Standing & Ad Hoc Committees

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors may appoint standing, ad hoc and other special committees to support the work of the Board and advance key priorities across the community.

Standing Committees

Standing committees at The Woodlands Township are specialized groups that focus on key areas of governance and operations, providing oversight, recommendations, and guidance to the Board of Directors. These committees are responsible for specific functions, such as financial management, economic growth, and investment strategies, ensuring that important issues receive thorough consideration and expertise. By delegating these responsibilities to smaller, focused groups, the Township enhances decision-making efficiency and ensures that various aspects of community management are handled with due diligence and attention to detail.

Audit Commitee

Established in 2010, the purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibility of fiduciary matters by reviewing the financial information, systems and controls and the overall audit process, providing open avenues of communication between the independent auditors and the Board of Directors.

Members

  • Director Richard Franks
  • Director Cindy Heiser
  • Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs 

Meeting Agendas

 

Investment Committee

The purpose of the Investment Committee is to review and make recommendations to the Board of Directors on the investment and reinvestment of the District's funds in accordance with the conditions and guidelines set forth in the District's Investment Policy.

Members

  • Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs
  • Director Linda Nelson
  • Director Richard Franks
  • Monique Sharp, President and CEO 

Meeting Agendas

Economic Development Zone

The Economic Development Zone (EDZ) is a political subdivision of the State, separate from The Woodlands Township, with a separate governing body appointed by The Woodlands Township. The Zone possesses the same power and authority as the Township to assess a tax, either ad valorem or a sales and use tax, and utilize such tax to promote the initial development or substantial redevelopment of an area if the Board finds that the creation of the Zone furthers the public purpose of:

  • The development and diversification of the economy of the Township and the State;
  • The elimination of unemployment or underemployment in the Township and the State;
  • The development or expansion of transportation or commerce in the Township and the State; or,
  • The promotion and stimulation of business, commercial, and economic activity in the Township and the State.

More Information

Booking & Blocking Committee

As set forth in the Booking and Blocking Agreement between The Woodlands Waterway Hotel owner and The Woodlands Township, three representatives are required for the Booking & Blocking Committee. One person represents The Woodlands Township, and the other two positions are represented by the hotel owner and the “other hotels” in The Woodlands, collectively. The main purpose of the committee is to handle dispute resolution in booking the Convention Center.

Members

  • Nick Wolda, The Woodlands Township and Visit The Woodlands (Term Expires December 31, 2025)
  • Jennifer Gavin, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center (Term Expires December 31, 2027)
  • Kim Lowe, Coral Tree Management & Hospitality (December 31, 2027)

Ad Hoc & Task Force Committees

Ad hoc committees at The Woodlands Township are temporary, specialized groups formed to address specific tasks or issues that arise within the community. These committees are created by the Board of Directors and are designed to focus on particular areas of interest, such as budget planning, community development, or special events. Once their designated task is complete, the committee disbands, ensuring a flexible and efficient approach to meeting the evolving needs of The Woodlands.

Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee

The purpose of the Economic Development Committee is to develop a strategic plan regarding The Woodlands Township’s role in economic development for consideration by The Woodlands Township Board of Directors. This plan will recommend specific economic development objectives, determine appropriate funding levels for the Township’s economic development reserve account in order to meet stated objectives, and recommend projects to be funded by the economic development reserve.

Members

  • Director Brad Bailey
  • Director Linda Nelson
  • Director Cindy Heiser

Meeting Documents

Agendas

Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee Charter(PDF, 196KB)

 

 

Ad Hoc Public Safety Committee

The purpose of this Board Committee is to review budget requests from law enforcement agencies and to make recommendations to the Board related to contract negotiations. The Committee will evaluate the 2026 budget requests to support the Township’s focus on public safety. This will be achieved through maintaining the practice of community-oriented and tourism-oriented policing in partnership with law enforcement agencies available to The Woodlands Township.

Members

  • Director, Richard Franks
  • Director, Dr. Ann K. Snyder
  • Director, Brad Bailey 

Ad Hoc Public Safety Committee Charter(PDF, 297KB)

Ad Hoc Transportation Committee

The purpose of this Board Committee is to discuss with county, regional, state and federal stakeholders ways to progress mobility solutions that enhance the quality of life for Township residents. The Committee will coordinate with partner organizations and promote transportation improvements that benefit residents and businesses of The Woodlands Township.

Members

  • Director, Craig Eissler
  • Director, Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs
  • Director, Brad Bailey

Ad Hoc Transportation Committee Charter(PDF, 231KB)

Ad Hoc South Gosling Tract and Public Golf Committee

The purpose of this Board Ad Hoc is to explore the feasibility of developing a public golf amenity and other recreational facilities on the South Gosling Tract. The Committee will evaluate land use opportunities, environmental impacts, financial projections, operational models, and community benefits associated with this development.

Members

  • Director, Craig Eissler
  • Director, Linda Nelson
  • Director, Brad Bailey
  • Resident, Will Murphy
  • Resident, Scott Lyle
  • Resident, Kyle Watson

Ad Hoc South Gosling Tract and Public Golf Committee Charter(PDF, 235KB)

Ad Hoc Government Relations Committee

The committee's objectives include understanding the current electricity service landscape within The Woodlands Township, monitoring state regulatory and internal activities related to the preparation, response and recovery actions by electricity service providers in relation to Hurricane Beryl and recommending initiatives to ensure adequate and reliable electrical service for the Township.

Members

  • Director Dr. Ann K. Snyder
  • Director Linda Nelson
  • Director Brad Bailey

Ad Hoc Emergency Management Committee

Established in 2024 following Hurricane Beryl, the purpose of this Board Committee is to collaborate with staff and key stakeholders on potential emergency management strategies and initiatives designed to enhance preparedness and improve The Woodlands Township’s ability to respond to, and recover from, disasters.

Members

  • Director Richard Franks
  • Director Cindy Heiser
  • Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs

 

Homelessness Task Force

Established in 2024, the purpose of the Homelessness Task Force is to coordinate with law enforcement and external agencies who work to address the acute needs related to homelessness and housing to maintain the Township Board of Director's awareness of feasible solutions being used to balance the support of the unsheltered with the health and safety of the community at large.

Members

  • Cindy Heiser
  • Linda Nelson

Resources

This is an internal committee that does not have a quorum and, as such, is not subject to the Open Meetings Act.

Budget Committee

Established in 2024, the purpose of this Task Force is to provide preliminary feedback to staff and recommendations to the full Board on budget and funding policies for the development of a proposed 2025 Township Budget. Task Force members will review and prioritize options to address any funding gaps or major service level changes (proposed budget initiatives) for recommendation to the full Board for consideration during the annual budget process.  

Members

  • Director Richard Franks
  • Director Cindy Heiser
  • Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs

This is an internal committee that does not have a quorum and, as such, is not subject to the Open Meetings Act.

 

One Water Task Force

Established in 2016 in response to resident concerns about storm drainage. The Woodlands Township Board created a task force to address drainage issues within the community. The task force collaborates with various organizations responsible for planning, managing, and maintaining drainage systems to improve their short- and long-term performance and ensure that growth areas around The Woodlands do not negatively affect local properties. In 2020, its scope expanded to include water-related issues such as groundwater and subsidence, becoming the "One Water Task Force."

The task force established in 2016 was dissolved at the end of 2021; however, it was re-established in 2024 by Woodlands Water.

Though the Township has no direct authority over drainage, it remains committed to seeking solutions in partnership with relevant agencies.

Members

  • Director Cindy Heiser, Township representative

Meeting Information

 

Back to top