HTX-SKL: Impact 10/15/2025

Commissioners approved several motions for HCFCD to complete by Sept. 18, including restructuring priority projects from the 2018 bond list based on criteria such as existing drainage levels and social vulnerability indexes. 

The big picture: With 54 bond project packages completed, commissioners approved the direction of the remaining 116 project packages. Projects moving forward include:

Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve

• Project stage: Design phase
• Project scope: Maintenance repairs along erosion-damaged sites
• Cost: $22M in state funds

• Project stage: Construction
• Project scope: Reduce Cypress Creek flooding
• Cost: $15M from federal funds, 2018 bond

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

Harris County commissioners will meet Oct. 16 with more than 500 agenda items on the docket, including potential discussions on the countywide hiring freeze, the broadband task force and regulations on panhandling and roadside vending in unincorporated Harris County.

What you need to know: In the first meeting since Harris County commissioners adopted the $2.7 billion fiscal year 2025-26 budget Sept. 26, county administration officials will request to discuss hiring freeze exemptions.

Also on the agenda: Updates with the county’s broadband task force are also slated for discussion. Commissioners adopted the creation of the task force in late June that aims to target internet access inequity throughout the county.

Also of note: Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey has an agenda item to create regulations on panhandling and roadside vending in unincorporated Harris County. Ramsey’s discussion item comes as House Bill 2012, which was passed during the last state legislative session and allows counties to enforce regulations against roadside vendors, takes effect.

Texas Ramp Project, which builds free wheelchair ramps for those in need across the state, is celebrating its 40th anniversary, according to a Sept. 15 news release. Over its 40 years, the nonprofit has built ramps for over 30,000 recipients with the help of over 3,500 volunteers.

Some context: The organization began in 1985 as the Dallas Ramp Project before being incorporated as the Texas Ramp Project in 2006, according to the news release. Texas Ramp Project provides the ramps to recipients at no cost, according to the news release. Most ramps cost between $800-$900 to build.

What else: In 2024, Texas Ramp Project built 2,727 ramps in 145 counties, according to its Sept. 1 fact sheet. To get a ramp, recipients must be referred by a health care provider or qualified organization via the nonprofit’s website.