Houston City Council approved a deal on Sept. 2 that will provide the city a total of $50 million over the next four years from The Woodlands Township in exchange for ending annual sales tax payments from The Woodlands and agreeing not annex the township. 

The vote: Houston City Council voted to amend a Regional Participation Agreement between the city and The Woodlands that requires the township to pay one-sixteenth of 1% of its sales tax to a Regional Participation Fund each year.

The amendment ends the sales tax payments and the long-term Regional Participation Fund payment structure between Houston and The Woodlands, providing for a total of about $27.4 million in payments from The Woodlands to Houston over the next three years, as well as releasing restrictions on the $22.6 million currently in the RPF to make those funds available to the city of Houston.

Looking for something to do in The Woodlands this Labor Day weekend Sept. 4-6? Check out these seven events happening all over The Woodlands area. Events are subject to change.

Starlight Swan Rides

Riders can enjoy cruising down The Woodlands Waterway after dark in swan-shaped pedal boats.

• Sept. 4, 7:30 p.m.
• $50 (per boat, fits 2-4 riders)
• 2101 Riva Row, The Woodlands

Labor Day Festival
The family-friendly festival will feature live music, children’s activities, face painting, balloon art, strolling entertainment and pie-eating contests as well as fireworks.

• Sept. 6, 5-9 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 31 Waterway Square Place, The Woodlands

The Woodlands Township announced Fare Free Fridays for September in an initiative to attract new riders to The Woodlands Express Park & Ride service, according to an Aug. 31 news release.

The gist: The Woodlands Express is offering free rides on every Friday in the month of September. Tickets are normally $17 round trip, as of April.

The Woodlands Express offers service to commuting destinations such as Downtown Houston, Texas Medical Center, Greenway Plaza and the Energy Corridor. This initiative is the result of a partnership between The Woodlands Township and the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Commute Solutions Program, according to the news release.

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Aspen and Oak Salon is moving its Shenandoah location to Grand Central Park in Conroe later this fall, co-owner Christine White said.

What they offer: Aspen and Oak offers hair services such as extensions, color and haircuts. The salon, currently operating at 8851 Metropark Drive, Ste. 500, will relocate to 350 Grand Link Drive, Ste. 101, in Conroe.

• Relocating in late 2026

Two candidates are vying for Congressional District 2 in the upcoming Nov. 3 general election.

Meet the candidates: Republican Steve Toth will face Democrat Shaun Finnie in the race for U.S. House District 2, which covers portions of the communities of New Caney, Porter, Conroe, The Woodlands, Spring, Cy-Fair and the Lake Houston area.

Toth is currently a state representative for District 15, and won the Republican primary in March against three candidates, including incumbent Dan Crenshaw. Finnie is an oil and gas investment banker in The Woodlands.

Something to note: 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. For more election coverage, visit communityimpact.com/election.