THE PEOPLE. THE PLACES. THE PROGRESS.
JULY 20, 2026
The
MONTGOMERY
COUNTY BRIEF
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Your Sunday Briefing on Local News, Business, and Community
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
🚨 DEVELOPING
Conroe's Flock Camera Records Fight Heads to the Attorney General
A months-long push for transparency on Conroe's Flock Safety camera program is now in the hands of the Texas Attorney General.
Resident James Fletes filed a Texas Public Information Act request in March, asking how many Flock cameras the city operates, how they work, where the data goes, and who can access it. The city said it would cost $1,200 to fulfill the request — so Fletes and other community members pooled funds to cover it. After receiving payment, the city referred the request to the state Attorney General's office to determine whether the records must be released.
"This is no longer just my request. It's the people of Conroe's request. They funded it, and we're tired of being stonewalled," Fletes told ABC13.
At a June 11 city council meeting, Conroe Police Chief Jon Buckholtz addressed what he called "misconceptions" about the program, confirming the city operates 51 Flock cameras under a five-year contract worth roughly $130,000 annually, approved by council in January 2023.
WHY IT MATTERS
Residents have raised questions about cost, oversight, and data access since the program began — and a public records request is now the mechanism forcing those answers into the open.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
The Attorney General's ruling on whether the city must release the records — and if so, what they show about pricing, data-sharing, and oversight.
❤️ FEATURE STORY
Compassion United Opens New Homes in Miracle City
This month marked a meaningful moment for Montgomery County: the ribbon cutting of new Compassion United homes in Miracle City, Conroe.
These homes are the result of a partnership between Highland Homes, HomeAid, the Greater Houston Builders Association, and the Gullo Foundation — organizations that came together not just to build houses, but to build second chances. For individuals and families working to rebuild their lives, a stable home means more than shelter. It means dignity, safety, and the foundation to move forward.
One of the new homes has been dedicated as The Gullo Foundation House, honoring Tony and Dolly Gullo for their lifelong commitment to serving Montgomery County through generosity and compassion.
Congratulations to Compassion United and every partner who helped make this vision real. Moments like this are a reminder that Montgomery County's growth isn't only measured in rooftops and retail — it's measured in lives changed.
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WHY IT MATTERS
Partnerships like this show what's possible when local builders, nonprofits, and philanthropists work toward the same goal — and they set a model other developers and community organizations may look to replicate.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
Future phases of the Miracle City development, and whether similar builder-nonprofit partnerships take shape elsewhere in the county.
🏛️
GOVERNANCE
Conroe Council Reverses Remote Executive Session Ban
The council voted 3–2 to repeal a year-old restriction.
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NEW BUSINESSES
New Openings in Conroe & Willis
Woody's Hideaway and Crunch Fitness are among the openings to watch.
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SCHOOLS
Conroe ISD Reviews Health and Legislative Priorities
CISD could face a $5–9 million funding hit if it loses fast-growth support.
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HOUSING WATCH
Affordability and the Road Ahead
Lot-size rules may affect future entry-level housing supply.
THIS WEEKEND
Gospel Sunday Brunch
Sunday, July 26 • 10:00 AM–3:00 PM The Red Brick Tavern
Book Signing with Brianna Bourne
Saturday, July 25 •3:00–4:00 PM
The Woodlands Arts Council Gallery
Superhero Day with CARS Characters
Saturday, July 25 • 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
The Woodlands Children's Museum
FROM JENNIFER'S DESK
I created The Montgomery County Brief because too many important things happen here that we never hear about.
Each Sunday, I'll bring you a curated look at what's changing, why it matters and what to watch next.
Jennifer Jelks
Local Real Estate Advisor & Publisher
The Montgomery County Brief is your trusted source for local news, business and community updates—delivered every Sunday.
montgomerycountybrief.com