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Public Meeting to Discuss Regional Priorities for Community Development Funding
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H-GAC is working with the Texas Department of Agriculture to establish regional priorities for the next Texas Community Development Block Grant funding cycle. These grants support projects that strengthen communities, including water and wastewater infrastructure, drainage improvements, housing, and other community development initiatives.
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Community members, local officials, and stakeholders are invited to attend a public meeting to review and discuss the proposed regional project priorities before they are submitted to the Texas Department of Agriculture.
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2 p.m. | July 9, 2026
H-GAC & Zoom
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Register or Join the Meeting
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The priorities developed through this process will help guide future funding opportunities and ensure regional needs are reflected in the state's Community Development Block Grant Community Development program.
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From Traffic to Transit: We want your input!
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How long does it take you to get to work? Is transit available where you need it? What transportation improvements would make it easier and safer to travel throughout the region?
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H-GAC is seeking public input on two important transportation planning efforts that will help guide future investments and improvements across the Houston-Galveston region.
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Congestion Management Plan
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The Congestion Management Plan (CMP) looks at traffic patterns and identifies ways to reduce congestion, improve travel reliability, and make it easier for people and goods to move throughout the region. If you live in Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, or Waller counties, we’d like to hear from you.
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Take the CMP Survey
Survey Deadline: July 15
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Regional Bus Transit Plan
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The Regional Bus Transit Plan (RBTP) explores opportunities to improve bus service and regional and cross-county connectivity, helping residents access jobs, education, healthcare, and other destinations. If you live anywhere in the 13-county, Houston-Galveston region, tell us how transit could be better for you.
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Take the RBTP Survey
Survey Deadline: July 17
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Whether you drive, ride transit, walk, bike, or rely on others for transportation, your feedback can help shape transportation solutions that meet the region's current and future needs.
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Take a few minutes to share your thoughts and help plan for a safer, more connected, and more efficient transportation system.
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Watershed Meetings Provide Opportunities for Local Input
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H-GAC will host a series of watershed stakeholder meetings, annual meetings, and technical workshops across the region in July and August. These meetings support local efforts to improve water quality, reduce bacteria in area waterways, and advance watershed implementation plans.
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Meetings include:
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| 1. | Oyster Creek Annual Meeting – July 23, Lake Jackson
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| 2. | Caney Creek Annual Meeting & Workshop – July 30, Cedar Lane
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| 4. | Big Creek Annual Meeting – August 5, Richmond
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| 5. | Upper Oyster Creek Annual Meeting – August 6, Sugar Land
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| 6. | Tarkington & Luce Bayous Meeting – August 20, Cleveland
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| 7. | Chocolate Bay Stakeholder Meeting – August 26, Alvin
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| 8. | Bessie’s & Brookshire Creeks Meeting – August 27, Simonton
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Each meeting provides an opportunity for community members and stakeholders to review progress, share input, and help guide future water quality improvements.
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To learn more about our water quality initiatives, visit: Watershed-Based Plans.
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For more information on these meetings, including registration and locations, view the July 2026 edition of our Community & Environmental Planning newsletter.
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(Numbered meetings on the list above correspond to locations numbered on the map below.)
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Area Agency on Aging Roadshows Connect Residents with Local Resources
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The H-GAC Area Agency on Aging will host community roadshows this summer to connect older adults and caregivers with services and resources available throughout the region.
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Montgomery County
10 a.m.-12 p.m. | July 21
Kevin Brady Community Center
2250 Buckthorne Place | The Woodlands, TX 77380
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Wharton County
10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Aug. 13
Wharton County Junior College
LaDieu Building, Room 112 | 911 E Boling Hwy, Wharton, TX 77488
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The best solutions begin by listening
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By visiting senior centers throughout the region, the Houston-Galveston Area Agency on Aging is gathering feedback to improve transportation, housing, and other essential services.
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Watch the video above to see how these conversations are making a lasting impact.
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H-GAC Supports Galveston's Blue Zones Initiative
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H-GAC has joined local leaders and the University of Texas Medical Branch in planning Ignite Galveston, a community-wide effort based on the Blue Zones model. The initiative aims to improve health and well-being by making healthy choices easier through changes to community environments, policies, and daily habits.
