Houston is set to see the first of seven matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, along with 500,000 visitors from around the world, in approximately 20 days.

“This is a huge opportunity for Houston to build its brand globally,” said Chris Canetti, president of the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host Committee. “But more than that, it’s a chance for us to tell our story. It’s an opportunity to show visitors what kind of city we are and what makes us great.”

The big picture: The FIFA World Cup is considered the world’s most-watched sporting event, outpacing the Super Bowl and the Olympic Games by viewership. 

The influx of visitors is expected to bring in the largest economic impact in history at an estimated $1.5 billion, which will help boost local businesses, retail and hospitality, increase tax revenue for city projects and support job creation.

One more thing: In addition to the economic value, Houston will also see many long-term benefits through what is known as the Impact Houston 26 program.

Immersive, team-based experience called Time Mission will open its first Texas location in Houston on June 5 in the Marq'E Entertainment District, according to a May 20 news release.

The details: Time Mission offers over 25 themed mission rooms that pose physical and mental challenges for teams of two to five, from ages six to 106. Per the website, missions are grouped under the following categories:

• Physical

• Mental

• Skill

• Speed

Regular admission starts at $34.95, with special discounted pricing from May 28 to June 4 using code OPEN50, per a press release. Tickets can be purchased on their website.

• 620 Katy Fwy, Ste. 355, Houston

Houston City Council members approved a $1.2 million interlocal agreement May 20 between the city and the Memorial-Heights Redevelopment Authority for proposed improvements to Stude Park.

In a nutshell: The Houston Parks and Recreation Department closed the neighborhood park in Woodland Heights in December as officials began to look at replacing the playground structure and implementing overall improvements.

Improvements are set to include:

• Enhanced access for pedestrians and cyclists

• Upgraded pathways

• Shade structures

• Security upgrades

• Renovated playground

The plan, according to the agenda item, also calls for improvements to the community center and pool facilities as funding is identified.

Project details: The overall project will cost $1.2 million, with the MHRA contributing $750,000 toward the project.

District C council member Abbie Kamin’s last day at City Hall is May 26, before she assumes her role as interim Harris County Attorney.

Kamin represented neighborhoods including Meyerland, the Heights, Montrose and River Oaks.

Looking back
Ahead of her last day, she released the District C final report, which highlights the work done in the district since she took office. Highlights include:

• Public safety

• Extreme weather

• Flooding and infrastructure

• Streets and sidewalks

• Environmental and sustainability

• Working families and labor

Kamin chaired the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee from 2020-2024 and highlighted her work for updating the city’s Records Management System and cybersecurity improvements.

Dozens of federal, state and local primary campaigns will come to a close May 26 as Texas voters cast ballots in the Republican and Democratic runoff elections.

How it works: Texas held its primary elections in March, with some races advancing to an overtime round, known as a runoff, after no single candidate picked up more than half of the vote.

On May 26, voters may see statewide offices, state legislative seats, redrawn congressional districts, the State Board of Education and county-level positions on their ballots. The winner of each runoff race will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.

At the polls: Polling places across Texas will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. May 26. Voters in the following counties in Community Impact’s coverage areas can vote at any polling location within their county of residence: Bastrop, Bexar, Brazoria, Brazos, Collin, Comal, Fort Bend, Galveston, Guadalupe, Harris, Hays, Tarrant, Travis and Williamson.

Registered voters in other counties are required to visit a polling place specific to their voting precinct.