Taco Bell officials are planning to open a new location on FM 1314, according to a June 30 TDLR filing. 

On the menu: The fast food chain offers a menu of nachos, tacos, burritos and quesadillas, and is known for signature items such as the Crunchwrap Supreme and Mountain Dew Baja Blast. 

The details: Per the filing, the $1.5 million project will include the construction of a new 2,115-square-foot restaurant. Construction is expected to start in mid-September and wrap up by mid-December. 

• 16355 FM 1314, Conroe 

Greater East Montgomery County Chamber officials announced the launch of a new Corridor Stewardship Initiative via a July 2 news release.

The big picture: Per the release, the new initiative is a long-term advocacy effort dedicated to promoting the care and stewardship of East Montgomery County's major corridors. 

The impact: As part of the initiative, the Texas Department of Transportation recently completed cleanup and maintenance of major intersections along Hwy. 59 from Northpark Drive in Kingwood to FM 2090 in Splendora, and has committed to maintaining those intersections on an every-even-month schedule. Officials noted the project was made possible through a collaboration between the chamber, TxDOT officials and state Rep. Janis Holt.

What to expect: Per the release, the Corridor Stewardship Initiative aims to build up its recent success, by continuing to foster ongoing collaboration to advocate for the stewardship and care of:

• Gateway intersections
• Rights of way
• Medians
• Roadway signs
• Traffic signs
• Underpasses
• Other highly visible transportation infrastructure

Montgomery County commissioners did not approve the Montgomery Central Appraisal District’s proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget July 9 after a motion to support the spending plan failed to receive a second.

Commissioners asked MCAD officials to revisit their budget and present an amended version to court at a later date for approval. 

Montgomery County would contribute an estimated $3.72 million toward MCAD’s proposed FY 2026-27 budget, an increase of roughly $194,000 from the county’s $3.52 million contribution in FY 2025-26.

The details: The proposed $20 million budget represents a 5.51% increase from FY 2025-26 and would add 18 employees, including 14 appraisal positions. It also includes a 3.5% merit increase for existing employees.

Chief Appraiser Sherry Hunter said the additional positions are intended to help MCAD keep pace with Montgomery County’s continued growth and maintain a more accurate record of properties across the county. 

The Houston-Galveston Area Council is gathering public input regarding traffic congestion as part of its Regional Congestion Management process, per a news release. Officials said community members can participate through July 15 via an online survey.

H-GAC is a regional organization intended for local governments to consider and cooperate in solving area-wide issues.

The big picture: In order to better understand traffic and travel challenges across the Houston-Galveston region, H-GAC is developing a Congestion Management Plan, or CMP. The CMP will consider multiple counties, including Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery and Waller.

Participants of the survey will help identify traffic hotspots, understand how congestion affects varying road-users and inform future planning and investment decisions, per the news release.

One more thing: The survey should take around 10 minutes to complete, according to the H-GAC website, and will close for submissions July 15.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officials announced the creation of a new C-level leadership position called chief operating officer and general manager.

In a nutshell: The new position—which will be filled by current Chief Revenue Officer Amber Burda—aims to unify strategic direction as well as align programming and strategy for the annual rodeo event, officials announced in a July 7 news release.

Burda has served as chief revenue officer since 2023, although she was initially hired in 2017 as the executive director of sponsorships, business and corporate development, where she led the creation of official rodeo sponsorships.

Sorting out details: Her focus will be on ensuring cross-departmental coordination to enhance operational efficiency, while aligning pricing and revenue strategies with the organization’s mission

In the new role, Burda will oversee most public-facing aspects of the rodeo, including:

• Mission

• Show operations

• Ticketing

• Sponsorships

• Stadium presentation

• The carnival

Burda will also be involved in the creation of the organization’s new agricultural complex along Hwy. 288, per the release.

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from last week? Check out five trending stories from the North Houston area from July 6-10.

1. Wing drone delivery service expands to 8 additional Greater Houston-area Walmarts

2. Texas Litter Control provides affordable veterinary services in The Woodlands area since 2012

3. Bombers Volleyball now offering volleyball training in Cypress

4. United Airlines launches new nonstop service between IAH, Cartagena

5. Montgomery County Food Bank announces 5 new additions to board of directors