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Press Release Claude Hunter announces for election as Director Position 1, The Woodlands Township
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Please contact me on any issues or subjects of concern.

New: CISD gets funding from Dell Foundation
02.08.10 By Kasia Micek, The Villager

Important: Convenience voting (for Village Association and RDRC election) begins Feb. 15; remember to vote!

Suspect captured after woman shot
02.05.10 By Charlie Bier and Mike Taylor, The Villager

Township debuts crime prevention series
02.02.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Two attacks, two sketches, one question
02.03.10 By Howard Roden, The Courier
MSCO releases sketch of attempted kidnapping suspect
02.01.10 Woodlands Villager - news

Anadarko buys its Woodlands campus
02.02.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Township honors First Lady of The Woodlands
02.01.10 by Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands
Posted on 01 Feb 2010 by cwh
Exxon Mobil is considering a move-Workers might be relocated to a big tract south of The Woodlands
01.28.10 By Nancy Sarnoff, Houston Chronicle

List of items covered in January 27 Township Meeting
01.29.10 The Township - News

If boats can’t stay afloat, pull the plug
01.28.10 Courier - Opinion
Township to take control of water taxis
01.28.10 By Howard Roden, The Villager
Convention bureau to take over water taxis
01.27.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Documents and presentations from January 27 Township Public Meetings

Township board fields questions at meeting
01.28.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

New plan for Woodlands crime fight
01.28.10 By Howard Roden, The Courier

Deputies seek tips in attack on jogger
01.28.10 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands
Posted on 29 Jan 2010 by cwh
01.27.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Township board gets update on crime
01.27.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Filing windows for candidates open next week
01.26.10 By Mike Taylor, The Villager
Note by Claude: This includes filing for four Director positions on The Woodlands Township Board. The May 8 election represents a critical juncture in creation of our new government and transition to a fully elected board of only seven Directors. There is much work that remains and I shall file for re-election to continue to represent all Township voters in these critical times.

Roadwork development projects coming along
01.26.10 By Howard Roden and Charlie Bier, The Villager

Smoke coming from controlled burn in nearby Jones State Forest
01.26.10 By The Villager staff

Mercedes vanishes from driveway in Alden Bridge
01.26.10 By Mike Taylor, The Villager
Posted on 27 Jan 2010 by cwh
01.25.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands
RUD to fund Research Forest project
01.23.10 by Howard Roden, The Courier

Law Enforcement Status for The Woodlands Township

Woman carjacked in Portofino Shopping Center
01.24.10 By Mike Taylor, The Villager

Candidates file for Village Associations offices
01.22.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands
List of Candidates who filed for 2010 RDRC and Village Association Election

Township to weigh water taxi, trolley plans
01.21.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Man injures deputy while fleeing robbery
01.21.10 By Kassia Micek, The Villager
Posted on 21 Jan 2010 by cwh
01.18.10 By The Villager

Man arrested for trespassing in Panther Creek
01.15.10 The Villager

SJRA offers group water plan for county
01.15.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Meeting Summary of December 16 Township Special Board Meeting

The Woodlands Fire Department holds Open Forum on Fire Stations #7 and #8-Township news
Residents review planned fire stations 01.14.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Magnolia ISD approves May Valley rezoning plan
01.14.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Commissioner outlines future road projects
01.13.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Second suspect apprehended in aggravated robbery
01.13.10 Special to The Villager
Second suspect arrested in home invasion case
01.13.10 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands
Posted on 13 Jan 2010 by cwh
01.11.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Three arrested in overnight fire
01.11.10 By Brad Meyer, The Courier

Pregnant woman robbed at Steel City Pizza on Sawdust Road in Spring
01.11.10 By The Villager

Woman robbed at gunpoint at Woodlands Mall
01.11.10 By The Villager

Interfaith honors Woodlands couple
01.08.10 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands

Passing the keys-Symbolic ceremony gives Township control
01.07.10 By Mike Taylor, The Villager

The Woodlands Township unveils new Web site
Note by Claude: Please take time to review this valuable information source. It is important that residents become familiar with our new, easier to understand and more effective, Township governance. Our commitment is that the same or better level of services will continue as before. Please let me know of any questions or concerns not adequately answered by our website or staff.

