The Woodlands incorporation measures fail to get voter approval

Ann Snyder, a member of The Woodlands Township board of directors who had opposed putting the item on the ballot, said in a personal statement the vote was a message from residents to focus on other matters at hand.

"I would like to thank The Woodlands residents for ratifying our successful form of government as The Woodlands Township and making it clear that our energies and resources need to be focused on launching a Performing Arts Center, revitalizing our older village centers and most importantly addressing our structural concerns at Fire Station No. 5," she said.

Gordy Bunch, the chair of the board of directors, could not immediately be reached for a comment while results by the counties were still incomplete.

Montgomery County Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack described the results as a victory in an email through his Noack for County Commissioner campaign.

"I am proud to have led the fight against their Washington-style promises of bigger government and no higher taxes, which were false on their face, along with their series of mistruths regarding financing, roads, and public safety," Noack said.

Posted 7:45 p.m. Nov. 2

Early and absentee votes from Montgomery County in the incorporation election in The Woodlands show about 30% in favor and 70% opposed to Propositions A and B.

A total of 3,890, or 30.13% of early and absentee voters voted for Proposition A, and 9,019, or 69.87% voted against Proposition B.

A total of 3,897, or 20.36% of early and absentee voters voted for Proposition B, and 8,983, or 69.74% voted against Proposition B.

Proposition A would authorize incorporation and the adoption of a maximum initial tax rate; Proposition B would transfer the rights and powers of the township to a new city.

The conversation surrounding incorporation has been ongoing since legislation made incorporation possible in 2017. Here is a look back at some of the events leading to the 2021 election.

The township has had the option to incorporate since 2014 under regional participation agreements with Houston and Conroe, and its immunity from annexation from those cities will expire in 2057.

Upon incorporation, a city of any size first becomes a general-law city, which normally have no more than 5,000 residents. New city council members would then be elected by residents, and it could subsequently become a home-rule city with its own charter and constitution.

All results are unofficial until canvassed.

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