The number of new homes sold in The Woodlands area decreased in five ZIP codes and increased in three zip codes between July 2025 and July 2026, according to August data from Christine Hale Realty Group. The 77354 ZIP code, which makes up a portion of The Woodlands area, is not included in the data.

Measuring the impact: Only two of the eight recorded ZIP codes saw a rise in median home price in The Woodlands area over the last year, with the 77380 ZIP code seeing a decrease in median home price of $261,000 for the month of July. 

In July, all but one ZIP code, 77385, saw a rise in the number of days residential units spent on the market. The fewest number of days on the market of the eight ZIP codes was 36 in the 77382 ZIP code.

Texas Autism Academy marks its 10th year of operations as it begins the 2026-27 academic year.

The backstory: Originally located on Pruitt Road in Spring, the school opened a new building in 2023 on Tamina Road where it now operates, serving students in grades 4-12 this academic year, according to its website. 

What they offer: The idea for TAA was formed in 2015 by three public school educators looking for a better quality education for non-neurotypical children, according to information from the school.

Conroe voters will have multiple candidates to consider in the upcoming Nov. 3 election for the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees. Candidate filings for Positions 1, 2 and 3 closed on Aug. 17. 

On the Conroe ballot: Candidate filings for Positions 1, 2 and 3 closed on Aug. 17. 

Conroe ISD, Position 1

• Aggie Gambino (incumbent)
• Ryan Tsamouris

• Destinee Milton
• Rodney Hammer
• Robin Deferrari

• Misty Odenweller (incumbent)
• Phillip Martin

At an Aug. 27 regular meeting, the San Jacinto River Authority approved the operating budget for FY 2026-27, set to begin on Sept 1. Within the budget, the Groundwater Reduction Plan rates are expected to remain the same, while the raw water rate will rise.

The breakdown: Presented by SJRA Controller Jamye Lewis, the SJRA has nine divisions as a quasi-state agency. When creating the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, Lewis said the focus was on making sure the divisions can provide high levels of service to customers rather than generating revenue.
The nine divisions and their total operating revenues for FY 2026-27 are:

• Groundwater Reduction Plan division: $70.4 million
• Woodlands division: $46.6 million
• Raw water supply division: $25.1 million
• Highlands division: $5,000
• Lake Conroe division: $6.2 million
• Flood management division: $160,705
• General and administrative division: (no operating revenues budget)
• Region H (Greater Houston area): $653,469
• Bear Branch: $582,618

Democrat Gina Hinojosa, an Austin state representative, and Libertarian Pat Dixon, a professional engineer, are challenging Republican incumbent Greg Abbott in the Nov. 3 election. Abbott is seeking a fourth term in the governor's mansion.

The big picture: As Texas’ top elected official, the governor signs and vetoes legislation, serves as commander-in-chief of the state military and appoints members of state agencies or advisory boards. Community Impact asked the three gubernatorial candidates for their perspectives on data centers, education, the cost of living and other topics.

The background: Abbott beat 10 Republican challengers in the March primary election, while Hinojosa beat eight other Democratic candidates to advance to the November election. Dixon was selected as the Texas Libertarian Party's candidate during an April nominating convention.

Looking ahead: Early voting runs from Oct. 19-30, and Election Day is Nov. 3.

Need to catch up  with Community Impact’s coverage this week? Check out these trending stories from across the northern portion of the Greater Houston area from Aug. 21-28.

1. Montgomery County approves law enforcement overtime, advances flood and road projects
2. Houston Premium Outlets expands retail lineup with designer store, bar
3. Cy-Fair ISD board of trustees considers superintendent’s 2025-26 evaluation
4, Magnolia ISD officially approves tax rate at Aug. 24 public tax hearing
5. The Woodlands Township slates $600K for sports facility study
6. The Woodlands approves $50M Houston deal as city delays vote