August 2026

1. Data Centers: Where Economic Opportunity Meets Infrastructure Reality

The Conroe City Council is working on new rules for future data centers, an industry that is growing globally, regionally, and locally – right here in Montgomery County. The proposed changes include about 37 permitting requirements, such as details on electrical demand and capacity, site and traffic plans, emergency response and hazardous materials procedures, infrastructure impacts, and possible effects on the electrical grid.

Data centers can bring big investments, construction, and increased tax revenue. However, they use a lot of electricity, water, land, and infrastructure, and they create fewer permanent jobs than many other industrial projects. Since Conroe does not have traditional zoning, permitting could be the main way to manage these tradeoffs. The Council’s decision is not a final ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to any project. Instead, it wants to set rules before a specific development shapes the discussion. A public hearing will be held before the rules are finalized. Business leaders should pay attention to whether the final standards are clear and fair. Conroe can stay open to investment while making sure developers demonstrate their projects won’t create extra costs for the public.

2. Flock Cameras:

Public Safety, Privacy and Who Decides

The Conroe City Council also discussed Conroe’s use of Flock Safety automated license plate readers. Police say the system helps identify vehicles involved in criminal investigations. However, some people have concerns about who can access the data, how long it is kept, searches by outside agencies, and possible misuse.

A proposal to let voters decide on the license plate reader program on the ballot in November did not get enough support from the council. This means the city’s involvement in the program will stay under Council oversight. This vote does not end the discussion, however. The Council can still require clear rules for data retention, audits of searches, limits on data sharing, public reports, and consequences for misuse. Both public safety and privacy are important, and lasting policies should protect both.

3. Justice Center Bond Paused: Capacity Problem Remains

At the county level, the Commissioners Court decided not to hold a bond election in November for a proposed courthouse and justice center, which would cost about $350 million. Commissioners said the project was not clearly defined yet, with open questions about the downtown Conroe location, building size and height, parking, traffic, utilities, design, and total cost.

Delaying the proposal was a decision to allow more planning, not a statement that a new courthouse is unnecessary. Growth is still putting pressure on courtroom space and older facilities. A modern justice system helps keep the public safe, enforces contracts, and ensures people can get to court quickly. But if a project is not well planned, it can take resources away from other needs. Before bringing back a bond proposal, the county will  share its assumptions about capacity, compare possible sites, analyze parking and transportation, and provide a clear timeline.

4. Property Taxes are Already on the 2027 Agenda:

Local discussions are happening alongside a bigger state debate. When the Texas legislative session kicks off in January 2027, property tax relief will likely be a major topic. The Senate is looking at more school tax relief, and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has promoted “Operation Double Nickel,” a plan that would raise the general school district homestead exemption from $140,000 to $180,000 and lower the age for extra senior protections from 65 to 55.

Governor Greg Abbott has suggested a broader five-point plan. It would lower the annual homestead appraisal growth cap from 10 percent to 3 percent, apply a 3 percent cap to other types of property, require appraisals only once every five years, set stricter limits on local spending and tax increases, and work toward eventually ending school property taxes on owner-occupied homes.

Each proposal needs careful financial review. More predictable taxes could help families and businesses plan, and limits on commercial appraisals could reduce pressure on leases and investments. However, any relief must be balanced with the need to fund infrastructure, courts, public safety, and workforce services as the state grows. Texas should aim for lasting tax relief while keeping local services transparent and well funded.

The Chamber will monitor this debate and share with lawmakers real-world examples of how appraisal increases affect rents, operating costs, hiring, expansion, and investment. Actual business experience can help Montgomery County’s lawmakers tell the difference between real reform and policies that just shift costs. If your business has a compelling story, please contact us!

Nov. 3: The Next Advocacy Checkpoint

The November 3, 2026, General Election will feature consequential federal, statewide and local contests. The U.S. Senate race pairs Republican Ken Paxton with Democrat James Talarico. Governor Greg Abbott faces Democratic nominee Gina Hinojosa; Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick faces Vikki Goodwin; and the open attorney general contest features Republican Mayes Middleton and Democrat Nathan Johnson. Other statewide executive and judicial offices will be on the ballot.

Within Conroe ISD, voters will elect trustees for Positions 1, 2 and 3. Trustees serve four-year terms and are elected at-large, so eligible voters across CISD may vote in each contest. Candidate filing closes at 5 p.m. on August 17. Early voting runs October 19-30, and the voter-registration deadline is October 5. These elections will determine who will shape education, taxes, transportation, utilities, and economic development. 

If you want to be involved, your information gathering should go beyond listening to campaign ads.  You should read agendas, watch meetings, compare priorities, and ask how each proposal will be funded.

Montgomery County’s growth story is unfolding one meeting at a time. The best way to advocate is to get involved early, use facts, and stay persistent—before ordinances are finalized, before bond packages are set, and before ballots are cast.