The 2016-17 Harris County Commissioners Court, from left: Precinct 2 Commissioner Jack Mormon, Judge Ed Emmett, Precinct 1 Commissioner Gene Lock, Precinct 3 Commissioner Steve Radack and Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle[/caption]
Harris County
Big decisions made in 2016
- Astrodome resolution Harris County approved a $105 million repurposing plan that will allow the Houston Astrodome to host events and provide additional parking for events at NRG Stadium.
- Greenway expansions The county added more than 4 miles to the Cypress Creek Greenway and Spring Creek Greenway. Cypress Creek Greenway will include 40 consecutive miles of green space between at build-out.
- $700 million road bond Road projects in the Cy-Fair area funded from the 2015 road bond, such as the widening of Grant Road, were designed in 2016.
- Law enforcement funding The county has begun the process of funding body cameras for officers.
- Quality of life funding Harris County expects to continue creating and improving trails and parks in the area, such as the Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve along Marshall Lake near Hwy. 249.
- 2017 legislative session The Harris County Commissioners Court will continue to monitor the 2017 Texas legislative session for relevant bills that will affect the ability to fund or service projects.
The 2016-17 Jersey Village City Council, from left: Gary Wubbenhorst, Sheri Sheppard, Mayor Justin Ray, Andrew Mitcham, Greg Holden and C.J. Harper[/caption]
Jersey Village City Council
Big decisions made in 2016
- Began a long-term flood mitigation strategy The city of Jersey Village is developing a study that will analyze flood conditions in the city and put forth specific recommendations to reduce flood effects. The study will take into account the individual aspects, features and capabilities of the community.
- Comprehensive plan In February, the City Council adopted a final comprehensive plan for Jersey Village. The plan is a visionary document that provides direction for city government with a series of multiyear community improvement initiatives.
- Reallocation of funds The council reaffirmed its commitment to a fiscally sound budget by reallocating funds and delaying capital improvement projects to pay for important community initiatives, specifically the $650,000 flood study.
Top issues for 2017
- Finish the flooding study The city will finalize a workable long-term flood mitigation strategy and the methods to fund mitigation activities. The study is expected to be completed and solutions presented to council this spring.
- Economic development The city will pursue economic development opportunities and ways to attract new businesses with a focus on the Jones Road corridor.
- Community strength Jersey Village plans to promote the continued upward trajectory of the community by tapping comprehensive plan strategies, such as efforts to develop a landscaping master plan and to strengthen the city's brand.
The 2016-17 Cy-Fair ISD board of trustees, from left: Debbie Blackshear, Bob Covey, Tom Jackson, Superintendent Mark Henry, President Darcy Mingoia, Don Ryan, John Ogletree and Christine Hartley[/caption]
Cy-Fair ISD
Big decisions made in 2016
- Student opportunity Cy-Fair ISD maintained a continuous commitment to ensuring students have the same quality education experience, technology and teaching staff no matter which campus they attend.
- Extracurriculars CFISD focused on extracurricular activities, such as athletics, fine arts and academic clubs, to produce well-rounded students who are ready for a competitive workforce.
- Investing in the classroom The district put nearly 70 percent of all resources into the classroom and kept administrative costs among the lowest in the state.
Top issues for 2017
Opening four new campuses Two new elementary schools, one rebuilt elementary school and one new high school will open this fall to accommodate overcrowding.
Early childhood education Hoover Elementary School will become a pre-K through second grade campus, and the administration will experiment with the model with hopes of expanding its early childhood education focus in the future.
Legislative priorities The district will advocate for repealing th Texas Education Agency's new A-F school rating system and will push for increased state funding in public schools in the legislative session.
