East Montgomery County Improvement District (EMCID), founded in 1997, is located 20 miles northeast of downtown Houston along U.S. Highway 59/I-69 NAFTA Corridor, and covers over 158-square miles. The region encompasses the area just north of the Montgomery/Harris county line, Kingwood, and the northern city limits of Houston. EMCID is the largest improvement district in the nation, and is experiencing a robust population growth. EMCID works with several school districts and cities within the area, however, the majority of the district’s service territory consists of unincorporated areas of Montgomery County. Funds collected are used to promote and maintain economic and community development activities in East Montgomery County, and their budget is allocated to three objectives: Economic Development to create jobs in the area; Community Development funding local non-profits and community projects that enhance the quality of life; and Educational Scholarships providing $1,000 for every graduating high school student or GED recipient within the district to further their education through college courses.