 million shortfall, Ramos said. 

Quote of note: “You’re going to be hearing about Harris County fees, cuts [and] others soon enough if we don’t figure out a way to be more efficient,” County Judge Lina Hidalgo said. “We put the county and the people of Harris County at a $200 million hole irresponsibly last year.”

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from this week? Check out five trending stories across the Greater Houston area from May 11-May 15.

1. NewQuest starts construction on new retail space at The Grand at 249 in Tomball

2. Parisina fabric store opens in The Woodlands area at former Joann location

3. Magnolia ISD OKs construction managers-at-risk for bond projects, land purchase for new high school

4. Houston highlights security, transit preparations for 2026 FIFA World Cup

5. Potbelly now serving toasted sandwiches in Conroe

On May 26, Republican voters will choose their nominee for the Texas Railroad Commission in a runoff election between former Tarrant County GOP Chair Bo French and incumbent Jim Wright.

The overview: The Republican railroad commission race is one of several statewide contests that advanced to May runoffs after no candidate received more than 50% of the vote in the March 3 primary election.

Wright and French were the two highest-performing candidates in the five-way primary race, with Wright receiving 32.1% of the vote and French collecting 31.7%.

The winner of the May 26 overtime round will face state Rep. John Rosenthal, D-Houston, in the November midterm election. Third-party candidates may also appear on the November ballot.

Did you know? The railroad commission regulates Texas’ oil and gas industry, while the state's railroads are under the control of the Texas Department of Transportation and the federal government. The agency has three commissioners elected to staggered six-year terms.

At the polls: Texans can vote early from May 18-22, with runoff election day May 26.