Greater EMC Chamber presents this highlight from the Business Networking Breakfast presented by ServiceMaster TRS featuring Commissioner Matt Gray. In the video, Commissioner Gray outlines the role of a county commissioner, shares recent accomplishments in East Montgomery County (EMC), and details ongoing and future projects designed to keep EMC a great place to live, work, and raise families.

Overview: Who is Commissioner Matt Gray and What He Does

Commissioner Matt Gray represents Precinct 4 in Montgomery County, the county’s largest precinct. He explains that county commissioners oversee road and bridge maintenance, drainage, and many other services, and they work together as a court to set tax rates. Precinct 4 stretches from Kingwood up to Cleveland, across to Conroe, down to The Woodlands, and follows the river back to Kingwood — the area Commissioner Gray and his team maintain and serve.

Key Accomplishments This Year

Commissioner Gray highlights several achievements his office led this year:

• Largest pay increase for Montgomery County law enforcement — Resulting from the recent budget process, this pay boost was prioritized to enhance public safety.
• Updated development and drainage manuals — The precinct led the rewrite of development regulations, floodplain manuals, and drainage criteria to protect residential and commercial investments.
• Infrastructure planning and capital improvements — Ongoing efforts to design and prepare shovel-ready projects to address mobility and drainage needs.

Services Managed in Precinct 4

Commissioner Gray breaks down the many services his office provides:

• Road and bridge maintenance — Routine upkeep and construction of new roads.
• Drainage management — Beyond digging ditches, the county jets culverts, maintains driveways and driveway permits, and delivers capital projects like outfalls (large channels that move water out of the area).
• Right-of-way services — Road striping, signage, and mowing across an extensive network: Precinct 4 maintains over 1,000 miles of road and roughly 2,000 miles of open ditch.
• Mosquito services — Management of mosquito control was moved to Precinct 4 to better serve residents.
• Senior services — A senior center located at Bulls Park provides weekday services and activities for older adults.
• Parks and recreation — Multiple athletic fields for football, soccer, baseball, and softball are managed by the precinct.

Road Bond: What Passed and What’s Coming

After a decade without a road bond (the last one was in 2010), Montgomery County voters recently approved a new road bond. Commissioner Gray explains the bond was split four ways and implemented without a tax rate increase. Precinct 4 already has shovel-ready projects underway or about to begin, including:

• Fostoria Road (currently turning dirt)
• Sorters Road (about to begin)
• Ford Road (about to begin)
• Old Houston (expected to start in coming months)

Meanwhile, staff are working on preliminary design, engineering, surveying, and right-of-way acquisition so more projects will be shovel-ready when funding becomes available.

Leveraging Grants and Federal Funding

Commissioner Gray emphasizes working with congressional and state partners to secure outside funding. The precinct has pursued a large slate of grants and has been successful in bringing substantial funds back to Montgomery County. These grant awards include funds that will be used as matches to stretch local dollars and pay for bridges and additional road improvements.

“Cleaning Up EMC”: Keeping East Montgomery County Safe and Attractive

For Commissioner Gray, “cleaning up EMC” is both personal and strategic — he’s a lifelong resident and wants the area to remain a great place to retire, work, and raise a family. Actions underway include:

• Inmate litter abatement program — Reinstated in partnership with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office to remove litter and clean dump sites in rights-of-way.
• Nuisance abatement officers — Investigating illegal dumping and other violations.
• Removing bandit signs — Keeping intersections and straights clear of unauthorized signage.
• Heavy trash day — A community clean-up event at Bulls Park on September 27th for bulky items and furniture.
• Policy changes — Support for legislation (House Bill 2012) that makes certain forms of panhandling, setting up in medians, obstructing rights-of-way, and selling animals in the right-of-way illegal, all intended to improve safety and order.

Community Engagement: Fundraiser and Open Door

Commissioner Gray reminds residents that his position is elected and that community involvement matters. He announced a fundraiser and community event on October 23rd. The event will feature a special guest, Roger Kger, and tickets are $10, which include a meal, drink tickets, and entertainment. He reiterates that his office’s door is always open to take service requests or hear from residents.

"My door is always open. If you've got any service request, any issues — not just issues — come see us. Give us a call. We're here to serve and proud to be EMC."

How to Stay Informed and Get Involved

Residents who want to stay informed or request services can contact Precinct 4’s office. Key ways to engage include attending community events, participating in clean-up days, or contacting the commissioner’s office with service requests related to roads, drainage, signage, or parks.

Summary

Commissioner Matt Gray’s message is rooted in practical steps to improve infrastructure, public safety, and community quality of life in East Montgomery County. From securing the largest-ever law enforcement pay increase in the county to restarting litter abatement programs and launching major road projects funded by the recent bond and grant awards, the focus remains on making Precinct 4 a safe, clean, and prosperous place to live and do business.