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Sugar Land Social District to allow outdoor alcohol consumption at Town Square, mall Staff Reports
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AG: County Attorney does not have exclusive authority in hiring outside counsel By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on November 19 issued an opinion stating that Fort Bend County County Attorney General Bridgette Smith-Lawson does not have exclusive authority over the hiring of outside counsel in civil matters. The question had been a source of acrimony between the Democratic county at-
torney and Republican members of Commissioners Court during the recent, months-long battle over the redistricting of precinct lines, which unusually was done in the middle of the decade. In a written statement, Smith-Lawson that her office would abide by the opinion and that it considered the matter “resolved.” Paxton’s 9-page opinion
With the announcement in August that Sugar Land will serve as a “host supporting community” for the 2026 FIFA World Cup games in Houston, the city’s tourism marketing arm on Wednesday announced the launch of the “Sugar Land Social District” that will provide the outside consumption of alcohol. In a news release, Visit Sugar Land describes the district as “a new destination within Sugar Land Town Square and First Colony Mall designed to enhance the city’s vibrant dining, retail and entertainment scene.” “The Sugar Land Social District offers residents and visitors the opportunity to responsibly enjoy alcoholic beverages purchased from participating establishments outdoors, creating a lively, walkable environment that supports local businesses and enriches the city’s social experience,” the release stated. Visit Sugar Land will celebrate the launch of the social district on Friday, December 5, beginning with a FIFA World Cup 26™ Final Draw Watch Party at Little Woodrow’s Sugar Land from 10:30 a.m.—1 p.m. That will be followed by the annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Town Square. “Guests who purchase an item from at least three participating businesses that day can receive a custom FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston and Visit Sugar Land koozie and a free hot chocolate from the Visit Sugar Land cart,” the release states. “As part of our city’s Strategic Action Plan and Stimulating Economic Growth All-In Initiative, this new social district isn’t just about enjoying a drink outdoors; it’s about creating a more connected and walkable community,” Teagan Trammell, Sugar Land’s strategic and government affairs management analyst, said in the release.
The Sugar Land City Council on November 18 unanimously approved a contract with Houston-based Urbano Architects to perform design work aimed at preserving the Imperial Sugar Char House, the iconic, century-old building that has long been considered the city’s most important landmark. The vote on the $460,000 agreement is the first tangible move by the Council to begin work on preserving the long-derelict building since it unanimously approved in February the acquisition of the entire Imperial property, which has sat largely dormant since the Imperial Sugar company closed more than two decades ago. City staff told Council at their Tuesday meeting that Urban Architects was selected because they were both a local firm and had already performed work related the Char House when they were part of
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In a written opinion this week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton found that Fort Bend County County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson does not have exclusive authority over the hiring of outside counsel. Smith-Lawson said her office will abide by the ruling. File photo
was a response to an April request by Texas Rep. Gary Gates, a Republican whose 28th District includes much of Fort Bend County. In the opinion, Paxton goes over the long and competing claims made by Smith-Lawson and the Republican respondents based on Texas statutes
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SUGAR LAND COUNCIL APPROVES CONTRACT FOR CHAR HOUSE DESIGN WORK By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
The Sugar Land City Council on Nov. 18 unanimously approved a contract with Houston-based Urbano Architects to perform design work aimed at preserving the century-old Imperial Sugar Char House. File photo
HAR: Area housing market continues growth as prices remain steady Staff Reports This fall brought more signs of stability to the Houston region’s housing market, as October marked the sixth consecutive month of year-over-year home sales growth. With some relief in prices and mortgage rates, buyers are getting a bit more bargaining power going into the final months of the year. According to the Houston Association of Realtors’ October 2025 Housing Market Update, singlefamily home sales rose 3.2 percent year-over-year. A total of 7,419 homes were sold compared to 7,187 last year. While average home prices remained statistically flat at $423,955, the median price declined for the seventh month in a row to $330,000. This trend indicates that the market is gradually shifting toward a more balanced level after years of rapid price growth. Housing supply remained steady month-to-month, but increased year-
all of which are giving buyers more room to breathe. The frenzied pace of recent years has eased, and the market has leveled out, ultimately benefiting both buyers and sellers.”
With some relief in prices and mortgage rates, homebuyers are getting a bit more bargaining power going into the final months of the year, according to the Houston Association of Realtors. File photo
over-year to 5.2 months, up from 4.4 months last October. The average list-to-sale price ratio dipped to 92.6%, the lowest recorded level since HAR began tracking the metric in 2001. “Despite the government shutdown, which temporarily ceased
purchases of flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program, and some uncertainty in the economy, homebuying interest in Houston remains solid,” said HAR Chair Shae Cottar with LPT Realty. “Prices have softened, inventory is up, and mortgage rates are coming down –
“Unlike the U.S. housing market, which lags pre-pandemic home sales volumes, Houston has returned to a normal market that is growing,” said HAR Chief Economist Dr. Ted C. Jones. Housing Market Overview Active listings of all property types In October, sales of all property were 23% higher than last year with types across the Houston area in- 59,903 available properties on the creased 1.6% compared to last year, market. with 8,768 properties sold. Multifamily properties saw the largest Single-Family Homes Update year-over-year sales growth, with As prices and mortgage rates settransactions 32.8% above last tle, more home buyers are stepping October’s volume. Total dollar vol- back into the market. A total of 7,419 ume also rose 1.9% to more than $3.5 single-family homes sold in October, billion for the month. up from 7,187 a year ago. The median home price declined Houston single-family home sales now exceed pre-pandemic levels, up 1.5% to $330,000, while the average 3.2% in October 2019 compared to price was essentially flat at $423,955. October 2025 and up 2.6% year-to- The average price per square foot date. In contrast, the U.S. housing was $175, slightly lower than $177 market struggles to return to nor- a year ago. mal with home sales down 21.6% Nationwide, 30-year conventional (September 2025 compared to September 2019) and off 22.8% yearSEE HAR PAGE 4 to-date 2025 versus 2019.
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