Fort Bend County Judge KP George delivered his highly anticipated annual State of the County address on August 8^th at the Houston Marriott Sugar Land. The event was hosted by the Central Fort Bend Chamber and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and was attended by a diverse audience of community leaders, business representatives, and residents. The theme of the address, "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Advancing into the Future," encapsulated Judge George's comprehensive vision for the county.

In his address, Judge George showcased the county's commitment to progress across various sectors. Key highlights of his speech included an emphasis on infrastructure development through collaborations with both public and private partners. These collaborations aim to enhance existing infrastructure and drive forward future projects, focusing on crucial areas such as drainage, mobility, and overall quality of life improvements for Fort Bend County residents.

Infrastructure initiatives that Judge George emphasized include:

• Working with the Texas General Land Office (GLO) on a significant investment of over $57 million for drainage improvements.
• A groundbreaking $712 million 2023 Mobility bond.
• $153 million for a 2023 Parks and Recreations bond.
• A dedicated effort to ensure broadband access for every resident within the county in the near future.

One of the standout initiatives is the creation of the "Fort Bend County Texas Public Facility Corporation," designed to provide workforce housing solutions for middle and low-income families. Additionally, Judge George announced the establishment of an "Industrial Development Opportunity Committee" with the intent of attracting increased industrial investments to the county.

Judge George underscored his commitment to bolstering the county's economic landscape by attracting businesses to the region, thereby reducing the need for residents to commute to Houston for employment.

He spoke about the imperative need for shovel-ready industrial sites with essential infrastructure to foster economic growth and attract new businesses. The plan involves investing in critical aspects, such as roads, water, drainage, power, broadband, and rail spurs, to provide businesses with the necessary tools to operate efficiently.

Furthermore, Judge George is actively addressing homelessness in Fort Bend County. He highlighted an initiative, that passed through the Commissioner’s Court, that allocated $4.5 million, obtained through federal COVID-19 assistance, to establish a transition or temporary housing center in Rosenberg. This center aims to assist individuals experiencing homelessness and is a testament to the county's commitment to its vulnerable residents.

While discussing this initiative, Judge George engaged in a dynamic Q&A session with Attack Poverty Chief Executive Officer Brandon Baca. The event also featured various county department heads, including Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton, Fort Bend County Economic Development Director Carlos Guzman, Fort Bend County County Engineer J. Stacy Slawinski, P.E., and others, who provided future forecast reports and insights.

Judge George's annual State of the County address not only celebrated the county's achievements but also demonstrated its unwavering dedication to building a prosperous and inclusive future for all residents.