Community Impact Newspaper has covered The Woodlands Township's plans for an incorporation study since enabling legislation was passed in 2017.
Here is a look at some of the stories that have developed during that time across several boards of directors, including changes in the consulting firm leading the project and some of the milestones along the way.
This story will be updated as new developments occur. Information in older stories may no longer be timely as of the most recent stories published.
2016
An incorporation reserve was established.
Township directors continue discussion regarding incorporation reserve, 2017 tax rate
2017
Legislation made incorporation possible in The Woodlands, a special-purpose district.
Jan. 18
Township to discuss incorporation in 2017
April 17
The Woodlands Township’s incorporation-related bills moving forward through Texas Legislature
Aug. 10
Incorporation planning begins in The Woodlands Township
2018
Plans advance with the first consulting firm hired to conduct an incorporation study.
May 25
13 frequently asked questions about incorporation answered by The Woodlands Township board of directors
Aug. 16
The Woodlands Township considers zoning in incorporation planning
Oct. 9
Will incorporation be on the ballot in 2019?
Dec. 6
The Woodlands Township terminates contract with firm for incorporation study
2019
The incorporation study advances under The Novak Consulting Group, and various aspects of the model for incorporation are discussed throughout the year.
Feb. 28
The Woodlands Township board says more study needed before decision on incorporation vote
April 9
Township incorporation vote not expected until at least 2020
April 25
The Woodlands Township extends Novak contract for incorporation study, gains county cooperation
Sept. 27
The Woodlands Township's incorporation study financial model moves forward
Oct. 22
The Woodlands Township board to choose law enforcement scenario for incorporation study
2020
After determining a maximum initial tax rate in February, the study was put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Jan. 14
The Woodlands at a crossroads as study concludes in 2020
Jan. 15
The Woodlands board decides on compromise for incorporation law enforcement scenario
Feb. 20
The Woodlands Township presented with maximum initial tax rate for incorporation
March 25
The Woodlands incorporation study off the table in 2020 due to coronavirus emergency
April 9
Virus upends years of incorporation planning, disrupts events and hospitality
2021
As pandemic concerns began to ease, incorporation discussions resumed.
April 29
The Woodlands Township likely to revisit incorporation study this summer
June 17
The Woodlands Township resumes incorporation study planning meetings
July 23
Chamber, residents urge delay on possible incorporation vote date in The Woodlands
Aug. 13
The Woodlands Township board calls for incorporation election on Nov. 2 ballot
Aug. 18
Incorporation vote slated Nov. 2 in The Woodlands
Aug. 19
Incorporation forum announced for The Woodlands
Aug. 23
The Howard Hughes Corp. takes position on incorporation vote in The Woodlands, plans website
Sept. 15
Debate ensues over costs of incorporation in The Woodlands
Sept. 22
The Woodlands Township plans Sept. 23 information session on incorporation
Sept. 24
Incorporation updates: Hundreds attend informational forum in The Woodlands; local chamber votes to oppose
Sept. 27
The Woodlands Township responds to independent critiques of incorporation study
Oct. 1
George's Coffee Club, named for The Woodlands' founder, takes stance against incorporation
Oct. 13
Township, county spar as incorporation vote draws near
Oct. 13
Nonprofit cites historic low voter turnout numbers as concern for incorporation election
Oct. 15
Incorporation forums in September opened topic to residents' questions in The Woodlands