Deputies arrest Woodlands robbery suspect
01.05.10 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands

‘A True Saint’
01.04.10 By Kassia Micek, The Courier

Restaurant owner recovering after robbery, shooting
01.04.10 By Howard Roden, The Courier

Filing continues for village and Residential Design Review Committee elections
12.29.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Starting Jan. 1, The Woodlands will run more like a city
12.27.09 By Renee C. Lee, Houston Chronicle

Cynthia Woods Mitchell dies at 87
12.28.09 By Howard Roden, The Villager
Cynthia Woods Mitchell, patron of the arts, dies at 87
12.28.09 By Allan Turner, The Houston Chronicle

The Township Board addressed 35 agenda items at Dec. 16th meeting- a summary from The Woodlands Township website
Posted on 12 Jan 2010 by cwh
12.22.09 By Kim Morgan, Ultimate Woodlands

DWI efforts net 31 arrests over weekend
12.22.09 By Nancy Flake, The Courier
Photos: New drunken driving patrol car
12.22.09 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands

34-year-old mom killed during home invasion
12.22.09 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands
Woman dies in Monday home invasion
12.22.09 By Howard Roden, The Villager

Shoppers take advantage of sales
12.21.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Villager

Township finalizes merger in The Woodlands
12.16.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands
Township wraps up transition, sets election calendar
12.17.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Villager

Township ends double taxation for fire service
12.16.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

May Valley faces elementary school rezoning
12.16.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Fire station forum set for January
12.16.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

December Township Meeting-Public Information on Agenda Items

AVIA opens doors in Market Street
12.15.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Villager

Township names senior management team
12.09.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Services to continue for Woodlands developed properties in Shenandoah
12.09.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Courier
Township seeks Shenandoah service deal
12.09.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Summary-Executive Committee Dec. 9 Meeting
12.09.09 By The Woodlands Township
Posted on 09 Dec 2009 by cwh
12.03.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Sterling Ridge Park & Ride set for expansion
12.02.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

November E-Newsletter Talk of the Township

Amegy Bank robbery suspect nabbed quickly
11.30.09 Special to The Villager

Local agencies receive millions from feds
11.30.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Villager

More road projects set around Woodlands
11.24.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

County seeks Research Forest extension
11.24.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Association holds last board meetings
11.20.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

WCOA budgets funds for law enforcement
11.20.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Township holds special meeting; canvasses returns, renews agreements
Nov. 16 Meeting Summary
11.17.09 By The Woodlands Township
Posted on 19 Nov 2009 by cwh
11.18.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

New: Township sets new park rules and fees
11.17.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Township sets village elections
11.16.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands
Township to consolidate elections
11.16.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Courier

Texas officials: We're running out of water
11.16.09 By John McFarland / Associated Press; Dallas Morning News

Taking a test run on the ice
11.16.09 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands

Exploring the imagination
11.16.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Courier
Fun at the Children's Festival
11.16.09 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands

Memorial Hermann plans $104M expansion
11.14.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Courier

Windsor Hills residents get answers about tax concerns
11.14.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Courier

College starting campus expansion projects
11.13.09 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands

Community Associations winding down
11.10.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands
TWA winding down toward transition
11.10.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Villager

WCA to use surplus to construct dog park
11.12.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Villager
WCA's last bark is a new dog park
11.12.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

MCSO, FBI investigating bank robbery connection
11.12.09 By Howard Roden, The Courier

Water district sets new regulations
11.10.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

County gets $2.9 million grant from feds
11.10.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Market Street hotel sets opening date
11.10.09 By Diane Shirah, Ultimate Woodlands

EPA, test results could help residents’ well case
11.09.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Courier

Fire Department using mobile mapping system
11.08.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Woodlands ready to build new fire stations
11.05.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Woodlands plans $4.6 million in parks projects
11.05.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Holiday food drives get under way
11.05.09 By Kim Morgan, Ultimate Woodlands
Posted on 05 Nov 2009 by cwh
11.04.09 News from The Woodlands Township
Township bonds pass with large support from voters
11.04.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Villager
All Montgomery County results

