The Fort Bend Regional Partnership, formerly known as the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, has announced its expanded initiative in economic development as the county is expected to see its population nearly double in the next 20 to 25 years, according to a Feb. 26 news release.

In a nutshell: At the center of the economic initiatives is the organization's upcoming Fort Bend 2050 Report, a comprehensive data-driven analysis to explore critical issues the county will face during the expected accelerated growth, per the release.

Officials said the report will serve as a roadmap for public and private stakeholders evaluating key elements, including:

• Infrastructure
• Workforce alignment
• Economic development capacity
• Education
• Public services
• Quality-of-life indicators

Husband and wife Andrew and Misty Vana have opened the doors to Cowboy Coast Coffee Company in Katy.

On the menu: The coffee shop—which uses "speciality beans” supplied by private roasters in Katy and Houston—offers a variety of drinks options including mochas, lattes, drip and iced forms, Andrew Vana said.

Additionally, local bakers are in charge of a rotating menu of cookies and pastries like mini cinnamon rolls, mini pigs in a blanket or a breakfast taco in a bun called “The Texan.”

Meet the owners: A Katy native, Andrew Vana said his love for coffee inspired his desire to start his own business. He described the positive response to Cowboy Coast as “humbling” and “overwhelming.”

• 777 Cane Island Parkway, Katy

On March 6, Blinn College hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on the 100-acre property that will be the home of the new Waller campus. During the ceremony, Blinn College officials spoke about how the new campus symbolizes the strong relationship Blinn has with the local Waller area. 

How it happened: The new facility came to fruition thanks to legislation passed by Sen. Lois W. Kolkhorst, which added the Harris County portion of Waller ISD to Blinn’s official service area, she said during the ceremony. Kolkhorst expressed her joy at the growth not only of Blinn College but also of the Waller area as a whole. 

Quote of note: “It’s a physical symbol of the commitment for the future of [the] Texas area that is growing so dynamically,” Kolkhorst said. “I will tell you the march for the future of Texas is really right here and Blinn College will be at the front of that line.”