The Pearland City Council approved a nearly $8.8 million contract for drainage improvements in several subdivisions at its Sept. 28 meeting.

What you need to know: The project will cover around 47,000 feet of roadside ditch repairs within the Hickory Creek, Garden Acres, Herridge Miller and Brookland Acres subdivisions.

Some context: The project is funded in part through nearly $16.7 million allocated to the city by the Texas General Land Office following Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

Phase II-C of the Blackhawk Boulevard reconstruction, along with intersection improvements at FM 528 is among some of the upcoming and ongoing road projects in Friendswood.

Upcoming project

FM 528 intersection improvements

Project: This project includes striping and intersection improvements at FM 518 and FM 528 to provide dual left turn lanes on FM 518, as well as striping improvements at FM 528 and Sunset Drive to provide a second southbound left turn lane from Sunset Drive onto FM 528.

Update: The Texas Department of Transportation let the combined project for construction in September 2026, and the project is now advancing through the contract award and pre-construction process.

• Timeline: construction anticipated to begin following completion of TxDOT’s contract award and pre-construction process

• Cost: $373,983

• Funding source: Houston Galveston Area Council Carry-Over Spend Down funds

Since March 2026, Clear Creek ISD has seen interest rates climb by more than 100 basis points amid global uncertainty. Now the district is trying to prepare for the optimum time when it can refund its bonds at a lower interest rate.
The big picture: CCISD’s board of trustees voted unanimously at its Oct. 2 meeting to authorize the preparations for a potential bond-refunding transaction, which could save the district over $4.7 million in debt service payments.

Why it matters: Palmer said prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act being signed into law in 2017, it was possible to refinance bonds well in advance of the call date of the bonds. However, the act shrank the tax-exempt bond refinancing window to 90 days before the bond’s call date—the date when issuers can buy back a bond before its maturity, Palmer said.

Memorial Hermann Health System President and CEO David L. Callender is retiring at the end of 2026 after seven years with the organization. His final day in the role will be Dec. 31.

What we know: Callender will be replaced by Alec H. King, who serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer. King was selected to succeed Callender following a multi-year selection process.

The two are partnering through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition. During his time at Memorial Hermann, King has been vital to the system's strategy, growth and transformation, hospital leaders said.

Quote of note: “It is an extraordinary honor to lead Memorial Hermann, which has been an essential part of Greater Houston for more than 119 years as a healthcare provider, employer and community partner,” King said. “Under Dr. Callender’s leadership, we have built tremendous momentum and I believe our greatest opportunities lie ahead.”

King will start his new role Jan. 1.

The Harris County Clerk’s Office is rolling out a new app, Harris Votes, to help voters access election information and track results. Although the app is already available for iPhone and Android users to download, it will officially launch Oct. 1 ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

The app is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Chinese. Using the app, voters will be able to:

• Find voting centers

• View a personalized sample ballot

• See election dates and receive reminders

• Check their voter registration status

• Follow live election results

• View frequently asked questions

Voters can also find the same information on the Harris Votes website.

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from this week? Check out these trending stories across the southern portion of the Greater Houston area from Sept. 28-Oct. 2.

• Fort Bend ISD adjusts final day of 2026-27 school year

• Good Vibes Coastal Cantina and Good Vibes Coastal Kitchen close the same day

• New curated antique shop celebrates grand opening near West University Place

• 12 businesses recently opened in Katy and Fulshear

• Houston ISD to potentially cut, relocate teachers amid enrollment-driven budget evaluation

• San Jacinto College extends biotechnology partnership