Improving parking in the downtown area has been identified by the Magnolia Downtown Association as a top priority.

"It's something that many business owners, particularly along FM 1774, are saying would make the biggest impact on their ability to thrive," said Frank Parker, founder of Caliche Limited on Brantley Lane in Magnolia. "The bottom line is, businesses want to maximize the values of their properties."

The organization formed earlier this year to represent the interests of business owners in the downtown Magnolia area. Parker, who helped organize the first meeting, said he hopes having a cohesive group of business owners will allow for better communication with city officials. As the chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, he wants to make sure the group has a voice when it comes to how the city is developed.

"The city is focused a lot on the new town center, but we want to make sure FM 1774 stays on the radar," he said. "We need to have a strong bond with the city if we want to keep things moving forward. Right now, we're mostly brainstorming and waiting to see what our options are."

The Magnolia Downtown Association meets on the third Tuesday of every month at the Magnolia Community Center at 422 Melton St., Magnolia.

Magnolia City Council

Meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month. Its next meeting is scheduled for June 11. 18111 Buddy Riley Blvd., Magnolia