Missouri City officials took the first step toward earning additional tax revenue from the Sienna Management District.

What residents need to know: At a Nov. 17 meeting, Missouri City City Council unanimously approved the first reading of the ordinance to annex the district, which was created in 2016 through a strategic city partnership agreement. The district is being considered for annexation due to zoning confusion and because it is already partially within city limits, City Attorney E. Joyce Iyamu said.

The item was first discussed at an Oct. 20 meeting, when council tabled the item until after the Nov. 4 election.

What else: If City Council decides to annex the Sienna district, Mayor Pro Tem Sonya Brown-Marshall said they should also consider redistricting to ensure that residents are equally represented.

What's next: City officials will need to approve the move before Jan. 1, 2026, to collect tax revenue from Sienna residents.

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is set to open a new donor center in Missouri City’s Sienna Crossing next year, officials confirmed.

What they do: The Houston-based community blood center, which celebrated its 50th anniversary earlier this year, serves 170 hospitals and healthcare facilities in a 26-county area.

It is also the only blood provider to Houston and its surrounding communities that serves 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

• 9010 Sienna Crossing Drive, Ste. 300, Missouri City

Nonprofit Fort Bend Care Center is planning a $5.6 million facility to advance long-term educational investment on the county’s east side. 

What's happening: Building on its presence at Fort Bend Community Church, where it provides nutrition, education, and health services for low-income families, the nonprofit intends to expand its new early childhood education program with a 14,000-square-foot care center containing four to five classrooms for up to 75 preschool students. 

The new building will also house adult education classrooms, meeting rooms, and administrative offices, enabling the organization to expand all existing programs.

The financials: As of the most recent report, President Mei Wong said $4.8 million has already been pledged or donated through Fort Bend Community Church, philanthropic organizations and individual contributions. 

Moving forward: With design work nearly complete and the permitting is expected to begin soon, Wong said the organization hopes to break ground in June 2026, contingent on securing the remaining $738,500 in matching-grant-eligible donations.

There are several turkey trots taking place on Thanksgiving day across the Greater Houston area.

Addi's Faith Turkey Day 5K & Kids Wishbone 1K: This Thanksgiving morning event will include a 5K for all ages and a 1K option for ages 3-12. Proceeds will benefit Addi's Faith Foundation in their mission to fund pediatric cancer research and assist families as they care for their child with cancer.

• Nov. 27, 8-11 a.m.
• $25-$50
• Town Center Park, 8 N. Main St., Kingwood

• Nov. 27, 8 a.m.
• Free
• 6501 Memorial Drive, Houston

• Nov. 27, 8 a.m. (run), 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (feast)
• $40 (run), free (feast)
• 12100 Champion Forest Drive, Houston

Missed any Community Impact articles from this week? Check out the top trending stories from Community Impact's coverage areas in Houston from Nov. 17-21.

League City residents raise concerns about Marina del Sol
Several residents raised public safety concerns about the waterfront Marina del Sol development at the Nov. 18 League City City Council meeting, prompting city officials to commit to seeking solutions at a future December meeting.
Uncover the full story by Reporter Rachel Leland.

Conroe City Council approves contract for traffic signal reconstruction at I-45, South Loop 336
Conroe City Council voted Nov. 13 to award a contract for the reconstruction of a damaged traffic signal at the intersection of I-45’s southbound frontage road and South Loop 336, according to city documents.
Expand your knowledge with Reporter Nichaela Shaheen.

Sugar Land’s Walmart Neighborhood Market to remain open during renovations
The Walmart Neighborhood Market stor is set to undergo after-hours renovations to streamline the shopping experience while remaining fully open to customers, store officials said.
See more from Reporter Valeria Escobar.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is moving forward with a set of permanent rules designed to prohibit the sale of consumable THC products to anyone under 21 years old.

The overview: The proposal is similar to emergency rules adopted Sept. 23, which are currently in effect and prohibit Texas alcohol retailers from selling intoxicating THC products to minors. The state health department adopted similar emergency rules in October.

The context: The existing and proposed THC rules are the result of a September executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott, who called for age restrictions on THC sales and tighter guardrails on the multibillion-dollar industry.

Earlier this month, federal lawmakers approved a ban on most consumable THC products, which is set to take effect in November 2026. The ban is part of a federal funding package that became law Nov. 12, ending a 43-day federal government shutdown.

Next steps: Texans can weigh in on the TABC's proposed permanent rules during a Dec. 11 virtual public hearing or submit written public comments through Jan. 4.