Township seeks volunteers for committee
11.03.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Woodlands OKs plans for new sheriff’s division
10.29.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Township recruits volunteers for Development Standards Committee
10.29.09 from The Township Website

Woodlands, Oak Ridge fight new flood maps
10.29.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Poll offers residents' views on water issues
10.29.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Township continues governance transition
10.29.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands
Posted on 27 Oct 2009 by cwh
10.27.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Four teens charged in gas station armed robbery; 10.27.09 Courier News
Press Release by Sheriff Tommy Gage

Township could begin police expansion early
10.22.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Villager
Township ready to buy new patrol cars
10.21.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Windsor Hills joins (College Park) village association
10.23.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Woodlands may toughen contractor laws
10.23.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Creekside Park to host Winter Festival
10.23.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands
Posted on 22 Oct 2009 by cwh
10.21.09 By: Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

South County keeping pace despite down economy
10.19.09 By: Lucretia Cardenas, The Courier
Posted on 18 Oct 2009 by cwh
10.16.09 By Mike Taylor, The Villager

Woodlands gets $240,000 for storm cleanup
10.16.09 By: Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

The future is now for saving our water sources
10.15.09 The Courier-Opinion

WCA gives expansion of community garden a go
10.15.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Villager

Renovations at parks are on schedule
10.14.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Villager

Rule change could prompt water conservation soon
10.14.09 By Howard Roden, The Villager
Posted on 14 Oct 2009 by cwh
10.14.09 By Howard Roden, The Villager
County wetlands project wins award
10.12.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Fire jurisdiction an issue in Creekside Park
10.09.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands
Note: Those paying too much need to shop for another insurance company.

Township starts property tax collections-Payment replaces homeowners association (TWA, WCA and WCOA) assessments for 2010
10.07.09 By: Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Specialty Care at St. Luke’s
10.03.09 By Lauren Hodges, The Courier
St. Lukes opens specialty hospital
10.03.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ulimate Woodlands

YMCA to open third site in Woodlands
10.02.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

South County fares well in economic study
10.01.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Arrest made in Indian American house burglaries
10.01.09 By Charlie Bier, The Villager
Posted on 01 Oct 2009 by cwh
No Water Fight. Elected officials, leaders come away upbeat from water summit
09.30.09 By Howard Roden, The Villager
County ready to tap Lake Conroe for water
09.30.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands
SJRA, Houston reach water accord
09.28.09 By Howard Roden, The Villager

Social media cannot replace the real thing
09.30.09 By Kim Morgan, Ultimate Woodlands
Join Claude on Facebook

Important changes regarding assessments
Press release: The Community Associations & The Township
Posted on 29 Sep 2009 by cwh
09.24.09 By Tara Sullivan, Houston Chronicle

The Woodlands Township Continues Work Towards Transition
09.23.09 The Woodlands Township News

Woodlands introduces rainwater harvesting
09.22.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands
Posted on 21 Sep 2009 by cwh
09.20.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Villager

LSC-M starts work on parking garage
09.20.09 The Villager
College tackles parking crunch
09.18.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Woodlands tightens water use rules
09.14.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands
Posted on 14 Sep 2009 by cwh
09.12.09 By Howard Roden, The Courier

Community groups want revitalization programs to continue
09.10.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Courier
Woodlands ready to spruce up neighborhoods
09.11.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands

