Montgomery County commissioners took a step toward a new countywide transportation roadmap Jan. 15, discussing a mobility study they said will be the first to outline a 10-year plan for the entire county.

The big picture: County Judge Mark Keough said the effort began with obtaining federal funds back in October 2024, followed by a formal request in December 2024. He said the project was then added to the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Unified Planning Work Program—a federally required document that outlines and budgets the region’s transportation planning work—when it was approved in April 2025. Keough said the county issued a request for proposals in September 2025 and awarded the contract to Freese and Nichols in December. 

Keough said the project will kick off in January and is expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete. Once finished, he said the county plans to initiate a county thoroughfare plan update.

What residents can expect: The process will include two public meetings in every precinct.

Montgomery County Food Bank’s annual Holiday Helpings drive brought in enough food and funds to provide more than 440,000 meals after a two-month campaign that ran Nov. 1-Dec. 31, according to a Jan. 14 news release.

The impact: The drive, presented by Waste Connections, came as demand for food assistance climbed across the county, the release states. After residents turned to the food bank more than 93,000 times in September 2025, that number rose to 111,000 in November 2025, highlighting the importance of holiday-season support.

“The generosity we witnessed during Holiday Helpings was truly inspiring,” President and CEO Kristine Marlow said in the release, adding that the community response helped the organization “ensure neighbors across Montgomery County had access to nourishing food when they needed it most.”

Diving in deeper: More than 170 organizations participated through sponsorships, fundraising and food drives, the release states.

Waste Connections served as the presenting sponsor, with Spirit of Giving sponsors including Enterprise Mobility, Kroger, Ovintiv, Scott Law Firm and US Anesthesia Partners, according to the release.

Recruiters from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will host a job fair Jan. 24 to hire for a variety of seasonal roles for the upcoming 2026 rodeo.

The overview: Rodeo staff as well as representatives from ASM Global, Amarak and Safe Management are hiring for part-time positions, including concessions, cashiers, bartenders, waitstaff, event staff and security, per a Jan. 13 news release.

What you need to know: Candidates must be 18 years or older to participate in the Jan. 24 job fair, which will run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at NRG Stadium, according to the release. Interested applicants are encouraged to review available positions and apply online before attending the fair.

Additionally, American Medical Response is hiring paramedics and emergency personnel to work the rodeo events, and the rodeo's carnival partner, RCS, is recruiting game and carnival ride attendants, per the release.

Check this out: The 2026 Houston Rodeo will feature Western events, live music and carnival attractions March 2-22 at NRG Stadium, according to Community Impact's coverage of this year's lineup. 

From county judge to party chairs, multiple candidate forums are being hosted across Montgomery County ahead of the March 3 primary elections.

County judge debate: County judge candidates Keough and Mack will debate at this event hosted by Hank's Think Tank. 

• Jan. 21, 5 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• East Montgomery County Senior Center, 21679 McCleskey Road, New Caney

• Jan. 22, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
• $24-$34 (chamber members), $24-$38 (non-members)
• Magnolia Event Center, 11659 FM 1488, Magnolia

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from this week? Check out five trending stories in the Greater Houston area from Jan. 12-16.

What you need to know: Le Labo is opening in January at Market Street in The Woodlands, officials confirmed. A mid-month opening date is anticipated at the shopping center. 

What else: The Menil Collection in Houston will temporarily close the on-campus bookstore for renovations. In a Jan. 14 news release, officials with the popular art museum announced the on-campus Menil Bookstore will undergo renovations starting in spring 2026.