HTX-HRM: Impact 11/11/2025

The city of Houston developed a $314.6 million disaster aid plan in mid-2025 with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to support local recovery from the 2024 derecho and Hurricane Beryl.

In a nutshell: While both storms hit the Greater Houston area over a year ago, federal reports and expert research show many residents are still rebuilding their homes and lives as a result of their impact.

The funding comes from a federal grant program, known as the Community Development Block Grant for Disaster Recovery, that helps cities, counties and states recover from presidentially declared disasters. 

City officials submitted the CDBG-DR plan to HUD on Sept. 18 after months of resident feedback and City Council debate about funding allocations. HUD had 45 days to review the plan, a city spokesperson told Community Impact Oct. 3, but as of press time the city is still waiting on final approval.

Top expenditures in the plan include $100 million for housing repair programs and $101 million for power generation resilience, city documents show.

Killer Burger is the home of the Peanut Butter Pickle Bacon Burger, a unique combination that includes a grilled patty, bacon, peanut butter sauce, mayo, grilled onions and pickles.

Now, the fast-casual burger restaurant is bringing its special menu to Houston in 2026.

The setup: According to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing, the project will include converting a 2,500-square-foot space in Sawyer Heights Village into the new restaurant. The roughly $400,000 renovation is expected to start construction in February 2026 and wrap up in May. Details are subject to change.

What's special about it: Killer Burger uses 100% natural beef and creates distinctive combinations, as well as classic burger options, chicken sandwiches and made-to-order fries. 

• 1909 Taylor St., Ste. A, Houston

The filing period to run in the 2026 primary elections is now open, according to Harris County officials. Here are the positions that will be on the March 2026 ballot.

What we know: According to the Texas Secretary of State, the filing period for individuals seeking to run for public office in the March 2026 primary elections openedon Nov. 8. In Harris County, several local races will be on the ballot on top of races for state representative and state senator, including:

• District Clerk
• County Clerk
• County Treasurer
• County Commissioner, Precinct 2
• County Commissioner, Precinct 4

• Age
• Citizenship status
• Voter registration status

Gov. Greg Abbott announced his bid for a fourth gubernatorial term Nov. 9, laying out an ambitious six-pronged plan to make “out-of-control property taxes finished in Texas.”

The details: Abbott's goals include eliminating property taxes charged by public school districts, which make up the majority of an average homeowner’s property tax bill. Some conservative groups and lawmakers pushed for an end to school property taxes during recent state legislative sessions.

The governor’s plan to limit local tax increases includes:

• Limiting annual local government spending
• Requiring approval from two-thirds of local voters for all tax hikes
• Allowing local residents to petition for an election to roll back tax rates
• Requiring property appraisals to occur once every five years
• Capping appraisal increases at 3% per year, down from 10% today
• Asking voters to eliminate school property taxes