"Our biggest challenge is going to be getting all these projects completed and on the ground. Once we get through with those projects coming in, it goes back to providing the same level of service we have today, tomorrow, and the next year and the year after that."

Greg Smith, Shenandoah City Administrator

Meetings

The Shenandoah City Council meets at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 29955 I-45 N.

Terms and compensation

Shenandoah City Council members and the mayor serve two-year terms. City Council members earn $409.09 per meeting, while the mayor earns $545.45 per meeting.

Big decisions made in 2013

• Council approves park renovations - Following more than a year of planning and a residential survey, Shenandoah approved $1.7 million in renovations to its park Nov. 15. The renovations include a splash pad capable of accommodating 15 to 20 children, adult fitness equipment, the replacement of two aging tennis courts, and improvements to the pavilion and other amenities. Construction on the park should begin in May of this year with a planned completion scheduled for early November.
• City named NCAA event host - After hosting the NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championship in March, the city submitted bids in September to host the same event, as well as football and women's lacrosse championships for 2014–18. The city was named a finalist for football, and swimming and diving in October and was selected to host the swimming and diving event again in 2015 and 2017 in December. The city was not selected as the host for the football championship.

Top issues for 2014

• Development continues as city reaches buildout - With residential development continuing in south Montgomery County, Shenandoah could see as many as 150-plus homes break ground this year in the subdivisions of Parkgate, Grogan's Reserve, Marion and Lily, while Pelican Homes could begin work on a 100-plus home subdivision off of Vision Park Boulevard. The city will also see work continue on at least four hotels, featuring more than 500 hotel rooms.
• Research Forest Drive transportation challenges - The entirety of south Montgomery County faces transportation challenges, but Shenandoah could look to address traffic concerns on Research Forest Drive this year. The city awaits results of the South Montgomery County Mobility Plan, which could encourage other mobility projects or improvements through the city and region.