HTX-BMW: Impact 10/29/2025

Considering new green spaces, lighting and shade needs, pickleball interests, and safe pedestrian access to parks are some of the changes approved for West University Place’s parks and open space master plan.

Explained: West U City Council unanimously approved the revisions during the Oct. 27 meeting. Parks and Recreation Director Susan White said the updated plan is a method that ensures the city’s facilities evolve over time. 

The update: The master plan updates were a collaboration over the last year between the city’s Parks and Recreation board members and city staff. White said updates included adding information regarding the following:

• City demographics and community survey information
• Hughes Park and new green spaces such as Edloe Street Pathway
• Colonial Park inventory
• Weir Park renovations
• Lighting and shade analysis
• Needs and interests for pickleball courts and public art
• Connectivity to Brays Bayou and Memorial Park trails
• Adding safe railroad crossings by the Recreation Center
• Adding safe pedestrian access to parks such as Evelyn’s Park in Bellaire

Trippin Taco, a halal Mexican cuisine food truck, is debuting in Houston. 

The event: A ribbon-cutting event is scheduled at 5550 Val Verde St., Houston for Nov. 8 at 5 p.m. with free food, discounts and giveaways, according to an Oct. 22 news release.

What’s on the menu: Founded by Ahmad Kilani, the food truck creator of Clutch City Cluckers and Juicy Joint, Trippin Taco will serve cuisine inspired by Mexico City including halal Angus beef.

Menu items include birria tacos, tamales and fusion ramen bowls.

“We’ve spent months perfecting every recipe to bring authentic Mexican flavors with our own halal twist,” Kilani said in a news release. “Houston has such an incredible food scene and we can’t wait to share this new concept with the community.”

• 5550 Val Verde St., Houston

TDECU—Houston’s largest credit union—and Smart Financial Credit Union—one of the city’s oldest—announced plans to merge, according to an Oct. 22 news release, combining their legacies under a shared mission to strengthen communities and expand member opportunities.

Marking a milestone: Pending regulatory approval and a member vote by Smart Financial, the merger is expected to be finalized in early 2026. The combined credit union will hold nearly $6 billion in assets and serve more than 460,000 members across Texas through a network of 48 branches, per the release.

TDECU President and CEO Isaac Johnson will lead the merged organization, while Smart Financial CEO LeAnn Kaczynski will serve as chief integration officer for one year to oversee the transition.

Also of note: TDECU’s ties with the University of Houston, Houston Texans and Buc-ee’s will join Smart Financial’s work with Smart Financial Centre and local charities through the Smart Financial Foundation.

Members of both institutions will see no immediate changes to accounts or services during the transition, according to the release.

Harris County commissioners will meet Oct. 30 with more than 300 agenda items on the docket, including potential discussions on panhandling and roadside vendor regulations, a public hearing on the Ben Taub Hospital expansion and results from the county’s pay equity study.

What you need to know: New laws restricting or banning panhandling and vendors along roadways may be coming to unincorporated Harris County in light of a state bill that went into effect Sept. 1. During Harris County Commissioner Court's Oct. 16 meeting, Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey brought the motion to create new guidelines on roadside vendors. 

Also on the agenda: Harris Health officials look to authorize notice of a public hearing Dec. 11 about the acquisition of nearly 9 acres of Hermann Park for the redevelopment and expansion of Ben Taub Hospital in the Texas Medical Center.

What else: County human resources officials look to discuss results from the Gallagher Consulting pay equity study, with the possible action to implement recommendations.