Bellaire officials are working to improve the city's commercial development zones, adding $100,000 to the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget to hire an economic development consultant.

The big picture: The initiative aims to enhance existing commercial areas and attract high-quality businesses without expanding the city's commercial footprint. City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed budget during its Sept. 21 meeting.

Zooming in: The effort follows a June commercial strategy report by consultants HR&A Advisors, which revealed that less than 7% of Bellaire's land is zoned for commercial use. The report outlined three main priorities for the city:

• Easing parking regulations to add flexibility for off-site and shared parking

• Facilitating land assembly to combine small, fragmented properties

• Creating one or more special districts to fund public improvements

Something to note: Any changes will be confined to existing commercial zones, such as the Bellaire Triangle Shopping Center on Bissonnet Street and the Bellaire Makers District, and will not affect residential areas.

Taco Palenque will open a new location in the Greenway Plaza area, replacing a former Whataburger.

The details: Taco Palenque is a Mexican restaurant chain based in Laredo, Texas. It is known for its tacos, breakfast, fajitas and hearty Tex-Mex food.

According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, renovations began at the location on Sept. 1 and are expected to be completed by mid-February 2027.

Construction includes renovations and adaptive reuse for the new restaurant and is estimated to cost $1.2 million. The location is 2,975 square feet.

• 3797 Southwest Freeway, Houston

During a Sept. 9 city council meeting, Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz announced two new appointments to the city's fire department.

The details: Marion Spann was named the executive assistant chief of administrative support, making her the first Black woman to serve in this role. Byron Robinson was appointed as the new fire marshal.

• Spann has served the department for 32 years and previously became the first Black woman to serve as an engineer operator, senior inspector and fire marshal.

• Robinson has served for 21 years as an inspector and chief inspector for the city of Houston.

What they're saying: Whitmire and council members praised the appointees, with council member Edward Pollard saying, "A trailblazer is what you both are."

On the other hand, council member Willie Davis said, "This is a sign of showing the rest of the world and everyone that Houston is going in a good direction."

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 also expected to 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.