Katy ISD board of trustees have formally begun brainstorming the direction for the district’s future.

What happened: At a special Aug. 31 meeting, Katy ISD board of trustees met with Julie Moynihan, a certified executive facilitator and coach at engage2learn—a strategic solutions partner who works exclusively with public school districts—to identify critical opportunities and action items for Katy ISD in 2027-29.

The framework: During the meeting, board members came up with their own critical opportunities for growth, which included:

• Making sure students are career ready after graduation
• Flattening enrollment
• Marketing the district
• Social well-being
• Artificial intelligence and technology
• Engaging with families
• Mental health
• Ensuring the best way for teachers to succeed
• Community engagement with the state legislature

Stay tuned: Moynihan said a survey will be available from Sept. 14-28 for the community to contribute their ideas about Katy ISD before the board-nominated strategic design committee meets to review the district’s critical opportunities and action items on Oct. 14 and 28.

Houston-based smashburger restaurant Burger Bodega is set to open its new Katy location in mid-September, officials announced in a Sept. 1 news release.

The Katy location, which was first announced in late 2024, will join the eatery’s original Houston restaurant located on Washington Avenue.

What you need to know: Founded by Abbas Dhanani in 2022, the restaurant features a “New York bodega-inspired atmosphere” offering smashburgers, sandwiches, fries and milkshakes.

The Katy restaurant will seat over 100 people and have a patio for outdoor dining, per the news release. For to-go orders, guests can use a pickup and curbside window.

Notable quote: "Katy has been on our radar since day one,” Dhanani said. “It's one of the most vibrant, food-loving communities in the Houston area and we're beyond grateful for the chance to bring Burger Bodega here.”

• 21904 Franz Road, Katy

A regional flood resiliency coalition among the Brookshire-Katy Drainage District, Harris County and Waller County will join efforts to reduce flood damage in the region.

The overview: Officials with the four entities signed a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, during a ceremony Aug. 31. Harris and Waller counties will partner with the Brookshire-Katy Drainage District to “expand flood warning systems, build strategic detention capacity and protect families across jurisdictional lines,” according to a news release. The entities have interconnected watersheds and drainage systems that require “proactive regional coordination,” according to the MOU.

The context: Harris County previously partially funded a study with the Brookshire-Katy Drainage District, which looked at ways to mitigate flooding along major creeks in the Katy area. The coalition will expand on that relationship, potentially improving the flood warning system and sharing technology between counties, Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones said.

The office of Gov. Greg Abbott announced a $138 billion investment in Texas transportation infrastructure, including projects in the Greater Houston region, according to an Aug. 27 news release from the Texas Department of Transportation.

The Unified Transportation Program for 2026 was approved during an August meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission.

The breakdown: The program’s funding is divided into two portions, $95 billion for transportation projects across the state, and $43 billion which is reserved for routine maintenance and development. The total of $138 billion is intended to be spent on projects and maintenance over the next 10 years, according to the news release.

Democrat Gina Hinojosa, an Austin state representative, and Libertarian Pat Dixon, a professional engineer, are challenging Republican incumbent Greg Abbott in the Nov. 3 election. Abbott is seeking a fourth term in the governor's mansion.

The big picture: As Texas’ top elected official, the governor signs and vetoes legislation, serves as commander-in-chief of the state military and appoints members of state agencies or advisory boards. Community Impact asked the three gubernatorial candidates for their perspectives on data centers, education, the cost of living and other topics.

The background: Abbott beat 10 Republican challengers in the March primary election, while Hinojosa beat eight other Democratic candidates to advance to the November election. Dixon was selected as the Texas Libertarian Party's candidate during an April nominating convention.

Looking ahead: Early voting runs from Oct. 19-30, and Election Day is Nov. 3.