Conroe city council holds public hearing on population growth exceeding 100K

The Conroe City Council workshop held on May 7, 2025, focused on significant developments regarding the city's population growth and the reorganization of the engineering department. The meeting commenced with a public hearing to discuss a resolution declaring Conroe's population to be over 100,000, a milestone that reflects a substantial increase of 31.4% since the last census in 2020. The population was reported to be approximately 91,002 in 2020, with projections indicating a rise to 122,507 by January 2025. This growth positions Conroe among the top ten cities in the nation for population increase.

The discussion highlighted the implications of this population growth, particularly in terms of funding and infrastructure. The city's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) will expand, which is expected to enhance access to transportation funds and other resources critical for managing the city's rapid development. The presentation included statistics on water connections, which have surged from 13,000 in 2008 to 51,000 in 2025, underscoring the challenges of keeping up with infrastructure demands.

Following the public hearing, the council moved to the reorganization of the engineering department. Ms. Koska presented a new organizational chart aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness within the department. Key changes include the introduction of several new positions, such as an engineering manager and a construction manager, to oversee capital improvement projects and ensure proper management of city construction efforts. The restructuring aims to address past inefficiencies and enhance the department's capacity to handle ongoing and future projects.

The council discussed the financial implications of these changes, noting that the reallocation of certain positions back to capital improvement project (CIP) funding would result in significant savings for the city. This strategic move is expected to free up approximately $1.5 million in the general fund, which can be redirected to other pressing needs within the city.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions from council members, indicating a collaborative approach to finalizing the proposed changes. The council is set to approve the new organizational structure in the upcoming session, marking a pivotal step in Conroe's efforts to manage its growth effectively.