Sugar Land officials are moving forward with the city's guiding plan for the Imperial Historic District's redevelopment following City Council's unanimous approval at a Feb. 3 meeting.

Zooming in: The plan—which aims to create a comprehensive vision—follows several planning sessions hosted by the city with urban design firm Town Planning & Urban Design Collaborative for the project from Nov. 3-6, allowing residents the opportunity to shape the future of the city’s historic district.

TPUDC Founding Principal Brian Wright said the projects main goals include:

• Telling the district’s story
• Creating a lively district
• Designing the district for gathering
• Connecting and enhancing mobility

Five Democratic candidates are running for U.S. House District 22—which includes parts of Katy, Fulshear, Sugar Land and Missouri City—in the upcoming March primary election.

Zooming in: The position is currently held by Republican Troy E. Nehls, who is not seeking reelection.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.

Here's what we asked them:

• Why are you running for office?
• What are your qualifications for why you’d be a strong candidate in this role?
• If elected, what will be your top priorities?
• What are the biggest challenges facing this district and how do you plan to address these issues?
• With district boundaries and representation changing, how will you ensure your constituents have the resources they need?
• What do you see as the greatest challenge for Texas in the next 5 years?

To help reduce pet overpopulation while supporting responsible pet ownership, Harris County Pets is expanding low-cost spay and neuter services with appointments available every Tuesday and Thursday throughout February.

What you need to know: Starting Feb. 3, Harris County Pets—the open-admission animal shelter for unincorporated Harris County—is offering spay and neuter surgeries for $40 per pet performed by licensed veterinarians, per a Feb. 2 news release. 

In observance of Spay and Neuter Awareness Month and Responsible Pet Owners Month, HCP will serve up to 20 dogs and cats each date.

Quote of note: “At Harris County Pets, prevention is one of the most powerful tools we have to save lives,” said Corey Steele, director of HCP and the Veterinary Public Health Division at Harris County Public Health.

The details: Per the release, demand for these services are high, and appointments are required and available on a first-come, first-served basis.