As Texas primaries near, so do elections for some local jurisdictions. While much attention is paid to high-profile races from the top of the ticket—like president—to the bottom—like council members—other elected positions still play key roles in the day-to-day functioning of local government, like boards and commissions.
The Woodlands, a sprawling Houston suburb with a population of more than 120,000 people and 2,000 businesses, has more than 100 local elected positions on the ballot in their upcoming February election.
Many think of the Woodlands as a city, but it is in fact a large special purpose district. Its primary function, similarly to a city, is to provide fire protection, environmental services, parks and recreation, economic development, and enhance law enforcement services even though they don’t have their own police force.
However, they are not a city, and citizens rejected an attempt to incorporate into one in 2021 with a vote of 67 percent to 33 percent.
The candidate filing period opened on December 28 and closes on January 18 for positions on the Woodlands Residential Design Review Committees and Village Associations.
They might seem insignificant, but these 5-member committees, elected to one-year terms, review property owner application submissions of updates or improvements that they want to do on their private property. Specifically, the Residential Design Review Committee ensures that design standards are met and has the power to accept or reject proposed changes by private property owners.
Each of the Woodlands’ nine villages elects up to five members for these committees. Similarly, each village has a civic association that facilitates activities within the village, and each village varies in terms of at-large members and roles and duties of directors. There are more than 80 civic associations for Woodlands residents to vote on.
These positions are important because not only do most local positions go ignored while having an outsized impact, but the Woodlands has also taken advantage of corporate and residential relocations as the City of Houston has struggled. Much of that success is owed to the ease of development, lower local regulatory burden, and a business-friendly climate that these boards and associations have, so far, allowed to thrive. To ensure continued growth, Woodlands residents need to carefully select individuals for these elected positions.
Since 2020, at least 33 companies totaling more than 500,000 square feet of commercial real estate have relocated or announced their intention to relocate to the Woodlands. With those relocations, they brought roughly 2,000 new residents to the district following those jobs.
While election day is Saturday, February 17, residents can vote from February 12-16 between 9 am and 5 pm at the Woodlands Town Hall.
