Catch up on Community Impact's coverage from this week! Here are five of the top stories across the Cypress, Cy-Fairbanks-Jersey Village area from Oct. 26-Nov. 6.
Cy-Fair ISD bond, VATRE fail to pass in election
Cypress, Cy-Fair area residents had the opportunity to vote on CFISD's five propositions on the ballot on Nov. 3. Unofficial results show all five propositions failed.
The propositions on the ballot included:
Proposition A: a voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, proposing a 12-cent increase on the maintenance and operations tax rate
Proposition B: $1.3 billion for critical infrastructure, safety & security and transportation
Proposition C: $256 million for instructional technology
Proposition D: $60.8 million for existing high school athletic stadiums
Proposition E: $20.1 million for existing pools
“We are grateful to everyone in the CFISD community who participated in this election, took time to learn about the propositions, asked questions and shared their perspectives,” Superintendent Doug Killian said via email. “We accept our voters’ decisions. Our next step is to listen carefully, reassess our options and keep our community involved as we determine a path forward.”
Read the full story by reporter Ella Barnes.
Arizpe, MacKinnon, Dickey secure seats in the ESD9 commissioners race
The Harris County ESD9 commissioners race resulted in incumbents Naressa MacKinnon and Cameron Dickey maintaining their seats, and Daniel Arizpe securing the final seat up for grabs in the election.
Daniel Arizpe provided comment on the unofficial voting totals. He said he was grateful for the opportunity to represent the community.
"I am committed to serving with integrity, transparency, and accountability, while keeping the safety and well-being of Cy-Fair families at the forefront of every decision. It has been an honor to serve this community for over 13 years with the Cy-Fair Fire Department, and I look forward to continuing my commitment to service as your HCESD 9 Commissioner," he said.
Read the full story by editor Ash Valenzuela.
Harris County Precinct 4 announces $80.2M in infrastructure projects through partnerships
Harris County Precinct 4 is investing $80.2 million in 10 infrastructure projects, Commissioner Lesley Briones announced during an Oct. 28 press conference.
The money is awarded through a community development grant process, Places 4 People. The initiative creates a partnership between the precinct and local organizations for community benefit projects.
These include efforts to mitigate flooding, close connectivity gaps, improve access to parks and increase public safety, according to the P4P website. The 2026 projects will benefit 525,000 residents, according to a press release.
The projects focus on infrastructure, including:
Read the full story by reporter Kennedy Thomason.
2026 Volunteer Guide: Check out 10 organizations in Cypress, Cy-Fair-Jersey Village
For those looking to help out in the Cypress and Cy-Fair communities, there are several local organizations that offer volunteer opportunities and accept donations.
The list is not comprehensive.
The Living Legacy Center
The nonprofit organization provides assistance to the Cy-Fair area’s senior citizens, veterans, and individuals with both physical and intellectual disabilities, as well as their families. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to email [email protected] for more information.
Sample activities: The Oasis Gardens needs volunteers for planting, maintaining and harvesting fresh produce for the community.
Donations accepted: coats for the Coat Drive for Santa Maria Hostel, to aid women and their children during the colder months, as well as food and pantry donations for the Oxford House Pantry Drive.
Read the full story by editor Ash Valenzuela.
Jimmy Butler's cafe BIGFACE is setting up shop in Cypress
NBA player Jimmy Butler's coffee company BIGFACE plans to open its first Texas location in Cypress come November, officials confirmed.
Currently in the hiring stage, according to a news release, the company plans to serve espresso drinks, cold brew and pour-over coffee outside the Fairfield Market H-E-B from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
"This same mobile cafe was how we first brought BIGFACE to the people in Miami. Now it’s coming home to Texas," a company spokesperson said in an email. "Nothing is more Texas than H-E-B, and to bring BIGFACE home, we wanted to be where people already go every day. For tens of thousands of Texans, that’s H-E-B."
Read the full story by reporter Ella Barnes.
