RSK Real Estate Partners, a Chicago-based real estate developer, has purchased 17.2 acres to construct a second build-to-rent community in the Katy area.

The developer began work on its first Katy build-to-rent community earlier this summer, which is slated to bring 156 duplexes along Galileo Way, Community Impact reported.

The details: The Landing at Katy Pointe project will feature 210 duplexes averaging 1,500 square feet with two- and three-bedroom options featuring attached garages, according to a Dec. 8 news release.

Notable quote: “The Landing at Katy Pointe will fulfill needs of young families, professionals and empty nesters who desire the perks of a single-family home in a well-located growing area of Katy,” Rick Ragan, vice president of Houston-based NewQuest, said in the release.

• Corner of Clay Road and Katy Pointe Boulevard

Fort Bend Parkway, Westpark Tollway and Grand Parkway will all see toll rate increases beginning in 2026.

The details: Fort Bend County commissioners unanimously approved the 2% rate increase suggested by the Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority and Fort Bend Grand Parkway Toll Road Authority at a Dec. 4 meeting.

What’s next: The adjusted rates will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026, per agenda documents.

The Katy ISD Police Department is entering its final stages of preparation for Santa Claus Cops, an annual holiday gift program that will provide presents to 740 students from more than 400 families this year.

The program, which began in 2002 with fewer than 70 students, has now grown so large that organizers are searching for additional storage space outside of the station to support future expansion.

The gist: Planning begins as early as September, when volunteers, including retired district employees, meet weekly to manage the growing database of participating children alongside department staff, said Police Service Specialist Eva Andrews.

She said sponsors receive wish lists from elementary students that include clothing sizes, hobbies and favorite items, and are asked to spend at least $100 per child.

Moving forward: At its peak, Santa Claus Cops has served more than 1,200 students, and Chief David Rider said he hopes to reach that level again next year.

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from this week? Check out five trending stories in the Greater Houston area from Dec. 8-12.

A sneak peek: Vegas Texas Casino officials said the practice-style casino has plans to open between Dec. 15-Jan. 1 in Cypress pending receipt of its Certificate of Occupancy and TABC license. The casino is fully compliant with all Texas gambling and sweepstakes laws, and no gambling of any kind is offered, officials said. 

In case you missed it: On Jan. 1, drivers will see an increase in toll rates, according to a Nov. 18 news release from the Harris County Toll Road Authority. The toll rate increases are along the Montgomery County Toll Road Authority’s portion of Hwy. 249. 

Craving something new? From a new sushi spot to a rebranded Mexican birria locale, Community Impact compiled six dining updates across the Greater Houston area, including restaurants that recently opened or are coming soon.

Texas has grown rapidly in recent years, and data indicates that development is not slowing down. The Lone Star State gained about 168,000 jobs from September 2024-September 2025, leading the nation in job growth, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.

The overview: Texas is attractive to businesses looking to relocate or expand their operations due to its tax incentives and grants, lack of a personal income tax and roughly 200 higher education institutions, business leaders said during a Dec. 10 summit held in College Station by industry network YTexas.

As businesses of all sizes continue to move to Texas, local governments and associations also need to “support the ones that are already here,” said Dean Browell, the chief behavioral officer for Feedback, a digital ethnographic research firm.

Zooming in: In an October study, Feedback found that long-term Texas residents want to live in growing communities with strong education systems and plentiful job opportunities. That growth, however, can lead to rising property taxes and living expenses before residents begin feeling the benefits, Browell said.