Houston’s tax rate will remain unchanged for 2026.

The big picture: Houston City Council voted to approve a tax rate of $0.519190 per $100 valuation, which is the same rate that was adopted last year.

That means a property with a taxable value of $340,000 would owe about $1,765.25 annually in city property taxes under the approved rate of $0.519190 per $100 of taxable value.

Mayor John Whitmire emphasized that now is not the time to raise tax rates.

“Addressing the public's concerns about affordability, that is the concern,” Whitmire said. “Cost of gas, cost of rent, food. This is no time for the city of Houston to raise taxes—I'm committed that we will not do so.”

Put in perspective: Although the rate remained unchanged, some council members asked whether the city would eventually have to raise the rate to afford improvements.

Other council members agreed that eventually there would need to be a conversation about raising the tax rate to address budget gaps.

The Riot Comedy Club is launching a brand-new all-day cafe to complement the recent opening of its new location on Washington Avenue.

Two-minute impact: The Riot Café is introduced as a new coffee shop and dining experience alongside the comedy club. According to an Oct. 8 news release, the cafe will partner with Katz Coffee to serve a specialty coffee blend throughout the day, along with evening options such as cocktails, beer, wine and zero-proof beverages.

On the menu: The cafe's all-day menu will consist of breakfast, pastries, lunch and shareable bites. Per the news release, items include breakfast croissant sandwiches, five different pizza options, light bites such as hot pretzels and apple fritter bread pudding.

On the beverage menu, guests can expect to see specialty seasonal flavored lattes, Texas and domestic beers and signature cocktails

One more thing: The Riot Café will feature 50 seats and a 20-seat patio located adjacent to the new 2,200-square-foot comedy club that recently reopened in August.

• 1925 Washington Ave., Houston

Texas-based healthcare company Harbor Health is acquiring 27 Village Medical clinics in Greater Houston.

The overview: The two groups have signed an agreement, and the transaction is expected to close at the end of the year.

Key details of the acquisition include:

• The clinics span locations in Brazoria, Fort Bend, Harris and Montgomery counties.

• Village Medical will continue to operate under its name, and clinic patients do not need to take any action.

• The clinics will continue to accept their current insurance plans.

• After the acquisition, Harbor Health will operate nearly 70 clinics across Texas.

The details: Harbor Health plans have no deductible, and referrals are covered at no cost. Enrollment for Harbor's individual and family plans will begin Nov. 1, with coverage effective Jan. 1. Large employer plans are also available.

American Express announced plans on Oct. 8 to expand and renovate its existing Centurion Lounge at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

The details: The project will nearly triple the lounge's current space from 8,000 square feet to 23,000 square feet and is expected to be complete by 2028.

Upgrades at the Houston airport lounge will include:

• A new Blue Roast by American Express Coffee and Wellness Bar

• A specialty dining area with rotating plated dishes and a signature buffet

• A second full-service bar with craft cocktails and a curated wine selection

• Refreshed restrooms, premium shower suites and various seating areas

Some context: This expansion is part of a larger investment by American Express. The company also plans to expand and upgrade its lounge at Philadelphia International Airport, open a new lounge at Newark Liberty Airport and open a second lounge at London Heathrow Airport.

Voters in Harris County can interact with candidates up for election in November during a virtual open house Oct. 15 from 6-8:30 p.m. The free event is open to the public and is designed to help voters stay civically engaged before early voting begins Oct. 19.

The details: The Howard University Alumni Club of Houston is partnering with several organizations to host the event, including the Urban League of Texas, Houston Area Urban League, CAIR Texas, CAIR Action, LULAC Council 60 and the Greater Houston Coalition for Justice.

• Eighteen candidates running for state, county and judicial seats are expected to participate.

• Confirmed participants include Dana De Van Walker, Gene Wu and Letitia Plummer.

• Attendees can learn about each office through a civics introduction, move between conversations and ask questions directly.

All candidates running for election in Harris County were invited without fees, fundraising requirements, endorsements or ideological screenings.