HTX-SLM: Impact 10/1/2025

Fort Bend County is moving forward in its redistricting process following the submission of its first maps to county officials.

The Fort Bend County Citizens Redistricting Advisory Committee met Sept. 29 to discuss 13 maps, advancing five, which will be reviewed by Commissioners Court. Each committee member was given the opportunity to submit a map, CRAC Chairman Jacob Lee previously said in an email.

Zooming in: The top map, drawn by Lee, represents how people vote across the county. The map has three safe precincts—one Republican and two Democratic—with Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers’ district projected 53.54% red, below the 10% margin needed to be considered safe.

Another map drawn by Meyers' appointee Mike Gibson and amended by Lee finished in second place in voting. The map sees the same three safe precincts, with Meyers’ district projected at 53.61% red.

What’s next: Commissioners are set to review the five maps at their next meeting, currently scheduled for Oct. 9, Lee said.

A new commercial building dubbed Grand Plaza Sienna is set to be delivered in shell condition by Houston-based developer S&P Commercial Real Estate.

Although no tenants are confirmed, broker Jennifer Zaky said there has been rising interest from medical providers, likely spurred by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s nearby 9-acre site set to open in spring 2026 with cancer prevention and imaging services.

The gist: The 6,630-square-foot building, which includes a drive-thru option and patio space, offers flexibility in its layout, which could be entirely leased to a single tenant or divided into as many as three separate units, depending on the tenant's needs, Zaky said.

Something else: Zaky said the real estate firm has almost completely leased nearby Lifetime Plaza at 8141 Hwy. 6 S., which is split between medical and food and beverage businesses.

• 6133 Sienna Ranch Road, Missouri City

Base Power, an energy company founded in 2023 and headquartered in Austin, officially launched in Houston on Sept. 24, according to a news release. 

Community Impact previously reported that the energy company originally opened in the Cy-Fair, Spring, Cinco Ranch and Mission Bend communities following its launch in Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth.

What you need to know: Co-owned by Zach Dell, Base Power is the only Texas energy provider that comes with a home backup power, according to the news release. The energy company offers an all-in-one energy plan that includes an entire home backup battery. When the grid goes down, the battery automatically powers the home, according to the release. 

Quote of note: “Houston has long been the energy capital of Texas, yet it has also endured some of the nation’s most painful lessons about unreliable power,” dell Said.

Looking to take family photos or celebrate fall to the fullest? Here are eight pumpkin patches to check out in the Greater Houston area.

Pumpkin Patch at Harvest Season Farm: A ticket to the pumpkin patch at Harvest Season Farm includes access to a bouncy house, unlimited hay rides and pumpkin painting. 

• Sept. 20-Nov. 2, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 
• $15 (per ticket)
• 21110 Bauer Hockley Road, Tomball

Pumpkin Patch at P-6 Farms: Families exploring the pumpkin patch at P-6 Farms can also enjoy vintage rides, pig races, giant slides and an animal barn.

• Sept. 27-Nov. 2, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
• $27.42 (per ticket)
• 9963 Pooles Road, Montgomery