The city of Sugar Land is considering increasing the minimum requirements for companies to receive tax abatements.

The big picture: A tax abatement is a performance-based economic agreement that reduces a company’s property tax liability on the new value created by an investment for up to 10 years.

The agreements are used as an economic development tool by cities to attract new investment and support business expansion and retention, said Alba Penate-Johnson, the city’s assistant director of economic development.

What’s changing: Businesses previously had a $4 million investment minimum with the option for the city to do the agreement through a Chapter 380 agreement.

Under the proposed revision, properties would need to have a $10 million minimum investment and the Chapter 380 agreement has been removed as it is a separate program.

“The intent of the changes is to focus the tax abatement program on larger more significant capital investments while maintaining a straightforward structure,” Penate-Johnson said.

Looking ahead: The item will come to the City Council for consideration in October.

Fort Bend County will operate with fewer associate judges starting in 2027.

In a nutshell: At an Aug. 27 meeting, Fort Bend County commissioners voted to reduce the number of associate judges to five—down from eight—beginning in 2027 following the addition of two district courts, which were added to the county during the 89th Texas Legislature in 2025.

The details: The decision to cut judges essentially reverses a 2021 move that added two associate judges using federal funding as a temporary solution to increased cases during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, said Bobby Eberle, who serves as the communications director for the county judge. 

The move is expected to save taxpayers nearly half a million dollars per year and instead shift the county’s focus to utilizing the new district judges that are both approved and funded by the state, according to an Aug. 28 news release.

However, some worry this move could potentially put more work on the other staff and slow down progress in residents’ cases.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop has shuttered its doors in Sugar Land as the chain closes all remaining Houston area locations, restaurant representatives confirmed.

In a nutshell: Known for its tacos and wide selection of drinks, the brand had recently rebranded to Fuzzy's Tacos and Margs featuring table service after moving away from primarily counter service, Community Impact previously reported.

The other two Greater Houston locations in Katy and Kingwood have also closed their doors, although representatives did not provide a reason for the closures.

• 1912 Wescott Ave., Ste. 250, Sugar Land

Shipley Donuts is celebrating its 90th anniversary–nearly a century after its opening in 1936–with a 10-week-long promotion running until Oct. 18, according to a news release.

The special began Aug. 10 and is set to rotate through various value deals, in addition to debuting limited-time birthday-themed donuts.

The history: Shipley’s story began nine decades ago in the oven of its original bakery located at 1417 Crockett St., Houston. The bakery’s founder, Lawrence Shipley Sr., sold his handcrafted, pillowy donuts dipped in a warm glaze wholesale for just five cents a dozen, per the release.

Flash forward to the present: the Houston-based donut parlor still serves that same hexagon-cut treat fresh every morning, now from nearly 400 locations across 13 states.

What to expect: At participating locations, customers can get a taste of the all-new Birthday Bullseye, a festive spin on Shipley’s classic Strawberry Bullseye.

The donut is available individually and as part of the limited-time 1936 Shipley Favorites Box, a nostalgic dozen consisting of other beloved flavors.

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 Aug. 31-Sept. 4.

1. Texas’ first hand roll-centered sushi bar to expand presence to Bellaire Boulevard
2. Houston agrees to $50M deal with The Woodlands to prevent future annexation
3. Sugar Land officials propose increased fees in 2027
4. New coffee spot now open in Pearland
5. City of Fulshear enters stage 1 of drought contingency plan
6. El Tiempo Cantina in Webster closes, possibly reopening