On October 8, we hosted our annual Public Officials & Awards Reception, an evening dedicated to honoring the people and projects that are shaping a more resilient, connected, and sustainable future for the Greater West Houston region.
Mobility Excellence: Missouri City Park & Ride
The Mobility Excellence recognition celebrates transportation infrastructure that advances safety, connectivity, and economic growth across the region. This year, WHA honored the Missouri City Park & Ride, a $59.8 million transit facility that is transforming how Fort Bend County connects to the urban core.
Strategically located at the intersection of Fort Bend Parkway and State Highway 6, the facility offers 1,750 covered parking spaces and serves as a key transit hub for residents commuting to the Texas Medical Center and Downtown Houston. With service every 15 minutes and direct connections to METRORail and local bus routes, the project significantly expands mobility options. It also supports METRO’s curb2curb service, improving first- and last-mile connectivity.
This investment by METRO is more than a transit facility — it is a model of multimodal infrastructure designed to grow with the region. By increasing access to efficient, reliable transportation, it relieves congestion, reduces environmental impacts, and strengthens economic ties throughout Greater West Houston.
Sustainability Stars: Stephen Woodring Park
WHA’s Sustainability Stars program recognizes developments that integrate sustainable infrastructure into their design, creating long-term value for communities and the environment. This year’s award went to Stephen Woodring Park in Katy, Texas, a 32-acre project that beautifully blends ecological stewardship with public recreation.
Funded through park bonds backed by community support, the site transformed from undeveloped land into a vibrant public space. The park’s splash pad and playground areas are powered by sustainably sourced water, advancing local water conservation goals. Its lake, tree plantings, and shaded trail network reflect a commitment to responsible design and environmental preservation.
Developed through the leadership of Harris County MUD 71, Stephen Woodring Park stands as a model of how local investment and forward-thinking infrastructure can create spaces that serve both people and the environment for generations to come.
Quality Planned Development: Meridiana
The Quality Planned Development recognition highlights communities that set new benchmarks for thoughtful, high-impact planning. This year, WHA honored Meridiana, a 3,000-acre master-planned community in Brazoria County developed by Rise Communities, LLC.
Meridiana embodies the principles of quality growth — integrating extensive greenbelts, connected trails, diverse recreational amenities, and beautifully maintained open spaces. The community includes on-site schools and parks, ensuring access to education and recreation within walking distance for residents. Its comprehensive design provides a variety of housing options while maintaining strong aesthetic standards and a cohesive community character.
Through deliberate planning and a commitment to excellence, Meridiana demonstrates how large-scale development can enhance quality of life while supporting regional growth.
Compass Award: Lisa Clark & Jim Webb
The Compass Award recognizes WHA members who provide leadership and direction that advance the Association’s mission of sustainable, quality growth. This year, Lisa Clark and Jim Webb were honored for their outstanding contributions.
As Chair of WHA’s Energy and Telecom Task Force, Lisa Clark has been instrumental in improving coordination between developers and providers, including CenterPoint and telecom companies. Her efforts have laid the groundwork for more integrated, efficient utility infrastructure to support future development.
Jim Webb, longtime Chair of WHA’s Regional Mobility Committee, has provided steady leadership in advancing the region’s transportation priorities. He spearheaded the Mobility Excellence recognition program and led the creation of WHA’s Priority Mobility Projects tracker and map—tools that help spotlight outstanding projects and guide critical infrastructure investment. Together, Lisa and Jim exemplify the collaborative spirit and forward-looking leadership that drive WHA’s work.
Star of Excellence: John Blount
The Star of Excellence is WHA’s highest honor, recognizing individuals outside the organization who have made transformative contributions
to the Greater West Houston region. This year’s honoree, John Blount, has dedicated his career to public service and infrastructure excellence.
Blount began his service in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and went on to serve as Harris County Engineer, leading one of the nation’s largest county engineering departments. During Hurricane Harvey, he coordinated inspections and repairs across thousands of miles of critical infrastructure and championed higher floodplain standards to make communities safer and more resilient.
Throughout his career, John Blount has exemplified practical, goal-oriented leadership. He has been a champion for flood protection, sustainable infrastructure, and regional collaboration — leaving a lasting legacy that aligns directly with WHA’s mission.
This year’s honorees demonstrate what is possible when innovation, leadership, and collaboration come together to build stronger communities. From advancing mobility and sustainable infrastructure to setting new standards for quality development, these projects and leaders reflect the best of Greater West Houston’s vision for the future.
As the region continues to grow, their contributions will serve as benchmarks and inspiration for what comes next.