The Woodlands Township Chairman Gordy Bunch addresses leaders at Economic Outlook Conference

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The Woodlands Township Chairman of the Board Gordy Bunch addressed public officials and business leaders at the annual Economic Outlook Conference on Friday, February 8, 2019. The event, which had more than 650 attendees, was produced by The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce and held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. The conference theme was “On the Path to Sustainable Growth” and featured a number of speakers from areas of politics, medicine, economics, development and energy.

“The Woodlands prides itself on being a dynamic hometown with a thriving business community where families can live, work, learn, pray and play,” Chairman Bunch said. “The Township Board of Directors is committed to fulfilling that vision and continuing to make The Woodlands a great place to live and do business.”

Chairman Bunch outlined the Township’s financial situation, which he characterized as “excellent.” He noted that the Township has a consistently favorable bond rating and strong reserve balances, along with property taxes that have decreased continuously since 2010.

“It is notable that while we have managed to lower property taxes within The Woodlands, we have also been able to decrease our debt and build our financial reserves to sufficient levels,” Chairman Bunch said. “That is truly a feat for our community.”

Chairman Bunch also highlighted some of the Township’s 2018 accomplishments and milestones:

Launch of Swan Boats for public use on The Woodlands Waterway
The completion and reopening of Bear Branch Pool following an extensive renovation
The construction of Texas TreeVentures Adventure Course, opening in late Spring 2019
The conveyance of the Hughes Landing Band Shell from The Howard Hughes Corporation® to the Township
Chairman Bunch then looked forward to 2019 with a focus on future governance.

“The Woodlands Township is in the midst of an Incorporation Planning Study, which follows a detailed path,” he said. “The Board understands that there are concerns about the process of incorporation, so we are taking our time and gathering as much information as possible. I invite everyone to attend these meetings held monthly at The Woodlands Township to learn more about the study and its findings.”

The next Incorporation Planning Study Public Session is scheduled for Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 6 p.m. at the Township.

Chairman Bunch discussed the commitment of the Township to economic growth and stability in the community, highlighting a number of initiatives including:

Tax abatement for corporations
Incentives to secure major retailers
Support of Visit The Woodlands for tourism and conventions
Investing in property in The Woodlands Town Center
Possible construction of a Performing Arts Center in The Woodlands in the future
Chairman Bunch noted a new offering by The Woodlands Township: The Woodlands Express Rodeo Shuttle. “The Township is happy to introduce The Woodlands Express Rodeo Shuttle for this year,” he said. “The cost is $25, round trip, and the buses will depart from Sterling Ridge Park and Ride. If you enjoy going to the Houston Rodeo, but don’t enjoy the parking, this is a great, cost-effective option for you and your family.”

He gave an overview of Visit The Woodlands, which focuses on attracting tourism, business meetings and conventions to the area. “Tourism and business travel plays a large role in our local economy, helping to support local businesses and contribute to sales and hotel tax, which funds a portion of the programs and services provided by the Township.”

Chairman Bunch closed by thanking residents, his fellow directors and Township staff. “The Woodlands is a wonderful place to live and I am honored to serve on this Board alongside my fellow directors,” he said. “Thank you for letting me represent the community and for helping us to make The Woodlands one of the great places on earth.”

You can find Chairman Bunch’s presentation at this link and a new Township video here.

For more information about The Woodlands Township, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or call 281-210-3800.