Sugar Land officials hosted a Jan. 29 open house to hear community feedback on plans for the T.E. Harman Center’s expansion.

Assessing the need: Talks of expanding the senior center are coming after a 300% increase in membership since 2011 and a doubling in program participation over the last five years, said William Hajdik, interim director of Parks and Recreation.

The growth in the senior center’s programs—which include yoga, dance and language classes—has resulted in overcrowded conditions, with long lines and difficult registration forcing staff to prioritize resident registration, Hajdik said. The space limitation also prevents program expansion and schedule adjustments.

Following community input and analysis, BRW Architects—the firm responsible for designing the expansion—determined space, functionality and visibility to be among the most important needs for the project, BRW Senior Associate Emily Murphy said.

The options: Murphy said the firm came up with three options: one that would build on top of the existing building and two that would build completely new buildings.

Two Democratic candidates are running to represent residents of Fort Bend County Precinct 2 in the upcoming March primary election. The precinct covers parts of the Missouri City area.

Republican candidate Tony Aranda is running in an unopposed primary.

The details: Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.

Here's what we asked them:

• Why are you running for Fort Bend County, Commissioner Precinct 2?
• What are your qualifications for why you’d be a strong candidate in this role?
• If elected, what will be your top priorities?
• What should the county’s budgeting priorities be?
• How do you plan to continue preparing for population growth as the county nears one million residents?
• How do you plan to help grow economic development in the county?

Houston Airport System officials have nearly completed George Bush Intercontinental Airport’s $1.46 billion Terminal Redevelopment Program as the airport continues to strengthen its international travel options.

The overview: HAS Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak said the Terminal Redevelopment Program represents the single largest investment the city of Houston has contributed to IAH.

Szczesniak noted most of the major phases associated with the project—including the Terminal D-West Pier, Terminal D updates and the airport’s new International Central Processor ticketing hall and security checkpoints—are either finished or nearly completed.

Looking ahead: While the baggage system isn’t expected to be certified and tested by the Transportation Security Administration until early February, Szczesniak said the overall project will provide an economic boon to the Houston area and should help airport officials prepare for the influx of passengers expected as the city hosts several FIFA World Cup matches in 2026.

Missed any Community Impact articles from this week? Check out the top trending stories from Community Impact's coverage areas in Houston from Jan. 26-30. 

• Kresston expansion brings larger homesites, adds Toll Brothers and Huntington Homes in Magnolia
• IAH to wrap up $1.46B Terminal Redevelopment Program in early 2026
• 7 Harris County judge candidates raised just over $1M for March primary election campaigns
• Harris Health nears $100M capital fundraising goal less than 3 years after bond vote
• University of Houston launches new online film leadership certificate

Two Republican candidates are running to lead the Texas Department of Agriculture in the upcoming March 3 primary election.

The overview: Nate Sheets is challenging incumbent Sid Miller, who is seeking a fourth term as Texas agriculture commissioner. The winning Republican candidate will face Democrat Clayton Tucker in November, and the winner of that election will be sworn in for a four-year term in January 2027.

Tucker is running uncontested in the Democratic primary. Community Impact runs candidate Q&As for contested races only.

About the agency: The Texas Department of Agriculture's duties include administering federal nutrition programs and grants; facilitating trade of agricultural products; protecting crops from pests and diseases; providing financial assistance to farmers and rural communities; and conducting consumer protection programs, according to the agency's website.