While The Woodlands area is going into 2026 with an overall 2% decline in employees among major nonretail employers, experts at the 2026 Economic Outlook Conference said the region's top employer, health care, is poised for further growth.

The context: The 2026 Economic Outlook Conference was presented Feb. 6 by The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce and presenting sponsor Entergy.

The big picture: The Jevon Gibb, CEO of The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership, described the area as being in a "pause," but noted it is poised for long-term growth.

"We see health care as our largest growth source," Gibb said. "This makes sense with 45% population growth over the last 10 years, more people need more doctors. We see a growth rate somewhat slower within education."

The breakdown: The EDP report shows 33% growth over 10 years, while there was a slight dip since 2025, with 41,103 employers in last year’s report and 40,358 in this year’s report.

• 2250 Buckthorne Place, The Woodlands

To help reduce pet overpopulation while supporting responsible pet ownership, Harris County Pets is expanding low-cost spay and neuter services with appointments available every Tuesday and Thursday throughout February.

What you need to know: Starting Feb. 3, Harris County Pets—the open-admission animal shelter for unincorporated Harris County—is offering spay and neuter surgeries for $40 per pet performed by licensed veterinarians, per a Feb. 2 news release. 

In observance of Spay and Neuter Awareness Month and Responsible Pet Owners Month, HCP will serve up to 20 dogs and cats each date.

Quote of note: “At Harris County Pets, prevention is one of the most powerful tools we have to save lives,” said Corey Steele, director of HCP and the Veterinary Public Health Division at Harris County Public Health.

The details: Per the release, demand for these services are high, and appointments are required and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Major lane closures will remain in place on I-10 East near Normandy Road as repairs continue, according to a Feb. 5 news release from the Texas Department of Transportation.

What you need to know: TxDOT said crews have worked overnight after a utility waterline rupture late Feb. 5 triggered a pavement failure near Normandy Road, forcing TxDOT to shut down all eastbound lanes and close the inside lane and shoulder westbound.

Motorists should expect delays and are strongly encouraged to take alternate routes, per the release, including:

• US 90
• US 90A/BU 90 (McCarty Road)
• Hwy. 225

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from last week? Check out five trending stories in the Greater Houston area from Feb. 2-6.

In case you missed it: Main Street Market held its last market in downtown Conroe Feb. 7 after nearly five years. The organizers announced the closure via Facebook on Jan. 29.

"This has always been more than a market," market developer Farralyn Withrow said in the social media post. "It’s been a tight-knit community and the starting place for 100+ new businesses. It’s been a major part of the ecosystem that is downtown Conroe." 

Also of note: Magnolia City Council moved Jan. 28 to terminate City Administrator Chris Whittaker, approving a resolution declaring a “lack of confidence” and removing him from office effective immediately.

The motion to terminate Whittaker's employment passed 4-0, with council member Geoff Beyers absent.

One more thing: Statewide enrollment for a new Katy ISD online program called Legacy Virtual High School opened Feb. 2, according to a Jan. 30 news conference from district officials. 

Texas gained more new residents last year than any other U.S. state, recently released U.S. Census Bureau data shows. Yet the Lone Star State’s overall population growth slowed significantly amid a nationwide reduction in immigration from other countries.

The big picture: Texas grew by 391,243 residents in 2025, bringing the state’s total population to 31.7 million. This includes:

• Domestic migration: Over 67,000 people moved to Texas from other states.
• International migration: Over 167,000 people moved to Texas from other countries.
• Natural change: There were roughly 157,000 more births than deaths in Texas.

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