HTX-KTY: Impact 9/30/2025

Katy ISD officials seek to further their implementation of artificial intelligence to handle at least 30% of administrative inquiries, providing 24/7 bilingual support and easing administrative workloads. 

Chief Information Officer John Alawneh said AI assistance will enhance efficiency and administrative support without cutting jobs, helping “outnumbered” staff while maintaining in-person services and improving completion rates.

"This is not about replacing people—it is about empowering them," he said at the Sept. 15 board meeting. “By taking on repetitive time-consuming tasks, this will allow our staff to focus on what matters most, our students and parents.”'

The timeline: Alawneh outlined a phased 12- to 18-month rollout for the district’s new AI systems, beginning with a pilot at the Educational Support Center to test key features like voice assistants, chatbots and building access tools. 

What they’re saying: In response to concerns that the implementation would diminish relationships between parents and staff, Alawneh said AI tools would achieve a necessary "balance" by handling repetitive tasks to free up human employees to provide in-person support. 

Johnson Development is bringing an amenity complex to Grange, a 1,130-acre neighborhood under development in Katy.

Zooming in: The 20-acre Ricestead complex will be headlined by a large village green, designed for outdoor concerts, farmers markets and seasonal celebrations, according to a Sept. 15 news release.

The Harvest Hall clubhouse, adjacent to the lawn, will offer:

• A fitness center
• A community room
• Coworking space
• Conference room and offices

In a Sept. 25 news release, Brian Niccol, the chairman and CEO of Starbucks, announced the closure of hundreds of Starbucks locations across the country, including seven in the Houston area.

What’s happening?: In the release, Niccol stated Starbucks is closing locations that failed to succeed financially or create an environment “up to company standards.” 

More details​​​​​​: Niccol said Starbucks locations in North America are expected to decline by 1%, and the company will end the fiscal year with nearly 18,300 storefronts.

The news release also stated that approximately 900 current non-retail positions will be eliminated as a part of the company’s plan to “carefully manage costs and stay focused on the key areas that drive long-term growth.”

A number of celebrations for National Night Out, an annual community campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, will be held Oct. 7 in the Greater Houston area.

Conroe
City of Conroe police are participating in National Night Out with free food and music in the community.

• Oct. 7, 5-8 p.m.
• Free
• JCPenney parking lot, 3165 I-45 N., Conroe

• Oct. 7, 5-8 p.m.
• Free
• Katy City Park, 5850 Franz Road, Katy

By a 3-2 vote, Harris County commissioners adopted the $2.76 billion fiscal year 2025-26 general fund budget Sept. 24 that prioritizes pay parity and public safety initiatives. Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo cast the dissenting votes.

In their words: “Today’s approval is a result of deep coordination and unwavering dedication from every corner of Harris County government,” Daniel Ramos, executive director of the Harris County Office of Management and Budget, said in a statement.

The details: From the $2.76 billion general fund budget, $2.57 billion will be allocated to the 70 Harris County departments with components that include:

• Funding to support pay parity initiatives for law enforcement and county employees
• Expanding to the District Attorney’s Office
• Growing the Harris County Flood Control District maintenance program
• Preserving the county’s credit rating and financial stability