Fulshear officials are working with local and regional partners to address challenges the city’s business community is facing.

The big picture: The new Business Retention and Expansion Program aims to help local businesses succeed and contribute to Fulshear’s economic future, city officials announced in a Sept. 3 Facebook post.

The program links business owners with the city’s economic development department through personal business visits and a continued open dialogue, per the city’s website. 

A closer look: The primary goal is to recognize challenges, understand expansion plans and connect businesses with resources and partners.

Other objectives include:  

• Finding ways to expand businesses, capital investment and job creation

• Uniting businesses with workforce, industry and business-support organizations

• Assisting businesses in handling city processes and development resources

• Uniting businesses with financing, incentive and assistance programs 

• Strengthening relationships between the city of Fulshear and its business community

White Wasabi Sushi held a soft opening in Katy, owner Kae Arisara confirmed.

What’s on the menu: The eatery has a wide selection of dishes including soft-shell crab fried rice, tuna tataki, yellowtail carpaccio and rice-free rolls, according to a Sept. 8 social media post.

• 6825 S. Fry Road, Ste. 500, Katy

The Harris County Commissioners Court is moving forward with a 7.6% property tax rate increase compared with last year, marking one of the largest tax hikes in the county’s recent history.

The overview: The court approved a tax rate of about $0.67 per $100 in taxable property value in a 3-2 vote during its Sept. 8 meeting. County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Precinct 4 Commissioner Tom Ramsey opposed the rate recommended by the county’s Office of Management and Budget.

The increase will add about $193 to the average homeowner’s property tax bill, OMB Director Daniel Ramos said.

Looking ahead: With a projected shortfall of about $180 million, the court is expected to adopt its 2026-27 fiscal year $3.09 billion budget during the Sept. 17 meeting. The court is expected to also take a final vote on the proposed tax rate, adopting it before the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

This November, four candidates are running to lead the Texas Comptroller's Office and serve as the state's chief financial officer.

The overview: Libertarian V. Alonzo Echavarria-Garza, Democrat Sarah Eckhardt, Green Party candidate Shehla Faizi and Republican Don Huffines are running for comptroller. Huffines, whom Gov. Greg Abbott appointed to the office in July, is considered the incumbent in this race.

How it works: The comptroller oversees government spending and administers the state's $1 billion education savings account program, which launched ahead of the 2026-27 school year.

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