Lisa Gilmore

Lisa Gilmore grew up in The Woodlands and is a proud graduate of The Woodlands High School. She brings more than 25 years of experience in local, state, and federal government, public policy, and community engagement. Lisa began her career in public service at age 18 as an intern with the Republican Party of Texas. She later served in county and federal government and has built a career around solving problems, building relationships, and serving constituents....

Growth. Traffic. Cohesive Regional Planning. There isn't much The Woodlands Township can do to control the rapid growth occurring in the surrounding areas, but we must plan for its impact on our community. The Woodlands is also a regional destination for shopping, employment, and entertainment. That economic activity is a tremendous asset and helps us maintain our low property tax rate....

We are currently in a great position, with more than 70% of our tax revenue coming from sales and use taxes, rather than property taxes. The Woodlands also has one of the TOP TEN LOWEST property tax rates in the state, and I believe that is something we must work hard to protect. Our commercial district is a major asset. We need to make sure it remains a vibrant, safe, and attractive place for businesses, residents, and visitors. A thriving commercial district generates the sales-tax revenue that helps us maintain our low property taxes.

When I was a single mom, multifamily housing was the only option that allowed me to afford to live in a nice neighborhood with a good public school. That experience shaped my perspective. When thoughtfully planned and properly regulated, multifamily housing can serve a real need in our community, particularly for seniors, people with disabilities, young professionals, families, and others who may not be ready or able to purchase a single-family home....

The situation could have been handled differently, but I believe we must judge decisions by their results. Today, the Kevin Brady Library and Community Center has become an anchor for a renewed and vibrant area. We have ample parking for seniors and voters, new businesses are opening, and the area is attracting more activity. I understand why there were concerns, but the development has ultimately benefited the community, and I believe it was the right decision.

I anticipate that the next legislative session will bring increased attention to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, data privacy, and cybersecurity. As technology continues to evolve, we need to make sure our laws keep pace and protect citizens' privacy and personal information without unnecessarily stifling innovation or safety.

I tend to be a positive person, so I see far more positives than negatives. One of the things I appreciate most about The Woodlands is that, as a special-purpose district, we are able to provide exceptional amenities and services while keeping property taxes significantly lower than those of a typical municipality. That is something worth protecting. As for the negative? I hate having “Spring” on my address! But for the low property taxes and quality of life we enjoy, I suppose I can get over it. 😊

I don't believe there is a compelling reason to incorporate The Woodlands currently. We are no longer facing the threat of annexation by the City of Houston, which was one of the primary concerns that drove earlier discussions about incorporation. And more government is never a good thing. Our current structure as a special-purpose district allows us to provide exceptional amenities and services while maintaining a very competitive property tax rate. And under our renegotiated Regional Participation Agreement, approximately $4 million in sales-tax revenue will remain with The Woodlands Township beginning in 2030....

The South County Fourth of July Parade is an independent 501(c)(3) organization that receives approximately $25,000 annually from The Woodlands Township. As a Township Director, my first responsibility would be to protect our residents and taxpayers. Because public funds are involved, I believe the Township should ensure that the organization is operating consistently with applicable laws and that its policies do not expose taxpayers or the Township to unnecessary legal risk. I am not an attorney, and I would defer to the Township's legal counsel on any First Amendment or other legal questions involving participation or eligibility....

The Performing Arts Center would be a great addition to our community, and I would be excited to see it become a reality. However, I believe it should be structured as a strong public-private partnership, with the Township's share of the funding kept as small as reasonably possible. I believe we can accomplish this through a combination of support from Howard Hughes, private donors, corporate sponsorships, and grant funding. At the recent Township budget workshop, the Board also discussed how Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue could be used for various aspects of the project, and the Township is already setting aside funds for future opportunities....

Traffic is an unfortunate reality in a growing region. The tremendous growth in Magnolia and surrounding communities, combined with The Woodlands’ central location and success as a regional destination for shopping, dining, and employment, has increased traffic throughout our community. That growth also brings significant economic benefits. The workers, shoppers, and visitors who come to The Woodlands contribute to the sales tax revenue that helps us maintain some of the lowest property taxes in the state. We cannot eliminate traffic, but we can plan for it and make smart investments in mobility and infrastructure. Managing growth while protecting our quality of life and keeping our taxes low should be a priority.

The Township's 2026 budget projects approximately $100 million in total reserves and fund balances at year-end. I would not characterize all of that as a “surplus.” Much of it is designated for specific purposes, including capital replacement, infrastructure, debt service, economic development, transportation, and other future needs. Reserves also provide an important safety net for emergencies, unexpected expenses, and economic downturns. However, if we had a surplus, I would focus on needed infrastructure and/or our Fire Department.

I believe there is a legitimate role for local government in investing in the quality of life of its residents. Community events, senior programs, parks, and recreation help create a sense of community and make The Woodlands a better place to live. We see other local governments making similar investments. For example, Montgomery County Precinct 3 is investing approximately $420,000 in a new Senior Center....

I would like for the Township Board to explore opportunities such as a new hotel, a Performing Arts Center, or a sports venue similar to Constellation Field in Sugar Land. I would want something that can attract visitors, create economic activity, and generate additional sales and Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue.

The Township Board is responsible for the core functions of local government: public safety, infrastructure, mobility, parks, economic development, and responsible fiscal management, while treating every resident with fairness and respect. In theory, neutrality would be the best policy because political agendas can go both ways. However, I feel that our success as a community is due to strong fiscal conservatism.