Waste water? Time to pay for it
09.08.09 Courier-opinion
Billing proposal would reward conservation
09.09.09 By Howard Roden, The Courier
Posted on 11 Sep 2009 by cwh
Budget information:
Law Enforcement Plan Alternatives, Board Memo, August 17, 2009
Presentations from Budget Workshops follow:
* Proposed 2010 Township Budget and Five-Year Business Plan-revised during budget process
* Convention and Visitor's Bureau
* Economic Development Partnership
* Community Relations Department
* Parks and Recreation Department
* Covenant Administration
* Environmental Services
* Law Enforcement-Public Security Plan- not final!
* Fire Department Video
* Fire Department Presentation
* Neighborhood Services
* Transportation Plan
* Additional 2010 Budget Documents
News articles re: 2010 Township Budget
Economic slump hits the area
08.14.09 By NANCY FLAKE, The Villager
The Woodlands bureau targeting visitor dollars
08.12.09 By LUCRETIA CARDENAS, The Courier
Note: see earlier reference regarding the Convention and Visitor's Bureau presentation
Community policing part of efforts in The Woodlands
08.11.09 By Nelda Blair and Tommy Gage in The Woodlands Villager opinion column
Police agencies find mixed success with horseback patrols
08.10.09 By TARA SULLIVAN, Houston Chronicle
Parks and Recreation projects a major part of township proposed budget
08.07.09 By LUCRETIA CARDENAS, The Villager
Correction re: Street Lighting expense of just over $1 million is for street lighting electricity usage, not installation or replacement of lights.
Budgets now, and in 2010, must focus on crime
08.01.09 The Courier-Opinion
Woodlands Township presents budget
07.30.09 By LUCRETIA CARDENAS, The Villager
County hammers out $211.5M budget that maintains the current property tax rate
07.29.09 By HOWARD RODEN, The Courier
Tax drop leads to county (budget) cuts
07.28.09 By HOWARD RODEN, Woodlands Villager
Note: County commissioners failed to fund more law enforcement to keep up with growth and crime increase.
Delinquent assessments stay with new tax rate
08.17.09 By LUCRETIA CARDENAS, The Courier
Posted on 10 Aug 2009 by cwh
07.22.09 By HOWARD RODEN, The Woodlands Villager

SJRA begins delivery of Reclaimed Water to the Oaks Golf Course in The Woodlands
07.01.09 SJRA Press Release

Village/Township Board Interface Project
Note: This project was carried out by 22 elected board members from seven village associations. Changes may occur prior to January 1, 2010 implementation.
Posted on 10 Jul 2009 by cwh
07.13.09 By MIKE TAYLOR, The Villager
West Nile mosquitoes found in South County
07.08.09 By BETH KUHLES, Houston Chronicle

Forbes named The Woodlands No. 16 in Best Places to Move in the United States - out of ca. 55,000 cities! In Depth: America's 25 Best Places to Move
07.07.09 By Peter T. Kilborn, Forbes Full Story
Posted on 29 Jun 2009 by cwh
Legislation to create Town Center started in 1993 and has been modified several times. In 2007 it was modified to allow begin creation of our own local government free of the threat of annexation and now called The Township.
* SB 2515, Sen. Williams’ Township legislation, was passed by the House by a vote of 143 to zero on Memorial Day and earlier unanimously (31 to zero) by the Senate. Bill Text. This bill takes effect immediately.
* HB 2726, Rep. Eissler’s regional participation agreement bill was unanimously (29 Yea, 0 Nea) passed by those present in the Senate on May 26th and earlier passed the House (147 yea, 0 nay) by those present and voting. Bill Analysis and Bill Text. This bill takes effect September 1, 2009
Posted on 22 Jun 2009 by cwh
06.15.09 By HOWARD RODEN, The Villager
Note: Most traffic on Texas 242 is Woodlands related traffic, not through traffic. 24 hour Vehicle Counts indicate most traffic enters or leaves SH 242 via IH-45, Gosling and Greenbridge. Once FM 1488 widening is complete (within a year) only a few would choose travel through a heavily urbanized area with many traffic signals, residential areas, large churches, a very large high school, a college and university, shopping centers, access to a fire station and two hospitals, travel via FM 1488 through a Texas Forest. The distance is shorter and quicker, if traveling north, and will usually be quicker, if traveling east on SH 242 or South on IH-45. The SH 242 improvement project is not likely to be funded or started before 2012 to 2014 with likely additional increase in Woodlands congestion by then; whether or not improvements are planned. TxDOT indicates a planned 6 inch curb along a 24 foot wide median will allow trees and shrubs within a couple of feet of the roadway, as on most Woodlands collector roads. SH 242 is already six lanes, but only from IH-45 to Windsor Hills. Continuation of six lanes, at least to Greenbridge, will reduce present and future mobility problems, which a recent survey indicates is a major concern of our resident's.
Questions that need more answers are: What other means, such as lower speed limits or better timing of traffic lights, are to be included in plans and design for this section of SH 242? Are improvement in "Green Ribbon" aspects included in the design?
Reference and historical articles follow:
* 24 Hour Traffic Counts on many Woodlands roads.
* New pavement (PFC) may make Beltway 8 safer
06.11.2009 By Dave Fehling, KHOU.com, Channel 11 News - Note: An amazing difference!
* Use of Permeable Friction Course (PFC) asphalt can improve performance of Concrete Pavement
02.11.2003 TxDOT Technical Advisory
* Greenbelt project to extend up Texas 242
12.05.2002 By Beth Kuhles, Houston Chronicle
* New state highway (242) to be dedicated
07.14.1994 By Staff, Houston Chronicle. Note: The Woodlands Corp. and others donated land for SH 242.
Posted on 15 Jun 2009 by cwh
The Woodlands Rotary First Annual Octoberfest Press Release and website announcement
Save the date-see you there.
Posted on 07 Jun 2009 by cwh
June 2009, Continental Airlines inflight magazine
Note: This pure editorial coverage was written by a freelance writer. Continental's magazine reach 2.4 million readers each month. This is an example of publicity we frequently receive as a result of efforts by the Woodlands Convention and Visitor's Bureau. See CVB Website at: www.thewoodlandscvb.com for more.

