Governance Events, Historical 2011-2012 Governance Study

Governance Background

A special Board planning session on the governance process was held on Thursday, August 2, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. at The Woodlands Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. At that time, the Board heard a presentation by the consultants, reviewed the Community Outreach Summary Report and discussed potential next steps in the governance process. Additional information is also available in the Reports and Studies section.

Strategic Governance Position

On August 22, 2012, The Woodlands Township Board of Directors adopted Resolution 011-12related to the recent governance study and community outreach efforts. The resolution states that an incorporation election will be deferred indefinitely and staff is directed to develop a plan to report annually on any significant changes in community needs or potential financial consequences of incorporation so that the Board of Directors may consider any further actions. Later that year, the Board adopted the Governance Strategy and Assessment Report, which provides a multi-level approach for evaluating and escalating a change in governance structure.

In 2014, The Woodlands became eligible to incorporate as a municipality based on Regional Participation Agreements with the Cities of Houston and Conroe and legislation passed in 2007. An incorporation election has not been called; however, incorporation or a change in governance structure remains an option through November 16, 2057.

Governance Forums

In March 2012, two Governance Forums were held to discuss results of a financial and governance analysis and to gather feedback on the future governance of The Woodlands. Several hundred residents attended these events. For the month of April 2012, a 15-minute video presentation was available for viewing online, accompanied by a feedback tool to allow all interested community members to participate and provide formal input in this process.

The formal feedback process ended on April 30, 2012. A summary report of the feedback received during the current governance process is anticipated for presentation to The Woodlands Township Board of Directors in June, 2012.

Videos of the March Governance Forums, including the presentation by the governance consultants and answers to community questions, are available below. The presentation highlights a brief history of the Governance Process to date and the current Governance Structure and Service Providers. It also provides an overview of the incorporation scenario and results of the incorporation Financial Analysis.