In this week’s edition, read more about Harris County’s new $2.76 billion fiscal year budget. Plus, find out all the details surrounding Oak Ridge North’s new ORN Plaza District project. Finally, mark your calendars for several weekend events.

The overview: By a 3-2 vote, Harris County commissioners adopted the $2.76 billion fiscal year 2025-26 general fund budget Sept. 24 that prioritizes pay parity and public safety initiatives. Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo cast the dissenting votes.

“Today’s approval is a result of deep coordination and unwavering dedication from every corner of Harris County government,” Daniel Ramos, executive director of the Harris County Office of Management and Budget, said in a statement.

Early in the budget process, county officials projected a $200 million-plus shortfall in FY 2025-26, and over the last eight months leading up to the September budget adoption, commissioners and department leaders weighed how to offset at least $102 million in cuts and other savings.

What resulted was the decision to implement a yearlong hiring freeze to save at least $25 million and for the department leaders to identify at least 10% in cost savings within their current level of services. Commissioners said community-facing services, such as parks, road maintenance and community centers, will remain unaffected.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia said despite starting with a deficit, the budget was balanced without increasing the tax rate.

“We have made sure to prioritize the things that residents across Harris County wanted to see,” Garcia said. “It began with public safety, emergency preparedness and public infrastructure. Those were the common threads.”

Mia’s Table, a southern comfort food restaurant, is slated to come to the Market at Town Center in Sugar Land, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations filing.

The casual family-friendly eatery serves a variety of burgers, tacos, sandwiches, salads and seafood options, according to its website.

The menu lineup also features chicken fried steak, meatloaf and chicken strips, as well as milkshakes. Read now.

🍸 Tomball Social Haus now open in downtown Tomball (Full story)

🥒 Specialty grocery shop In a Pickle Co. now open in Old Town Spring (Full story)

🌯 Uberrito to bring customizable Tex-Mex near West University Place (Full story)

🍗 New wing restaurant set to open in Montrose in mid- October (Full story)

Slip Sliders sells chef-driven sliders and hand-battered chicken tenders in a fast but casual neighborhood setting.

The quick-service restaurant opened next to Hermann Park in September and specializes in innovative sliders, sides and milkshakes, according to a Sept. 29 news release from the restaurant.

Featuring a variety of options, Slip Sliders’ menu offers classic mini-burgers like The Backyard Burger, a traditional American cheeseburger, as well as more unique flavors like the Buffalo & Blue, which is a spicier chicken slider with buffalo sauce and blue cheese. Read now.

🚧 Oak Ridge North celebrates ground breaking for ORN Plaza District (Full story)

🎃 8 events happening in the Houston area this weekend, Oct. 3-5 (Full story)

🧑‍⚖ Fort Bend County to add 2 new district courts following legislative approval (Full story)

🪩 Lumos brings 'next-level entertainment' to Valley Ranch (Full story)

🏥 $277.5M expansion coming to Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital (Full story)

A needlework and fiber arts store in Old Town Spring is now open for needlepoint, hand embroidery, cross stitching and craft enthusiasts.

Storyteller's Thread, a boutique needlework shop that offers premium craft supplies, officially opened to the public on Oct. 1. The fiber arts store specializes in hand-painted canvases and a curated selection of specialty threads, catering to both seasoned stitchers and creative beginners. Read now.

📝 Fort Bend County commissioners to review 5 redistricting maps (Full story)

🏫 Katy ISD plans AI integration to boost 'outnumbered' support staff efficiency (Full story)

🎂 A century of growth: Alvin ISD celebrates 100 years (Full story)

🚧 Delayed drainage project in Braeswood neighborhood expected to begin construction soon (Full story)

🗳 Texans have through Oct. 6 to register to vote in the Nov. 4 election (Full story)