Important: A 50% Water Saving Device Rebate, up to $150.00, is available for the purchase and installation
of a rain sensor, or the installation of an ET Smart Controller, for your sprinkler system.
Posted on 04 Jun 2009 by cwh
Texas Legislative Summary
Summaries of important Texas Legislative items follow:
* HB 3335, which would have significantly reduced future water costs for Montgomery County did not pass.
* SB 2515, Sen. Williams’ Township legislation, was passed by the House by a vote of 143 to zero on Memorial Day. Bill Text
* HB 2726, Rep. Eissler’s regional participation agreement bill was finally passed by the Senate onMay 26. Bill Analysis and Bill Text. This bill takes effect September 1, 2009.
* SB 275, a TCEQ/TexCom/Injection well bill relating to the application of new requirements for commercial underground injection control wells, was passed by the Senate and voted favorably w/o amendments from the House Natural Resources Committee but was not adopted by the House in time, thus ending any hope for a statutory solution to the existing TexCom permitting issue regarding the disposal facility and injection wells.
* HB 875 by Rep. Eissler, relating to civil liability for erecting or maintaining certain outdoor signs or advertising (bandit signs) was passed unanimously by both houses and signed by the Governor and is effective immediately. Along with provisions of SB 2515, HB 875 may allow Township permitting of public information signs, such as for village or other community events. HB 875 Bill Analysis and Bill Text
Posted on 29 May 2009 by cwh
02.10.09 By Leticia Juarez, KHOU News
* Video interview with Fire Chief Alan Benson
* ISO Mitigation Online a source of information on ISO ratings
* Impact of municipal fire protection on insurance
By Mike Waters, VP, Risk Decision Services, Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO)
Note by Claude: We improved The Woodlands Fire Department insurance ratings from ISO 4 to ISO 2 over the past several years. Improved community safety and residential and business insurance cost savings are appreciable (total of over 10 percent). Homeowners can expect an additional 6 to 8 percent reduction in June due to recent improvement from ISO 3 to 2. Only 7 out of 1000 US fire departments are rated ISO 2.
* TWFD’s improved rank to lower insurance cost
02.02.09 By JAKE MUONIO, The Villager
Posted on 09 Feb 2009 by cwh
02.05.09 By BETH KUHLES, Houston Chronicle
Township gives pavilion $250,000 ‘economic development incentive’
01.30.09 By JAKE MONIO, The Villager