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The project is currently in the planning phase, with a community kickoff anticipated in early 2027.
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Learn more at bluezones.com/ignite-galveston.
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Free Benefits Counseling Available Year-Round Across the Region
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Questions about Medicare, Medicaid, or other benefits don't have to wait until open enrollment. H-GAC's Area Agency on Aging offers free Benefits Counseling Days throughout the year at locations across the region, providing one-on-one assistance from certified benefits counselors.
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Whether you're new to Medicare, helping a loved one navigate benefits, reviewing coverage options, or planning ahead, counselors can provide personalized guidance on Medicare, Medicaid, advance directives, and other aging-related programs and services.
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These free sessions are available year-round to Medicare-eligible individuals and their caregivers, making it easier to get trusted information and support when you need it most.
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View upcoming dates and locations online.
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Small Changes, Cleaner Air
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Improving air quality across the Houston-Galveston region takes a collective effort, and small changes in our daily routines can make a meaningful difference.
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According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, on-road transportation accounts for nearly one-quarter of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, a key contributor to ground-level ozone formation. By making thoughtful transportation choices, residents can help reduce emissions and improve regional air quality.
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One of the most effective ways to cut emissions is to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Taking public transportation, carpooling, vanpooling, walking, or biking for everyday trips can lower emissions while helping ease traffic congestion. When driving is necessary, combining multiple errands into a single trip can help reduce vehicle miles traveled and associated emissions.
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Looking for alternatives to driving alone? H-GAC's Commute Solutions program helps commuters explore transportation options that can save money, reduce stress, and improve air quality.
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The region is also seeing continued growth in battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Today, more than 110,000 of these vehicles are registered across the region, supported by an expanding network of more than 750 charging stations. To learn more, explore H-GAC's Regional Zero-Emission Vehicle Study.
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RTP2050 Call for Projects Deadline Approaching
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Local governments, transportation agencies, transit providers, and other eligible project sponsors have until July 17 to submit transportation projects for consideration in the 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP2050).
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Projects submitted through the Call for Projects process will help inform the region's long-range transportation investment priorities and future planning efforts.
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Need assistance before submitting? Join the RTP2050 team for a virtual office hours session to get answers to questions about project eligibility, application requirements, supporting documentation, and the submission process.
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RTP2050 Call for Projects Office Hours
2-4 p.m. | Wednesday, July 8, 2026
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Join Office Hours
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Project sponsors are encouraged to take advantage of this final opportunity to connect with RTP staff and ensure their submissions are complete before the deadline.
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Project submissions are due July 17, 2026.
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Learn More & Submit
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Webinar Examines the Growing Role of Data Centers
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As demand for digital infrastructure increases, communities are seeing growing interest in data center development. H-GAC's Economic Development Team will host a webinar exploring the presence of data centers across the region and the factors local leaders should consider when evaluating future opportunities.
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2-3:30 p.m. | July 15, 2026
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Topics will include energy requirements, environmental considerations, and the potential economic impacts associated with data center development.
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Click to Register
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In addition, participants will have an opportunity to provide feedback through a follow-up survey, which will help inform future planning and regional discussions on digital infrastructure development. The survey will remain open through September 4.
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Take the Survey
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Fort Bend County Loan Program Supports Small Business Growth
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Small businesses in Fort Bend County have access to affordable financing through the Triple 'R' (Regional, Revolving, Resilience) Loan Program. Offered through the Houston-Galveston Area Local Development Corporation in partnership with Fort Bend County, the program provides fixed-rate loans to help businesses start, recover, expand, and build long-term resilience.
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By increasing access to capital, the program supports business retention, job creation, and economic growth throughout the county.
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Applications are currently being accepted.
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Learn More and Apply
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For more information, contact us at TripleR@h-gac.com.
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From startup to scaling up
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When traditional financing wasn't the right fit, Hylio found a partner through H-GAC's Triple ‘R’ Loan Program. The result? Production grew from 500 to 5,000 agricultural drones per year.
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Watch the video above to see how regional investment is helping shape the future of farming.
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Procurement Solutions for Community Needs Through HGACBuy
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Communities face a wide range of challenges and opportunities, from emergency preparedness and disaster recovery to transportation improvements, sustainability initiatives, and infrastructure investments. HGACBuy helps local governments, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations efficiently procure the products and services they need through competitively solicited cooperative purchasing contracts.
