Unemployment benefit claims down 85% in Cy-Fair since this spring, still up year over year
Despite a decline in weekly claims, the state reported a 200% year-over-year increase in Harris County the third week of September.
Missouri City application for rental, mortgage, utilities aid program opens Sept. 28
Individual households can be eligible for up to $2,500 per month for two months in rental or mortgage and utilities assistance. Read more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
South Main Innovation District workshop series to address economic opportunity, housing affordability
The public will be able to participate in the workshops.
Lake Houston-area businesses wade through rent relief, loan forgiveness
Data shows 4,129 area companies received Paycheck Protection Program loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Survey shows 74% of participating Lake Houston-area businesses have fully reopened amid pandemic
The Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce and Lake Houston Area Economic Development Partnership sent out the Texas Business Survey on Aug. 27.
Jersey Village adopts budget, sets tax rate public hearing for Sept. 28
The city of Jersey Village is looking to adopt a lower property tax rate for the 2020-21 fiscal year, but one that will also raise more revenue because of rising property values.
Katy-area homeless population still suffering effects of COVID-19, recession
Serving the Katy-area homeless population has become more difficult in the time of the coronavirus, according to Tina Hatcher, founder and executive director of Hope Impacts, a local NGO serving the homeless population in the area.
Six months in, Houston-area apartment rents still feeling COVID-19 squeeze
Rents for high-end Class A properties averaged $1,463 in August, the lowest such level in over two years.
As tax rate talks continue, some push for cuts, conservative budgeting
Several taxing entities in Harris County and Cy-Fair have either recently adopted or are preparing to adopt tax rates for the 2020-21 fiscal year. This year, the coronavirus pandemic could force districts to make tough decisions.
UPDATE: Cy-Fair ISD board approves tax rate decrease in 2020-21
Cy-Fair ISD board members unanimously voted to approve a tax rate of $1.3555 for 2020-21, a decrease from last year’s $1.37 rate.
Rice University receives record $100 million gift to accelerate advanced materials research
“Our shared goal is to make Houston the premier destination for material research in the U.S. and the world,” said Carin Barth, chairwoman and director for the Welch Foundation Board of Directors.
Lake Houston-area officials request local businesses provide feedback on impact of COVID-19
The Lake Houston Area of Chamber of Commerce and the Lake Houston Economic Development Partnership are trying to gauge the coronavirus pandemic's continued impact on the business community.
PPP in Heights-River Oaks-Montrose helped 6,700 businesses save 77,500 jobs
The majority received less than $150,000, but 10 firms in the area received more than $5 million.
PPP loans in Bellaire-Meyerland-West University saved nearly 27,000 jobs
A total of 2,930 businesses and 105 nonprofits received loans in the area.
Texas Workforce Commission applies for additional unemployment benefit funding
The Texas Workforce Commission has reported 3.2 million Texans have filed for unemployment relief since mid-March.
The Woodlands Mall, Market Street, convention center look to 2021 recovery prospects amid 2020 losses
The Visit the Woodlands board also approved a $38,000 study to examine the feasibility of expanding the convention center capabilities at the Marriott.
Applications open Aug. 19 for Houston’s small business relief program. Here’s how to apply.
The $15 million program, which is funded by CARES Act dollars, offers grants of up to $50,000 to small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
City of Humble proposes flood mitigation projects, higher property tax rate in FY 2020-21 budget
The proposed budget will be brought to Humble City Council for approval Sept. 10.
TABC change opens window for some bars to qualify as restaurants under state pandemic orders
Following a new industry guideline recently distributed by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, more bars across the state may soon be able to qualify as restaurants.
Shortened census timeline could shortchange Houston, its most vulnerable communities
The 2020 U.S. census response rate is already lagging behind 2010 numbers, and officials said the shortened timeline only increases the chances of an undercount.
Sugar Land Legacy Foundation aims to assist local businesses looking to up online operations
The Sugar Land Legacy Foundation is providing local businesses with up to $1,000 to help them build a digital presence and remain open during the coronavirus pandemic.
Report: With boost in e-commerce, Texas sales tax receipts increased 4.3% in July
The loss of extra unemployment support could send numbers back down, however.
Houston City Council approves $15 million small business relief fund
Businesses making less than $2 million in revenue are encourage to apply when the program opens in mid-August.
Q&A: Houston business leader says federal Paycheck Protection Program has ‘made a significant difference’
"The doors [for business assistance] have been opened just about as wide as they can be made because it’s very unusual times," said Tim Jeffcoat, the district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration in Houston.
Some breweries may qualify to operate as restaurants under new TABC guidelines
Some breweries across the state may now reopen as restaurants after the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission released new guidelines on how restaurants may calculate their alcohol sales receipts.