On the heels of the Nov. 4 election, in which Lamar CISD voters authorized $1.98 billion in bonds, officials are recommending architecture and engineering contracts to move forward with building several new campuses.

The procedure: The recommendations outline the architects, procurement methods and timelines for three new elementary schools and the package of secondary school construction and additions as part of the 2025 bond’s $1.9 billion Proposition A.

The next steps: Trustees will discuss and vote on the contracts at the Dec. 16 meeting, per district documents.

Leasing is underway for Elyson Town Center, a 17.5-acre mixed use development near Katy from developer Realty 1 Partners.

What's happening: The 11-building development, located on the corner of the Grand Parkway and FM 529, is anticipated to have more than 190,000-square-feet of retail, restaurants and professional services.

As of October, Elyson officials said 14 businesses were confirmed for the development including:

• Shipley Do-Nuts
• Smoothie King
• Akashi Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar
• Chipotle
• DECA Dental
• Milkshake Factory
• CoCo Crepes & Coffee
• Haraz Coffee House
• Zesty Dry Cleaners
• Scenthound
• Boba Tea House
• Memorial Hermann
• First Watch
• Playa Bowls

Tous les Jours has opened its 11th Texas location in Fulshear, joining three Greater Houston area location already open in Bellaire, Katy and Spring Branch.

On the menu: The French-Asian fusion bakery and restaurant offers breads, cakes, sandwiches, pastries and pies in a variety of flavors, according to its website. It also offers coffee, tea and other specialty drinks.

• 27117 Fulshear Bend Drive, Fulshear

Harris County officials announced the launch of a new online platform designed to make it easier for business and property owners to process tax payments ahead of tax bills arriving in the mail throughout November.

Quote of note: Tax Assessor Annette Ramirez announced the new online system launch of “My Harris County Tax Account” on Nov. 19 in Downtown Houston.

“Anything that we can do to make it easier to help our homeowners stay current on their taxes and not go delinquent, that is my goal,” Ramirez said.

What to expect: Key features on the new platform will include:

• Prepayment plans for 2026 taxes starting in February or March
• Automatic monthly payment withdrawals to avoid penalties and interest

The takeaway: Users can now create a profile on the new tax site, Ramirez said, and starting in February, homeowners and business owners can start a prepaid tax payment plan and choose how many months in advance to spread payments automatically.