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Available contracts include solutions for:
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| • | And hundreds of additional products and services that support daily operations, capital projects, and long-term community goals
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By leveraging cooperative purchasing, organizations can save time and resources while accessing trusted vendors, specialized expertise, and competitively awarded contracts. Whether preparing for emergencies, expanding infrastructure, advancing sustainability efforts, or supporting community growth, HGACBuy provides procurement solutions that help agencies meet their goals.
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Explore contracts and services at hgacbuy.org or contact us at hgacbuy@h-gac.com.
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Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable Celebrates Award-Winning Projects
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Join parks and recreation professionals from across the region for the next Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable.
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1:30-3:30 p.m. | July 13, 2026
H-GAC
3555 Timmons Ln. | Houston 77027
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The event will celebrate Park and Recreation Month, highlighting two award-winning park projects, providing updates on the Parks and Natural Areas Awards Program, and offering opportunities for participants to share successes, challenges, and upcoming initiatives.
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Register Now
Registration is requested but not required to attend.
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Film Development Conference Highlights Opportunities for Texas Communities
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The Houston-Galveston Area Council will host its inaugural Lights, Camera, Action! Film Development Conference July 22–24 in Galveston. The conference will explore how communities can leverage film and media production as an economic development tool while learning about available resources, incentives, and certification opportunities.
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July 22-24, 2026
Grand Galvez, Galveston
Registration: $250
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Participants will hear from industry professionals, community leaders, and representatives from the Texas Film Commission on topics including attracting productions, permitting, content creation, and becoming a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community.
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Register Today
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Livable Centers Workshop Series Continues This Summer
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H-GAC's Livable Centers Roundtable and Workshop Series continues with two upcoming events focused on adaptive reuse, community design, and long-term development strategies.
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Participants will explore ways to transform underutilized spaces into community assets while balancing the needs of residents, businesses, and developers.
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Roundtable: Collaborate to Innovate – July 23
Register for July 23 Roundtable
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Annual Land Use/Transportation Workshop – September 17
Register for Sept. 17 Workshop
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The series is designed for planners, civic leaders, developers, designers, and community advocates interested in creating more vibrant and adaptable communities.
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Rural and Small-Town Downtown Housing Takes Center Stage at Upcoming Workshop
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The next Bringing Back Main Street Roundtable will focus on housing in rural and small-town downtowns, including strategies for attracting developers and examples of successful downtown housing projects.
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9:45 a.m.-12 p.m. | July 28
Networking starts at 9:45 a.m.
Program begins at 10 a.m.
Virtual – Zoom
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Register Now
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Save the Date: Economic Impact Summit 2026
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Mark your calendars for the Economic Impact Summit 2026, hosted by the H-GAC Economic Development Team. This interactive event will bring together local leaders, business owners, economic development professionals, funders, and community stakeholders to explore strategies, partnerships, and opportunities that support economic growth and regional prosperity.
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1-4:30 p.m. | Networking Reception: 5-6:30 p.m.
August 19, 2026
POST Houston
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Attendees can expect discussions on emerging trends, innovative approaches to economic development, funding opportunities, and best practices that help strengthen communities and support long-term success.
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Additional details, including registration information, will be available in August.
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For questions, contact the H-GAC Economic Development Team at EconDev@h-gac.com.
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Training Helps Communities Prepare for Recovery Before Disaster Strikes
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H-GAC will host Successfully Navigating the Public Assistance Program, a free training to help local partners improve preparedness, strengthen recovery operations, and maximize opportunities for public assistance funding.
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9-11 a.m. | Aug. 19
Online – Zoom
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Register Now
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Workshop Explores Practical Solutions for Watershed Restoration
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Plan to join H-GAC and the Texas Water Resources Institute for a workshop focused on riparian restoration and feral hog management. This workshop will provide practical guidance on restoration practices that residents, landowners, and professionals can implement within Cotton Bayou and other watersheds.
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8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Aug. 24
Sam and Carmena Goss Memorial Branch Library
1 John Hall Dr. | Mont Belvieu, TX 77580
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Registration available soon. For more information, email: Cornell Evans Jr.
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