HTX-PLF: Impact 10/27/2025

Pearland will consider awarding a contract for construction materials to reconstruct and replace the waterline along Sherwood Street in Pearland at its Oct. 27 meeting.

The details: Pearland City Council will consider awarding a $167,000 contract to Houston-based engineering firm Terracon for street improvements along Sherwood Street.

One more thing: City Council will also consider awariding nearly $1.9 million in contracts for water treatment chemicals for the next year.

Manvel City Council received a presentation for a new development off Hwy. 6 that could eventually contain a number of national brands and bring in more than $1 million in tax revenue annually.

The project, however, is only being pitched at this point, with nothing being official. While those with the project are looking to buy the land for the development soon, several items, including agreements with the city, need to be checked off before things proceed forward.

What you need to know: Proposed by Houston-based BCS on Oct. 6, the project will be a commercial hub with several tenants along Hwy. 6 near the Manvel Town Center, according to site plan documents from the city.

What they said: Several council members voiced support for the project, but concerns lingered over the incentive structure and the process for coming to an agreement. Council member David Lands said both parties might have to “squeeze the pennies” to come to a deal.

YES Prep Public Schools has launched a new four-year, $80 million campaign dubbed “The Power of YES," officials announced in an Oct. 23 news release.

The gist: The campaign will allow the Houston charter school system to invest in technology and facilities while working toward becoming an "A"-rated district. Per the release, the initiative will:

• Add 5,000 new school seats
• Complete YES Prep’s full pre-K-12 feeder pattern
• Fund the construction of six new schools
• Rebuild three of YES Prep’s oldest campuses
• Invest in innovative programs, bilingual education and tools that prepare students for college, careers and leadership

Harris County Public Health officials announced the launch of an online, public dashboard aimed at informing the community about human cases of mosquito-borne diseases.

Explained: As of Oct. 16, at least 192 positive mosquito samples across the county have been identified. Throughout the year, HCPH’s mosquito and vector control department officials track, test, and eliminate disease-carrying mosquitoes in the county, according to an Oct. 17 news release.

A closer look: In 2025, HCPH confirmed West Nile virus in the northern section of the county including parts of Tomball, Spring, Humble, Cypress, Katy and Kingwood.

Quote of note: Jennifer Kiger, director of the county’s office of epidemiology, surveillance and emerging diseases department, said in a news release the new dashboard is for residents to stay informed about potential mosquito-borne diseases in Harris County.

“While our current case numbers are low, it’s still important for everyone to protect themselves from mosquito bites—especially during the warmer months when mosquitoes are most active,” Kiger said.