Voters approve The Woodlands Township

Voters in The Woodlands overwhelming approved a new form of government called The Woodlands Township in a special election today, Tuesday, November 6, 2007.

In the Town Center Improvement District Confirmation and Tax Election, Proposition 1 (Confirmation of the Addition of Territory), Proposition II (Confirmation of Changes in the Composition of the Board of Directors) and Proposition III (The Levy of an Ad Valorem Tax) all passed. Official results were released late Tuesday night and can be found at http://www.co.montgomery.tx.us/election/

“What a historic day for The Woodlands and for the State of Texas ,” said TCID Chairman Nelda Luce Blair. “With the passage of all three Propositions, an unincorporated community and a major city have forged an agreement to forego annexation, at the same time creating a partnership beneficial to both.”

She continued, “This is Independence Day for The Woodlands.  Independence from the threat of unilateral annexation, independence to form our own united governance for consistency throughout our community, independence for all residents to elect their own leadership and to decide their own future.  Not only do we enjoy a wonderful place to live and work, but we have outstanding elected officials who help to promote and protect our way of life.  Our utmost gratitude and support should be extended to Senator Tommy Williams, and to State Representative Rob Eissler , who had the courage to pursue the agreements and legislation to set The Woodlands free.”

Since The Woodlands resides in the City of Houston 's extra territorial jurisdiction, also called ETJ, an agreement needed to be reached by both. The Town Center Improvement District Board of Directors in October unanimously approved a Regional Participation Agreement (RPA) with the City of Houston in advance of The Woodlands residents deciding its future governance structure. The Houston City Council unanimously approved the same RPA. A similar agreement was reached with the City of Conroe concerning an area in The Woodlands called Harper's Landing, which was in Conroe 's ETJ.

“This is a momentous day in The Woodlands,” said State Senator Tommy Williams, who originally announced the Regional Participation Agreement with the City of Houston in December 2006. “It's taken a great deal of work by many fine citizens in The Woodlands. Today, the residents let their voices be heard. They have decided how they want to be governed.”

 “This is a first in the history of Texas ,” said Rob Eissler , Texas State Representative. “No community has ever escaped the extra territorial jurisdiction of a city with annexation powers. This solution will serve as a model for the state and for the nation. It's a tribute to the entire community in The Woodlands as well as to the willingness of the leadership in Houston and Conroe to find a mutually beneficial solution.”

Residents of The Woodlands began going to the polls in early voting on October 22, 2007 . The general election concluded throughout The Woodlands on Tuesday, November 6, 2007 . 

For additional information including Frequently Asked Questions, legislation, governance background, sample ballot, voting locations, proposed boundary map and more, go to www.thewoodlandsdecides.org

The Woodlands Township is a public entity committed to maintaining The Woodlands as the best possible place in which to live, work, shop, and invest.  For more information, please call (281) 363-2447 or visit www.town-center.com .