HTX-KTY: Impact 6/18/2026

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3 program and anniversary updates from Katy-area hospitals

The Katy area has seen several updates to local hospital systems, including new programs, hires and anniversaries.

Here are three updates from local hospitals in the area.

Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus: The hospital is celebrating 15 years of serving patients across West Houston, officials said. As the first pediatric hospital along the I-10 Energy Corridor, Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus has served more than 5 million patients since its opening.

18200 Katy Freeway, Houston

Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital: The hospital is set to celebrate its 45th anniversary in the Katy community this November, officials said. The 303-bed facility offers a range of services and specialties including digestive health, physical therapy and surgical services.

23900 Katy Freeway, Katy

Houston Methodist West Hospital: In April, the hospital welcomed Carl Little as its next Katy-area CEO. Little, who previously served as the CEO and senior vice president of Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital, replaced outgoing CEO Wayne Voss, who is retiring after nearly two decades of service.

18500 Katy Freeway, Houston

Discover more.

Stay In The Know

Katy ISD projects $15.7M shortfall for fiscal year 2026-27

Katy ISD is projected to have a $15.7 million shortfall for fiscal year 2026-27.

What you need to know: At its June 15 work study meeting, the Katy ISD board of trustees heard from Chief Financial Officer Chris Smith on the upcoming budget’s current outlook.

Smith said the district will be proceeding under an expected shortfall next year, but he explained it is necessary for the needs of Katy ISD to be met. However, Smith said he expects FY 2025-26 to end in a surplus.

Also of note: Smith said Katy ISD’s total tax rate is anticipated to decrease from $1.1171 per $100 valuation to $1.1141 per $100 valuation, but more information will not be known until appraisal districts release certified property values in July.

Next steps: Another budget update will take place in July before the board adopts the budget and sets the tax rate in August.

News Near You

Harris County Flood Control District hosting webinars for FEMA floodplain map updates

The Harris County Flood Control District is hosting a series of webinars for the general public to explain the new draft floodplain maps from the Federal Emergency Management Administration.

What residents need to know: During the webinars, HCFCD officials will go over major changes in the floodplain maps and how residents can utilize the county's online interactive tool to view the floodplain changes.

Residents can register to join the free webinars hosted on the following dates:

June 23, 4:30 p.m.
July 1, noon

In their words: "These sessions are designed for the general public and no prior knowledge is needed," HCFCD officials said in the news release. "Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or simply interested in flood risk in your community, we encourage you to attend a session and learn more."

See more details.

On The Transportation Beat

Advanced air mobility taking flight in Greater Houston

The Transportation Advocacy Group of the Houston Region, or TAG Houston, held a webinar on the future of advanced air mobility June 3.

What’s happening: Sergio Roman, Texas Department of Transportation's director of emerging aviation technology under the aviation division, led a “pragmatic discussion” on the future of advanced air mobility. This includes unmanned drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing—or eVTOL—aircraft, to transport people and materials.

“We've all seen all the marketing sketches and autonomous passengers, drones zipping over gridlocked highways and completely untethered from the realities of public policy, physical concrete or power grids,” Roman said.

Explained: In March, the Federal Aviation Administration bestowed TxDOT with Project Nexus under the integration pilot program, or eIPP.

While Project Nexus encompasses Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and the Choctaw Nation, Roman said Houston will make its role vital in this undertaking as an immense industrial coastal corridor.

On the horizon: “In a perfect world,” Roman believes Phase 3 would begin in August or September of 2028.