Here were some takeaways from Community Impact stories in The Woodlands throughout September.

E-bike campaign launches with video for residents in The Woodlands

In September, The Woodlands Township officials released a public safety video as part of an education campaign to raise awareness for safety on the trails for those who ride e-bikes, e-scooters and other electric vehicles.

The campaign will be regularly posted on the township social media, with reels scheduled throughout the week to reach a wider audience, according to discussion at a Sept. 25 meeting.

The plan will run through December, and a comprehensive campaign report will be provided in January, township Director of Communications LeaAnn Petersen said.


The first phase of the education plan was proposed in front of the township board of directors July 17. The next phase of the campaign will be in November.

Read more from Reporter Angela Bonilla.

Oak Ridge North plans groundbreaking for Plaza District

On Oct. 1, Oak Ridge North held a groundbreaking event for its new $6 million Plaza District, which aims to bring a new commercial zone to the city. The Plaza District was first established in 2013 as part of the Town Center development, as previously reported in Community Impact.


The Plaza District includes the following:
  • 18,780 square feet for retail shopping centers
  • 4,800 square feet for restaurants or small shops
  • 10,000 square feet for a new city hall
Read more from Reporter Angela Bonilla.

Conroe ISD approves new Superintendent David Vinson

At a special school board meeting Sept. 18, the Conroe ISD board of trustees approved the hiring of David Vinson as the new superintendent in a 7-0 vote.

At an Aug. 27 special board meeting, Vinson was unanimously named the lone finalist for CISD’s superintendent of schools. CISD serves over 73,000 students across 71 campuses.


“I am beyond excited to join this great school district and serve our students, families, educators and the broader community,” Vinson said. “I am humbled and honored that our board of trustees has chosen me to lead Conroe ISD, and I look forward to working alongside our staff to ensure every student grows in both academics and character.”

Read more from Reporter Angela Bonilla.

Police agencies in The Woodlands area compete to reach pay parity

Montgomery County led the charge for local law enforcement agencies to compete for a more competitive salary to match or exceed what is offered in the city of Houston, during the 2025-26 budget season.


On Aug. 12, the chief deputy with Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Jonathan Zitzmann, presented a pay parity plan to the Commissioner's Court. This was in response to the pay concerns Sheriff Wesley Doolittle raised in May.

The county, The Woodlands Township and Shenandoah have increased their fiscal year 2025-26 budgets from the original projections to account for the changes.

Montgomery County will focus on recruiting, retaining and rewarding law enforcement, Zitzmann said.

“A lot of our guys are working a second job,” Judge Mark Keough said. “Doing this ... gives them some freedom to choose not to work that second job, and allows them to spend more time with their family.”


Read more from Reporter Angela Bonilla.

2 new restaurants coming to The Woodlands from chefs Austin Simmons and Aaron Bludorn

On Aug. 26, Howard Hughes announced that The Woodlands will welcome two new restaurants in 2026—Charolais by Chef Austin Simmons and Bar Bludorn The Woodlands by Chef Aaron Bludorn.

“Chef Simmons’ return to The Woodlands and Chef Bludorn’s entry to the community represent significant additions to our culinary landscape,” said Jim Carman, president of the Texas Region for Howard Hughes. “We have recently partnered with exceptional brands and talent to bring new experiences to the community, and we look forward to residents and visitors enjoying these elevated dining opportunities here in The Woodlands.”

Read more from Editor Vanessa Holt.