HTX-CYP: Impact 10/14/2025

A number of flood mitigation projects along Little Cypress Creek have been paused in order to complete other high-priority projects in the area.

The big picture: Harris County Commissioners unanimously approved an update Sept. 18 to the $2.5 billion Harris County Flood Control District bond approved by voters in 2018. The move follows several years of delays, rising costs due to inflation and concerns regarding the ability to complete flood mitigation projects countywide.

The cost: HCFCD external affairs officer Emily Woodell told Community Impact the funding gap has been significantly reduced from more than $1 billion to $400 million through local, state and federal partnerships, and she sees future partnerships helping the flood district meet its funding needs.

Stay tuned: Despite having to place a pause on projects, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said during the Sept. 22 town hall that commissioners were actively working with the Army Corps of Engineers, as well as state and federal legislators, to facilitate additional funding.  

Houston First Corporation, the parent organization of the Houston Film Commission, announced Oct. 8 the launch of a new local film incentive program designed to attract film and television productions to the Houston area.

What this means: The announcement comes amid growing momentum for Houston’s film industry. Productions filmed in the region generated $27.1 million in direct spending and an $81 million economic impact in 2024, according to the Houston Film Commission.

The program offers a 10% rebate on local spending, capped at $100,000 per qualifying project, with a total of $400,000 available annually, per the news release. Officials said the initiative, the most competitive of its kind in Texas, aims to boost local job creation and strengthen Houston’s position as a film production hub.

Diving in deeper: To qualify, projects must film at least 60% of principal photography within 60 miles of downtown, spend at least $500,000 locally and hire at least 55% Texas residents as cast and crew. Houston First and the Houston Film Commission will oversee the application process.  

QDOBA Mexican Eats is opening soon in Humble, restaurant officials announced in an Oct. 3 news release.

What to expect: As previously reported, QDOBA offers signature and customizable burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, nachos and salads. Premium toppings—such as queso and guacamole—can be added at no additional charge.

Per the release, the Humble location will employ 20 team members and span 3,000 square feet with both indoor and outdoor seating for up to 65 guests.

Looking ahead: The Humble restaurant is owned by franchisee Chad Owaida, who plans to open 14 additional Greater Houston-area locations over the next four years through his franchisee network, Q Eats LLC.

While exact addresses have not been announced as of press time, officials noted Katy, Cypress, Tomball, Spring, Richmond, Memorial and Uptown are among the communities that have been selected for a future QDOBA location.

• Opening Oct. 20 
• 7405 FM 1960 Road E., Ste. 210, Humble

Home affordability in the Houston region has a more balanced position in the September housing affordability report from the Houston Association of Realtors.

At a glance: Single-family homes priced from $250,000 to $499,999, which accounted for more than 55% of all September sales, experienced a 1.3% decline compared to the same time last year, according to the report.

Digging deeper: The median home price was $327,000, which is 2.1% less than last year’s figure. The average price inched up 2% to $421,655, largely due to a rise in luxury home sales in September, per the release.

Quote of note: “The past few months have brought lower mortgage rates, and it has helped boost buyer confidence,” HAR Chair Shae Cottar with LPT Realty said in a statement.