TIMELINE: A look back at The Woodlands Township incorporation study and events leading to Nov. 2 election

An incorporation election will be held Nov. 2 in The Woodlands, and voters will determine whether the special-purpose district will become a city.

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