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District backs public art, reviews finances, and promotes youth and educational initiatives.

The East Aldine Management District (EAMD) Board of Directors covered a wide range of topics during its July 22 meeting, including financial updates, development projects, public safety, arts, and community engagement.

Public Comment and Community Voices

The meeting began with public comment from Ramón Pérez, a recent MacArthur High School graduate who will attend Boston University on a full scholarship. Pérez thanked the board for its support of youth programs and community partnerships that nurture young talent. Board members congratulated him on his achievements and wished him success in his college endeavors.

Reyna Gómez Tippetts, dean of Lone Star College-East Aldine Center, also addressed the board, expressing gratitude for its ongoing support. She shared that GED services are available at the campus. She confirmed that some students may be subject to associated fees.

Financial Report

Cynthia ‘Cindy’ Craig of Hawes Hill and Associates presented the district’s financial update. Total revenue for the first half of 2025 was $7.35 million — approximately $333,000 above projections. Expenditures remain $733,000 under budget. The district continues to fund projects such as the Sherwood Benton and Hartwick Sanitary Sewer initiatives.

As of the meeting, the operating account held $223,490, with additional funds in a Prosperity Bank money market account and a TexStar account. The debt service fund balance stood at $2.93 million, with an interest payment of $282,000 scheduled for the following month.

Investing in Students Through Lone Star College

Susan Summers, director of donor relations for the Lone Star College Foundation, presented the 2024-2025 Gratitude Report. The foundation has awarded over $26 million to more than 27,000 students since 1991, including $3 million to 2,500 students in the most recent academic year.

The Aldine Scholarship Fund, established in partnership with the East Aldine District, currently has a balance of $375,000 and annually supports 25 MacArthur High School graduates with $1,000 scholarships. Board members expressed interest in increasing scholarship amounts and expanding access for students with disabilities or those who have dropped out of high school.

Community Development and Events

Executive Director Richard Cantú shared updates on several initiatives:

  • Sales tax revenue rose 4.75% year-over-year.
  • A $4 million grant from Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will fund new sidewalks on East Mt. Houston from Gloger Street to Eastex Freeway, benefiting Orange Grove Elementary students.
  • The State of the Youth Symposium took place on July 25, and the Youth Night Summer Fun Fest, targeting high schoolers, was scheduled for August 1.

Cantú also announced the reappointment of board members Bob Beasley, Abel Garza, Gil Hoffman, and Carlos Silva for terms that will end in June 2029.

Legislative and Regulatory Updates

District counsel provided a legislative update, highlighting new laws affecting transparency and infrastructure:

  • Senate Bill 7 proposes allocating $1 billion annually to the Texas Water Fund through 2047, plus a one-time appropriation of $1.7 billion.
  • Senate Bill 1261, effective September 1, extends loan terms for large water projects from 30 to 40 years under the SWIFT program.
  • Posting requirements for public meetings shift from 72 hours to three business days, excluding weekends and holidays.
  • Cybersecurity and AI training will now be required annually for board directors.
  • Voters will consider property tax relief measures in November, including increased homestead exemptions and changes to business personal property taxes.

The board also received updates on changes to extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) laws that could affect future land development.

Town Center Phase 3

The board approved Invoice #5 from Asakura Robinson for $61,754, covering design development and outreach work in June and July. While several concept designs have been presented to the Town Center Steering Committee, no final plans have been brought to the full board yet. Community input, including feedback from students, continues to guide the design process.

Committee Reports

  • Building and Properties: The board was pleased to learn that the splash pad is operational.
  • Mobility and Environmental Design: Reports on district field operations were reviewed; no action items were presented.
  • Water and Sewer: The board approved Outlay Request #66 for $112,706 for Hartwick Sanitary Sewer Extension pay estimates. Property connection tracking is underway, with completion expected by December.
  • Public Safety: Lt. Reyes reported steady statistics, thanked the board for supporting community engagement through the Explorer Program, and raised the possibility of adding deputies.
  • Business, Economic Development, and Marketing: EAMD Marketing Manager Mónica Campos highlighted the continued success of the Open Rewards Shop Local app, which has generated more than $1 million in economic impact and increased by $206,000 in one month. The board discussed verifying the tax status of participating vendors.

Health, Education, and Community Engagement

The board approved several allocations:

  • Up to $46,500 for community events, including the Hispanic Heritage Festival (September 13), a Health Fair (September 6), and a Literacy Carnival (September 27).
  • A $1,000 sponsorship for Aldine ISD’s Back to School Expo (July 31).
  • Up to $3,000 for a Youth Field Trip to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor on August 9 for underserved high school students.
  • A budget amendment to double the Partner Events line item from $20,000 to $40,000 to support partnerships with groups like BakerRipley and the Junior League of The Woodlands.

Board members emphasized the importance of inclusive programming and expressed interest in making youth outings a recurring quarterly event.

East Aldine Arts Council and Gateway Project

The board approved final designs for the Gateway Project, an initiative led by Up Art Studio to install public art at three district intersections. The designs celebrate the area’s diversity, economic growth, and cultural pride. Task Order #9, which included the final design invoice for $1,649, was approved.

Carlos Silva, Arts Council Chair, praised the community’s reception of the temporary JFK sculpture by the late David Adickes and noted efforts to secure TxDOT approval for lighting the permanent installations. Board members opted for durable, UV-protective paint to reduce maintenance costs, rather than clear coatings.

The board also celebrated the success of the July 4 fireworks show, which drew more than 2,000 attendees — the largest in EAMD’s history. Leaders hope to make the event a Town Center tradition moving forward.