As I look ahead to the coming year, I see a pivotal moment for Houston — one where careful planning, respect for our past and forward-thinking investment come together in a way that sets the stage for long-term success.
The projects underway and planned for the year ahead are not isolated efforts. They are intentionally connected, grounded in practical economics and designed to strengthen the community we already value.
Building economic strength through recreation
One of the most visible projects moving forward is the Houston outdoor recreation complex. From the outside, it’s easy to see ballfields and a recreation center. From an economic development perspective, I see infrastructure — the kind that attracts families, tournaments and visitors while giving our residents amenities they would otherwise have to leave town to find.
This project is about more than sports. It’s about regional draw, small business impact and quality of life. When families choose where to live, work and invest, these assets matter. The complex positions Houston to compete in a way that fits our scale and character.
Revitalizing downtown with intention
Another major focus for the upcoming year is the establishment and early work of the Houston Downtown Development Authority. Downtowns don’t thrive by accident, and they don’t recover overnight. The DDA gives us a structured, disciplined tool to encourage reinvestment, support property owners and bring new life to our historic core.
Our goal is simple and time-tested: fill buildings, support local businesses and create a downtown that people want to spend time in again. Houston has done this before, it’s time to recognize our potential.
Treating child care as economic infrastructure
One of the most important — and often misunderstood — projects we’re working on is the Texas County Early Childhood Education Project. Child care is not just a social service; it is a workforce issue. Employers tell us this consistently. When families can’t find reliable child care, people can’t work, businesses can’t grow and communities stagnate.
This initiative focuses on strengthening what we already have, responsibly expanding capacity and stabilizing providers so they can remain open and effective. The long-term payoff is a more reliable workforce and a stronger local economy.
Targeted incentives for real growth
In the coming year, we are also deploying budgeted business development and housing incentive programs. These are not blanket giveaways. They are targeted tools designed to support small and medium-sized businesses, encourage private investment and address housing needs that ultimately accompany growth.
Every incentive we offer is evaluated through a practical lens: does it solve a real problem, does it leverage private dollars and does it leave Houston better positioned five and 10 years down the road? The bottom line is, Houston is open for business.
Moving forward, steadily
What ties all of these projects together is intention. We are not chasing trends or short-term headlines. We are building the fundamentals — recreation, downtown vitality, workforce stability, business support — that allow a small town to remain strong in a changing economy.
The year ahead is about execution. The groundwork has been laid. Now it’s time to deliver, thoughtfully and responsibly, for the people and businesses that already believe in Houston — and for those who will discover it next.
Travis, how many JOBS have you brought to this County??? Or the City Of Houston Missouri??? I’ll wait??? Talking circles about all these good things but having No TAX Structure in place with Jobs and meaningful places to work sounds like you’re wanting another TAX INCREASE on our homes or Personal Property.
I’ll tell you the good folks of Texas County – the working -retired -or seniors will fight this county tooth & nail if they TRY ANOTHER TAX INCREASE! Taxes should not be a way of life for this County, one of the poorest Counties in Missouri!