Changes could be coming to Missouri City’s Texas Parkway as city officials look to reinvest and redevelop the area.

In a nutshell: At an April 6 meeting, Missouri City City Council approved a $154,440 contract with George E. Johnson Properties LLC to create a revitalization plan for Texas Parkway aimed at infrastructure improvements and creating a potential mixed-use development.

Zooming in: The project combines two coordinated initiatives, including Texas Parkway corridor improvements, with a focus on transitioning the roadway from a rural to urban environment through:

• Drainage enhancements
• Pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure
• Aesthetics upgrades

The Fort Bend ISD board of trustees reviewed the district’s Texas Academic Performance Report at a March 30 meeting.

The big picture: The report, which is filled with data comparing the district to the region and state, breaks down students’ performance on the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness test during the previous three school years due to “lag data,” said Jaretha Jordan, deputy superintendent of teaching and learning for FBISD.

By the numbers: Data shows FBISD students outperformed both the state and regional averages across all grades in all subjects, including English language arts, math, science and social studies during the 2024-25 school year, said Melissa Hubbard, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning.

Zooming in: During the 2024-25 school year, FBISD had a diverse student population with Asian students at the highest percentage at 28%, followed closely by African American and Hispanic students at 27.9% and 26.6%, respectively.

Also of note: However, FBISD’s college career and military readiness rates were below the state or region for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 graduating classes.

The Harris County-Houston Sports Authority announced April 8 that the home of the Houston Rockets will receive $180 million in upgrades through fall 2027.

Mapping it out: During a presentation to the HCHSA board of directors, Gretchen Sheirr, president of business operations with the Rockets, announced significant interior and exterior changes coming to the Toyota Center, which opened in 2003.

“When you look at what has happened in those 23 years, and you think about what will happen in the next 23 years, we’re really excited about it,” Sheirr said.

Those upgrades include:

• 3,100 square feet extended main entrance with a glass facade
• New atrium upon entering the main entrance, with space for gathering
• Members lounge over the new entrance
• Expanded team store with an additional set of doors
• Standing room and general admission space for events
• Heightened suites that will raise ceilings about 18 inches for more space

The American Heart Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to heart and brain health, in March announced two leadership appointments for the Greater Houston and Gulf Coast markets.

Key players: Kellie Armstrong was named senior executive director for the Greater Houston market, and Lisa Fenley was appointed executive director for the Gulf Coast, according to a news release.

More details: With more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Fenley will oversee initiatives to expand heart health education, CPR awareness, women’s health programming and community partnerships focused on improving cardiovascular outcomes, according to the release.