Demonstrating its continued commitment to advancing the energy transition and bolstering the region’s workforce, BP donated $200,000 to Houston Community College (HCC) to fund an electrical vehicle safety and mechanic training course for City of Houston and Harris County employees. The initiative underscores the international company’s commitment to sustainability and aims to equip local technicians with the specialized skills needed for the future of transportation.  The program aims to train more than 250 fleet department employees this year by providing safety knowledge for handling EVs and advanced training on repairs and maintenance.  “We embrace Houston's role as the energy capital of the world and we continue to support the city and the county and their efforts to advance the energy transition,” Mark Crawford, Sr. Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at bp, said during a check presentation at an HCC Board of Trustees meeting. “We are excited for the year ahead and many technicians who will depart HCC campus with a certificate in hand and new knowledge to utilize.”  Click to expand bp check presentation to HCC to fund EV safety training   In 2020, the City of Houston released its Climate Action Plan which included converting non-emergency, light-duty municipal vehicles to electric by 2030. Harris County has a similar goal to transition its fleet to electric vehicles.  HCC’s Northeast College President Michael Edwards applauded bp’s investment and commitment to strengthening communities, creating sustainable jobs and advancing the transition.   “bp America seeks to work with partners to develop initiatives for the area's most impacted by the energy transition and enable the workforce to gain the skills needed for future energy systems,” said Michael Edwards, PhD, President of HCC’s Northeast College Campus.    Earlier this year, bp launched its first U.S. EV charging station, bp Pulse, at the company’s Energy Corridor headquarters. The station, offering 24 high-speed EV charge points, is part of bp’s plan to invest $1 billion in EV charging infrastructure by 2030.  Learn more about Houston's energy industry.

Once characterized by its rural charm and agricultural heritage, Spring Branch, nestled within the heart of Houston, has undergone a significant transformation, evolving into a bustling community.  Over the past decade, Spring Branch has seen a notable surge in population, rising from 107,271 to 120,667 residents, according to the Spring Branch Management District (SBMD). Situated at the crossroads of Houston's major arteries - Interstate 10, Beltway 8, Highway 290 and the 610 Loop - Spring Branch provides accessibility to some of the city’s busiest areas. The area is also strategically positioned near the Energy Corridor, Downtown and Memorial. This substantial growth, coupled with seamless urban connectivity, has positioned it as an attractive destination for new developments and businesses.   Click to expand Witte Road Redevelopment Project Last year, the Witte Road Redevelopment project was completed, converting a former 1.53-acre warehouse on Witte and Westview roads into a neighborhood hotspot for dining and retail. The development features two flagship Underbelly Hospitality concepts, Wild Oats and Underbelly Burger, alongside The Decoy, an expansive outdoor bar with sand volleyball courts.  Houston-based Newfound Partners, a new commercial real estate firm, also recently redeveloped a 28,500-square-foot industrial building at 1106 Witte Road into an innovative, single-level office development. The building now serves as Newfound’s headquarters and is also home to Cannon Field, Leggett Ventures, On Point Custom Homes and more.   Click to expand MarqE Entertainment Center Meanwhile, Spring Branch’s culinary scene is booming with new businesses. Notably, Christine Ha, winner of MasterChef season three, unveiled Stuffed Belly, a novel drive-thru sandwich concept, last year. Aviator Pizza & Drafthouse and SeaSide Poke were unveiled this year as the latest additions to Spring Branch's MarqE Entertainment Center. Additionally, beloved Heights hand-rolled sushi eatery Hando and a new cafe venture by the owners of Urban Eats, dubbed Salt & Sugar, are expanding into the area.   Click to expand Spring Branch Trail Amid ongoing growth and development, Spring Branch remains committed to elevating its quality of life through the enhancement of parks, green spaces and trails. SBMD recently announced that construction is set to commence this summer on a 1-mile concrete stretch that will connect two existing hike-and-bike trails – Emnora and Spring Branch.   Slated for completion in 2025, this project marks the third phase of SBMD's comprehensive strategy to link the Addicks Reservoir near Beltway 8 with the White Oak Bayou Greenway. The initial phase, finalized in 2020, introduced the 2.4-mile Spring Branch Trail, with the second phase set to expand upon this trail once nearby utility tower work concludes.  Click to expand Haden Park Rendering Additionally, SBMD is working to revitalize Haden Park, which spans 13-acres at the northeast corner of Long Point and Witte Road. According to SBMB’s 2024 Master Plan, the project, slated to begin construction in 2025, will add an event lawn, dog park, splash pad, tree house, pickleball courts, playgrounds and public art installations, alongside other improvements to existing infrastructure.  Discover Houston’s neighborhoods and communities.