2008 Resident Survey-Results
Source: Community Associations of The Woodlands
Traffic tops issues list for Woodlands/Survey offers snapshop of residents' concerns
01.29.09 By BETH KUHLES, Houston Chronicle
Posted on 28 Jan 2009 by cwh
To inform the public of progress of transportation projects, TxDOT has launched a new way to present project information. For Montgomery County projects click here.
Posted on 21 Jan 2009 by cwh
12.22.08 By T.L. Hamilton, The Villager
Note: In the past two years the associations (TWA and WCA) reduced assessment rates more than the predicted "up to 30 percent".
Posted on 17 Dec 2008 by cwh
Nov 18, 2008 by Don Norrell, Township President
Summary of History of The Woodlands Governance
Dec 4, 2008 by Joel Deretchin, President, The Woodlands Association and Commercial Owner's Association
Posted on 09 Dec 2008 by cwh
12.03.08 By T.L. Hamilton, The Courier
Posted on 25 Nov 2008 by cwh
Composite of Town Center/Township Legislation through 2007. Legislation to create Town Center started Mar 30, 1993.
In 2007 this legislation was modified to allow creation of the Woodlands Township and prevent annexation.
Posted on 07 Aug 2008 by cwh
July 28, 2008 By T.L. Hamilton, Courier/Villager Correspondent
Note by Claude: Last November, an historic event occurred. Voters validated legislation which allows The Woodlands to transition to democratic self governance - a true government of, by and for the people. This principle of democracy is the most important aspect protected by our Transition Agreement. Mutual objectives stated in The Transition Agreement are to:
* accomplish a seamless consolidation of functions and services provided by the Parties into a single, community wide, governmental organization and
* fund, by the most efficient and cost effective means to the taxpayers of the community services while:
* preserving and continuing the current high level and quality of such functions and services by utilizing existing personnel, management, programs and structures, and
* ensuring continuity of management and elected leadership.

Woodlands Township welcomes new board members.
May 28, 2008 By BETH KUHLES, Houston Chronicle
Residents elect members to Township board. Election was first step in transition of governing power in The Woodlands
May 10, 2008 By BETH KUHLES, Houston Chronicle
Township Election Results From Houston Chronicle Website

Historic event: The Woodlands Transition Begins
Woodlands groups OK final governance agreement. Approval starts timeline on transition to Township board
02/07/2008 By BETH KUHLES, Chronicle Correspondent

New governance approved in The Woodlands
11/07/2007 By: Tiffany Williams, Courier staff
Note by Claude: For the first time in the history of Houston (and Texas), a community in the extraterritorial jurisdiiction of cities is guaranteed the opportunity to choose their own future governance. Residents who voted "For" deserve credit for this historic achievement. Sincere thanks to those who helped make this vote possible, including:
* Sen. Tommy Williams, Rep. Rob Eissler and Mayor White (and all 31 Texas Senators, 144 Texas Representatives and Governor Perry, who approved enabling legislation)
* Leaders of Houston and Shenandoah who testified in support of the legislation
* Directors of the Community Associations and the Town Center who voted for the Memorandum of Understanding
* And many others too numerous to mention
Click here to view the transition agreement.
Posted on 30 Jul 2008 by cwh
Important Governance Information:
* Memorandum of Understanding-Timeline for transition to new government in 2010. Source: Community Associations
* Regional Participation Agreement between Houston and The Woodlands, as approved by Houston City Council
* Houston's Historical Timeline relative to The Woodlands, by Claude Hunter, updated June 20, 2009
* Why we cannot become a city now, by Claude Hunter, updated Nov. 8, 2007
* Map: How Houston Grew, by Jay Carr, Houston Chronicle, Oct. 8, 2006
Enabling Legislation approved in 2007:
* Senate Bill 1012 authorized binding regional partnership agreements with Houston and Conroe to release The Woodlands from the threat of annexation
* House Bill 4109 modified Town Center Improvement District legislation to allow expansion and renaming the district to serve as the political subdivision for all parts of The Woodlands was alidated by The Woodlands voters Nov. 6, 2007.
* The district was expanded and renamed "The Woodlands Township" and all elected and appointed directors of The Woodlands Township became accountable to the voters for every dollar of taxes collected or spent and every policy approved. True democracy began May 10, 2008 as five Directors, who were not elected at-large, were replaced.

Legislative history: Town Center Improvement District (TCID)
* Composiite Legislation through 2009. (Compilation of all TCID/Township legislation)
* Legislation to create TCID began in 1993 with Senate Bill 1325, then to House Bill 2843 by Kevin Brady and then to Senate Bill 1373.
* TCID initial legislation (SB 1373) was modified in 1997 by Senate Bill 26, in 1999 by Senate Bill 1807 and in 2005 by Senate Bill 1353.
Posted on 17 Oct 2007 by cwh
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