Downtown Conroe is at a crossroads.

We're small business owners, community members, and concerned citizens fighting for our downtown's future.

Last November, voters rejected giving more power to city administration. Downtown's struggles show they were right. Now we need to finish what voters started by electing council members who will deliver the accountability our community demanded.

$170M City debt from Hyatt deal
$22M Current hotel value
$500 Non-refundable event permit fee
May 2 Election Day

The Issues Facing Downtown

Decision after decision, policies have hurt our downtown. We need leaders who understand that a thriving downtown is good for the entire city.

The $170 Million Mistake

In 2021, city officials promised the Hyatt project would be "financially self-sustaining" with "no burden on taxpayers."

The reality: $170 million in debt through 2051 for a property now valued at just $22-24 million.

That's 17 cents on every dollar spent.

Pricing Out Community

Street closure permit fees jumped from $35 to $1,303, then "rolled back" to a still-prohibitive $500 non-refundable fee plus additional costs.

Result: Festivals and community events have left downtown, taking foot traffic and revenue with them.

Houston charges $50. Tomball charges $25. Conroe charges $500+.

Accountability Matters

Last November, voters rejected Proposition A, which would have concentrated more power in city administration.

Downtown's continued struggles prove voters were right to demand accountability.

We need council members who will provide the oversight voters demanded.

The Documentary Series

A 3-part documentary series examining the policies that changed downtown Conroe and the candidates who will shape its future.

Episode 1: What We Had (Now Live)

Episode 1: What We Had & Pricing Out Community

Downtown Conroe was thriving. Packed festivals, vibrant streets, community pride. Then a $35 fee became $1,000 and six major events vanished. What changed?

NOW AVAILABLE - Watch Above

Episode 2: The $170 Million Mistake

How the Hyatt deal went from "financially self-sustaining" with "no burden on taxpayers" to crushing debt and a building worth pennies on the dollar.

April 15, 2026

Episode 3: What Candidates Say & The Choice

All city council and municipal judge candidates answer the same questions. Compare their positions side-by-side and understand what's at stake.

April 29, 2026

Press Conference

Final analysis and voter information before Election Day, based on candidates' documented positions.

TBD

Stay Informed

Get updates on new episodes, candidate positions, and how you can help save downtown Conroe.

2026 City Council Races

Four positions on the ballot May 2, 2026. Your vote determines downtown's future.

City Council Place 3

Candidates:

  • Kristin Hoisington
  • Nick Vonas

Compare positions →

City Council Place 4

Candidates:

  • John J. Kessler
  • Jerry L. O'Neal
  • Ken Blevins

Compare positions →

City Council Place 5

Candidates:

  • John Sellers
  • Kim Attaya
  • Kristin Guardino

Compare positions →

Municipal Judge

Candidates:

  • Joe Gross
  • Tanya Brown Maddux
  • James Holian

Compare positions →

About Save Downtown Conroe

We're not a formal organization. We're a grassroots effort by local business owners, community members, and concerned citizens who believe in a vibrant, fiscally responsible downtown.

Our Mission

To inform voters about the issues facing downtown Conroe and help elect leaders who will prioritize small businesses, fiscal responsibility, and community vitality.

Our Approach

We focus on documented facts, policy positions, and candidate records—not personalities or party politics. All candidates receive the same questions. Voters deserve to make informed decisions.

Contact Us

Email: savedowntownconroe@outlook.com